Wheel of Fate
ENTRY
from £47
WHERE
Edinburgh
What it’s like
Adults-only craft workshops in Edinburgh, from bookbinding to drop spindle spinning, tucked into a listed shop with tarot readings on the side.
This is a grown-up crafting stop, not a kids' activity, so leave the buggy at home. You book a seat at a workshop table and spend an hour or two learning one specific skill: bookbinding with an awl, broom making with a dowel underfoot, or drop spindle spinning. There's also straw work (corn dollies and harvest favours), a looser DIY session covering leather etching, collage and spell bottles, and tarot readings if you fancy something less hands-on.
The workshops aren't cheap: bookbinding and broom making both come in at £52, spinning at £47. What you're paying for is the two hours (bookbinding), the hour and a quarter (broom making), or up to two hours (spinning) of proper one-thing focus, seated at a table in what's clearly an old building with character. Broom making asks for a bit of upper body strength and a stepping motion on the dowel, and spinning has you holding both arms up at shoulder height for stretches, though staff say that one can be adapted to sit entirely.
Getting in takes a bit of planning if stairs are an issue. There are four steps up to an outdoor landing and one more to the door, easier from the left where there's a railing, and staff will help if you ring ahead. The door itself is narrow at 62cm but opens out to 122cm. It's open daily, 11am to 6pm, and sits close to the MacDonald Road tram stop and a couple of well-served bus stops on Elm Row and Leopold Place, which beats hunting for parking near St James Quarter.
Need to know
- Parking
- Paid parking at OMNI, St. James Quarter, St
- Wheelchairs
- 5 steps to entrance (4 then 1)
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs only. No pets or emotional support animals allowed
- Getting there by bus or train
- MacDonald Road tram stop directly off site (best from Airport)
- Broom making needs a bit of upper body strength and stepping on a dowel
- Spinning has you holding both arms at shoulder height, though it can be adapted to a seated version
- Ring ahead if you'll need help on the steps
- Interior accessibility is still being confirmed after a refit
Plan your visit
Is this suitable for children?
No, this is an adults-only craft workshop space, not a children's activity.
How much do the workshops cost?
£52 for bookbinding or broom making, £47 for the spinning workshop.
How long do the workshops take?
Bookbinding runs about two hours, broom making an hour and a quarter, and spinning up to two hours.
Is the building accessible?
There are four steps up to a landing and one more to the door, easier from the left side where there's a railing on both sides. Staff can help if you call ahead, and the door widens from 62cm to 122cm if needed.
Can I bring my dog?
Only assistance dogs trained to help a disabled person, no pets or emotional support animals.
What are the opening hours?
11am to 6pm, every day.
Is there parking nearby?
There's paid parking at OMNI, St James Quarter, St James Place and Calton Road, plus some metered or free street parking depending on availability. The MacDonald Road tram stop and Elm Row and Leopold Place bus stops are all close by if you'd rather skip the car.
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