Creative Workshops in Latvia

A workshop near Kuldīga where pots are made without a wheel, using the coil technique typical of the Bronze Age, and smoke-fired in an open kiln. Masterclasses for children too, and you can join a kiln opening; booking required.

Ināra and Guntis Ozoliņš’s family workshop in Daudzese, making black smoke-fired clay ware: they tell the story behind the vessels and show how they are made, and run clay workshops during the tourist season. Book your visit.

The workshop of potters Staņislavs Viļums and Viola Anna Bīriņa in a Latgalian homestead, where pots are thrown from Latgale clay on a kick wheel and wood-fired. Watch them work, try the clay yourself and join a kiln opening; tours by arrangement, closed December to March.

A medieval castle at Jaunpils that is more manor house than fortress and now houses a hotel. You can look round the rooms and courtyard, stay the night and soak up the medieval atmosphere.

A fishing village from the late 19th and early 20th centuries at the foot of Raga Dune: a net shed, a dwelling house, a granary and a fish-smoking hut, plus a large collection of anchors and fishing boats. On Thursdays in July and August there are rope- and net-making masterclasses and fish smoking. Tue–Sun, free entry.