When the clocks go back, it can be tempting to put your social life into hibernation. But a darker evening can also be a good excuse to try something different, find a new favourite place or spend a couple of hours making something with your hands.
From singing with a community choir to painting pottery, building with the children or settling into an independent cinema, Plymouth has plenty of ways to add a little creativity to the colder months.
Here are 10 ideas for adults and families, with free visits, affordable outings and regular groups to explore. Some take place in the evening; others offer a welcome reason to get out during a winter afternoon or weekend.
1. Paint something you’ll actually use at ClayArt
A mug for your morning coffee, a colourful bowl or a slightly eccentric animal: pottery painting gives you something absorbing to do and something personal to keep. ClayArt on the Barbican welcomes families, friends and people who fancy painting on their own. Choose your pottery, pick your colours and take your time decorating it. Yu could event create something to give as aChristmas gift!
Good for: Adults, families and a creative catch-up with friends.
Where: 57 Southside Street, the Barbican.
When: Bookable sessions usually last two hours; the studio normally opens Tuesday to Sunday.
Cost: Depends on your chosen item. The homepage advertises £10–£50; the booking page also lists some small animals from £5.
Booking: Reserve a session online. For more than five people, call 01752 665565. Pottery is usually ready to collect after eight working days, with longer waits possible at busy times.
2. Make a family afternoon of The Box
An indoor family outing needn’t come with an admission bill. At The Box, follow a free family trail, explore the galleries and stop at the Explore More tables to read, play games or make something inspired by the exhibitions.
There are also specific activities to put in the diary this season:
Step into Den World. Artists WABKIN have created an immersive installation using sustainable and recycled materials, inviting children, young people and families to explore home, belonging and imagination through storytelling and creativity. It’s free, with no need to book. Visit on 3–8 November 2026 or 5–17 January 2027, Tuesday to Sunday, between 10.30am–12.30pm or 1.30pm–3.30pm. Last entry is at 12.15pm and 3.15pm. The artists will be activating the space on 7–8 November, 9–10 January and 16 January.
Let little ones get creative at I Wonder. These art sessions for children aged one to four combine singing, making and hands-on play inspired by The Box’s collections. Expect sensory discoveries, a little mess and the chance to meet other parents and carers. Sessions take place on Tuesdays during term time, with the November–December programme running from 3 November to 15 December 2026. Tickets cost £8 for the first child and £5 for an additional child. Book individual weeks online and check the available session times when booking.
Find out more and book I Wonder
Good for: Families with children of different ages; I Wonder is specifically for ages one to four.
Where: The Box, Tavistock Place.
When: General opening is usually Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm; check Christmas opening hours and the activity dates above.
Cost: Free general entry, family trails and Den World; I Wonder is paid.
Booking: No advance booking for a general visit, the Explore More tables or Den World. Book I Wonder online. Other temporary exhibitions and organised activities may require separate tickets.
Plan a family visit to The Box
3. Give your shower singing a bigger audience
You don’t need an audition, an impressive solo or the ability to read music to join Plymouth Community Choir. Songs are taught by ear, with a repertoire that ranges from folk to pop, jazz and blues.
For anyone who likes the idea of a regular evening out with other people, a free taster offers a chance to see whether singing together could become your new Monday habit.
Good for: Adults looking for singing and company, including beginners.
Where: Plymouth Unitarian Church, Notte Street.
When: Mondays, 7pm–8.45pm in term time. The autumn 2026 term ends on 14 December; spring starts on 4 January 2027.
Cost: Free first taster. Autumn 2026 weekly fees are £7, or £5.50 concession.
Booking: Email plymouthcommunitychoir@gmail.com to arrange your taster.
Find choir dates, fees and joining details
4. Swap scrolling for the big screen
A trip to Plymouth Arts Cinema can come with more than a film. November’s programme includes local history, crafting and an environmental screening with a short film and Q&A.
For a Plymouth story with an introduction: The Way We Live (U)
Saturday 7 November, 2pm. Jill Craigie’s film about rebuilding Plymouth after the Blitz celebrates its 80th anniversary with an introduction from The Box. An opportunity for different generations to discover the city’s history together. All tickets £4.50.
For crafting and cinema: Knitflix — Wicker (15)
Saturday 14 November, 3pm. Bring your knitting, crochet or another craft project to a relaxed screening with the house lights left on low. Olivia Colman plays a fisherwoman whose handmade companion unexpectedly comes to life. For ages 15 and over. All tickets £5.
For descriptive subtitles: The Lost Children of Tuam (12A)
Wednesday 11 November, 2.30pm. Monica Dolan stars as amateur historian Catherine Corless, investigating a former Irish institution for unmarried mothers and their children. This specific matinee has descriptive subtitles. Check content advice before choosing this serious drama for younger viewers.
For curious families and nature lovers: No Trees No Seas (PG), plus short film and Q&A
Wednesday 25 November, 6pm–8pm. Discover connections between woodland and ocean health in a documentary presented by surfer Sam Bleakley. The evening opens with the climate science shadow-puppetry film What’s 1.5 Degrees to Me?, which carries age guidance of nine and over. Afterwards, join a Q&A with Carl Rowlinson of Plant One and Luke A’Bear and Zoe Smith of the Westcountry Rivers Trust. Presented with Plymouth Tree People as part of National Tree Week.
Where: Arts University Plymouth, Tavistock Place.
Cost: Standard tickets £9.50; matinees £7.50; over-66 tickets £8.50. £5 tickets are available for people aged 25 and under, students, AUP staff and unwaged or low income audiences. Special prices above apply to The Way We Live and Knitflix; check individual booking pages for other event prices and concessions.
Access: An access lift, accessible toilets, an infrared hearing system and one wheelchair space are available. Eligible companions, personal assistants and carers can receive a free ticket. Contact the cinema to discuss your requirements.
Booking: Book through each event link or call 01752 206114. Online bookings carry a £1.50 fee per transaction, waived for members.
Read the cinema’s access information
5. Bring your knitting and find some company
If you have a knitting project that has spent rather too long in a bag, Central Library’s Craft and Chatter group could provide the encouragement to pick it up again.
Bring your own knitting and spend an afternoon working alongside other people. There’s no need for a polished finished product: the appeal is having time for your project and a conversation while you do it.
Good for: Adults who enjoy knitting and a relaxed social group.
Where: Central Library, Armada Way.
When: Thursdays, 2pm–4pm.
Cost: No charge is stated on the event listing; check with the library. Bring your own materials.
Booking: No booking requirement is stated. Contact Central Library if you would like to check arrangements before your first visit.
Find out about Craft and Chatter
6. Dance without needing to know the steps already
Always fancied a dance class but worried everyone else would know what they were doing? SJ Performing Arts’ adult dance classes welcome all abilities, with no previous experience needed.
Sessions explore styles including jazz, commercial, musical theatre and lyrical dance. It’s a chance to learn something, move to music and give yourself a regular break from the week’s jobs.
Good for: Adults aged 18 and over, including complete beginners.
Where and when: Mondays, 8.10pm–9.10pm at Sir John Hunt School, or Fridays, 11.40am–12.35pm at St Edwards Church Hall, Eggbuckland.
Cost: Each weekly class option is advertised at £20.50 per month.
Booking: Use the adult class booking or trial enquiry option on the website. Check term dates, availability and any trial charge before attending.
Explore adult dance classes at SJ Performing Arts
7. Build something brilliant at a library near you
An imaginary city, a spaceship or a tower that defies gravity: a pile of Lego bricks can turn a grey afternoon into an adventure.
Libraries across Plymouth run regular Lego sessions, giving children somewhere to create, experiment and build alongside other young makers. With weekday and Saturday options around the city, you can look for a session close to home or make it part of a weekend outing.
Find your local session:
LibraryWeekly sessions
Crownhill Saturday, 10am–12.30pm
Devonport Wednesday, 3.30pm–4.30pm
Efford Monday and Thursday, 3pm–4.30pm
Estover Friday, 3pm–4.30pm
North Prospect Friday, 3.30pm–4.30pm
Plympton Thursday, 3pm–5.30pm; Saturday, 10am–12.30pm
Plymstock Friday, 3.30pm–5.30pm; Saturday, 10am–12.30pm
St Budeaux Tuesday, 3.30pm–4.30pm; Saturday, 11am–noon
Good for: Children over five, accompanied by a parent or guardian.
There’s more to discover beyond the bricks, too. Plymouth Libraries also lists Rhymetime, Storytime and Tall Tales activities for children and families, so younger siblings can have their own library adventure. Check individual listings for suitable ages, times and booking details.
Browse family activities at Plymouth Libraries
8. Try drama without the pressure of an audition
You don’t have to be planning a career on stage to enjoy acting. Barbican Theatre’s ACTivate sessions are designed for adults who are new to drama or returning after a break.
Through improvisation, acting exercises and creating stories together, the emphasis is on exploring ideas, meeting people and building confidence. A flexible, drop-in-friendly format makes it worth considering if a long course feels difficult to commit to.
Good for: Adults aged 18 and over, including beginners.
Where: Barbican Theatre, Castle Street.
When: Tuesdays, 5.30pm–7.30pm, during the advertised programme.
Cost: Check the current ticket price on the booking page.
Booking: Follow the ACTivate booking link on Barbican Theatre’s adult classes page and select an available date.
Find out more and book ACTivate
9. Make time for an art encounter at KARST
You don’t need an art qualification, or a clever explanation of everything you see, to visit a contemporary art space. Start with what catches your attention and give yourself time to look.
KARST in Millbay offers free entry during exhibitions, making it an accessible way to add something unexpected to an afternoon. Go with someone and compare impressions, or take a little time to explore by yourself.
Good for: Adults and older young people; check individual exhibitions for family suitability.
Where: 22 George Place, Millbay.
When: Wednesday to Saturday, 11am–5pm, during exhibitions. The gallery is not continuously open between shows.
Cost: Free entry.
10. Share a story at Feel Better with a Book
Reading can be a sociable activity too. Central Library’s Feel Better with a Book group brings people together around novels, stories and poems, with opportunities to read aloud and share responses.
It offers a different kind of winter gathering: a small group, something interesting to read and a chance to connect through stories.
Good for: Adults interested in reading and meeting people.
Where: Central Library, Armada Way.
When: Tuesdays, 2pm–3.30pm, and Wednesdays, 3.30pm–4.30pm.
Cost: Free, as listed in Plymouth Culture’s Plymouth Reads guide.
Booking: The council advises speaking to a member of Central Library staff for more information about joining.
Find out about Feel Better with a Book
You don’t have to fill every evening or become an expert in a new hobby. Pick something that sounds enjoyable, invite someone if you fancy company and give yourself a winter plan to look forward to.
Information checked on 3 November 2026. Prices, timetables and availability can change, particularly over Christmas. Follow the links for the latest details before visiting or booking.
