We have a soft spot for workshops that feel intimate, which is what you’ll experience at Love Calligraphy Studio. Your instructor, Rosana, focuses on private, one-on-one teaching.

She’s highly experienced as well, having worked with major brands, been commissioned for TV shows, and taught typography at an Argentinian uni.

Although she only offers closed workshops (no public classes, sadly), you can enjoy a more tailored class (students appreciated the personalised attention). These are available for modern and traditional calligraphy, giving you good options.

She also offers group and team-building workshops. All the materials are included, and you’re free to pick your own venue.

If you want to take calligraphy seriously, she’s a solid option. The lessons aren’t only designed for beginners, and you can elevate your skills once you’ve learned the basics.

The prices aren’t the cheapest, though, considering the 3-hour session costs £195. But we found it informative, and it includes all materials.

Friendly and knowledgeable

“Amazing!! So friendly and knowledgeable, willing to teach everything Rosana knows on a 1-1 basis or group, I really learnt a lot and I enjoyed every minute.”

Carlene Felton, Google Review

Prices are reasonable and instructions are clear and concise

“If you want to learn any style of calligraphy this is the place to go, the prices are very reasonable, the instruction is clear and concise, the studio is comfortable, these ladies are really lovely, I highly recommend.”

Lynda Henshaw, Google Review

When you fancy convenience, ClassBento is a top contender. This is an online platform that connects you with various calligraphy classes in Manchester, providing various options with an easy booking process—since everything’s on the site.

This accessibility sure is lovely, but there’s a catch: there tend to be limited classes in Manchester, which is a pity for a big platform. But that’s because it depends on how many instructors want to use the site.

Most calligraphy classes we found are suited for beginners since they’re not for long-term learning, so they’re not the best fit for intermediate learners. But if you’re just starting out, they’re spot on for learning the basics.

We want to mention that calligraphy classes at ClassBento won’t cost an arm and a leg. Your wallet’s intact, since you can find 2-hour classes for less than £50.

And the low prices don’t mean the classes will be mediocre. We’ve had positive experiences since the instructors are actual calligraphers who can provide a guided and informative workshop.

Well-organised, welcoming, and gave help when requested

“Beth, our teacher, was well organised, welcoming, and gave help when requested. Obviously passionate about her subject, she took us on a journey through learning how to fill and apply the pen, to breathe with the strokes and work towards joining up letters and to create a card. Being a total beginner the first strokes were frustrating, too much ink, too little, shaky lines etc. Time flew by and I left with an appetite to learn more…and practice! I am sure once mastered it will bring hours of mindful pleasure. Many thanks Beth.”

Alison Buxton, Google Review

Approachable, positive, and knowledgeable

“-Chinese Calligraphy-

I have been looking for an authentic experience of Chinese calligraphy that can be fitted into my travel itinerary and this was perfect. I booked an individual lesson and enjoyed full attention of my teacher. Iris was very approachable, positive and knowledgeable, explaining origin of characters, stroke techniques and guiding my baby steps into this ancient art.”

One step at a time, Google Review

Workshops at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House are pleasant, overall. The Regency-style villa, Victorian-period rooms, and beautiful garden bring a relaxed energy—calligraphy classes in a famous novelist’s home are absolutely ace!

This spot isn’t just for touring the house, as it’s a venue for various workshops, including modern calligraphy. The classes don’t come often, unfortunately, since these aren’t permanent and taught by guest instructors instead.

But once you do find a calligraphy workshop, we highly suggest you take it, especially if you love literature. The workshops draw inspiration from Gaskell’s house and letters, adding a unique touch, like learning how to write as if you lived in Gaskell’s time.

Materials are included in the classes, and these will run for over one to two hours, usually. You’ll also enjoy tea and cake while learning calligraphy.

The rates? Won’t break the bank. For a class that runs for a couple of hours and provides all the materials (and tea and cake), they offer a brilliant value.

Very quaint and lovely house

“Very quaint and lovely house. Nice little tea room in the servants’ hall. And they seem to do many interesting workshops (like this upcoming weaving workshop I might attend!) Don’t be shocked by the £5 entry fee though, it gives you a year’s access to the house and tea room.”

Yee Chien Chang-Webbe, Google Review

Inspired to extend our reading of Mrs. Gaskell

“Went with my daughter on a very wet and windy day, so unusually quiet. The house is beautiful and being sensitively restored. The welcome and warmth from the knowledgeable guides more than compensated for the weather outside. We, especially my daughter, enjoyed the book sale and our only regret was not having some of the lovely homemade cake! I would love to go back, especially to some of the very interesting workshops and events. And we are inspired to extend our reading of Mrs Gaskell! Highly recommended. (If you like Korean food, pop round the corner to Seoul Kimchi, great food and value)”

Lynne M., Tripadvisor Review

Manchester Chinese Centre is a spot for individuals who fancy learning new skills. They offer a bunch of workshops, including calligraphy.

As a Chinese school, however, its calligraphy classes are limited to Chinese letters only. While that makes them not the most accessible, it’s still spot on for individuals who want to write in a new language.

The calligraphy classes are informative, which is well-suited for beginners. In this class, you’ll use a different type of pen, as you’ll be using a brush and an ink stone, which makes it a natural fit for individuals who want to learn something different.

One of our favourite features is that they teach all ages. And from what we’ve seen, their instructors adjust their teaching methods to cater to beginners and experienced learners.

Additionally, the classes are taught by established Chinese calligraphers, who will also provide all the materials. These will run for an hour and are priced fairly for having a professional teach the class.

Happy with the teaching staff

“Both my kids really enjoy going to this school and have learnt Chinese really well, even surpassing my grasp on the language.  Happy with the teaching staff as they’re strict when they need to be and give regular invaluable feedback to my children’s progress.”

Kenny Chung, Google Review

Respectful staff and good teachers

“The Manchester Chinese centre is amazing with respectful staff and good teachers.”

Qiang Lin, Google Review

Mellor & Rose is made up of a family of women who provide calligraphy classes in Manchester and other cities in the UK. Their expertise in the art of writing is impressive, given that they’ve worked with major brands in the UK, like Selfridges and Dior.

Their workshops are also impressive, though with limited slots since they travel. Despite focusing only on calligraphy classes, they manage to bring a variety to the table, offering various options for every style, like modern calligraphy and fine pen calligraphy.

It’s quite lovely that they offer private and public calligraphy classes in Manchester. These usually last two hours or so, and come with a lot of inclusions, like materials, starter kits, and refreshments.

Judging by our observations, these ladies know how to host fab classes. They were informative and provided a calm setting while making it fun.

Price-wise, we think they’re of good value. If you add all the included items, the hours, the setting, and the information, you get your money’s worth.

Chill atmosphere and amazingly skilled teachers

“Cannot recommend this enough!! Attended a beginners modern calligraphy this morning with a friend and we both absolutely loved it. Nice chilled atmosphere, amazingly skilled and patient teachers, amazing products and lots of skills learned. Cannot wait to get practicing and attend further courses.

Definitely a 5 star team!!”

Laura Sheep, Facebook Review

Fabulous advice and teaching

“What a lovely morning with Mellor & Rose and a group of like minded women. The beginners calligraphy workshop was just what I was looking for and more. Fabulous advice and teaching in a relaxed atmosphere – with a pretty box of goodies to practice with at home. Thoroughly enjoyed and would thoroughly recommend 💕”

Clare Wilde, Facebook Review