Experience Days
Our Blacksmithing courses offer a unique opportunity to dive into the world of traditional metalworking. These hands-on workshops teach you the art of forging using age-old techniques and tools. Whether you’re interested in crafting practical items like knives or decorative pieces such as metal sculptures, these courses provide the guidance and experience needed to create something truly unique to take home.
Our blacksmithing courses cater to beginners and those looking to refine their skills. It’s a chance to learn, create, and connect with the rich history of the craft. If you’re curious about the process and enjoy working with your hands, a blacksmithing course could be a rewarding adventure. Please see our course options for further information and to book.
Introduction to blacksmithing
Have a go at being a Blacksmith for the day!
Give someone (or yourself) the gift of trying out a craft with thousands of years of history kept alive by modern Blacksmiths like us here at Great Oak Forge.
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Here in the beautiful countryside Village of Brereton is our small but charming forge offering lessons to a maximum of 3 people ensuring each individual gets the full Blacksmith experience. Leave with lots of new skills and something handmade to be proud of, lets keep the old traditions alive!
What’s included
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A full day of Blacksmithing experience (9-4pm).
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A light lunch.
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Hot/Cold drinks and snacks.
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All PPE (please note you must wear safety shoes and suitable clothing).
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Everything you make during the day (usually 1 hook, 1 bottle opener and one large piece chosen by yourselves from our list)
1-1 option available (please contact us)
Suitable for beginners and all ages 14+
(please note under 18's must be accompanied by an adult)
£150 per person
Introduction to blacksmithing - Half Day
This course offers a shortened version of our full day course
Our Half Day course compromises a brief introduction to blacksmithing followed by the completion of 1 item chosen from the list below:
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Fire poker
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Horseshoe items
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Bottle opener
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Bookmark
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Toasting fork
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Animals
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Hooks
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Small key rack
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Roses
What’s included
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Courses run either 8AM-12PM or 1PM-5PM. You can choose which time you prefer on the booking page.
This is the perfect course for complete beginners and is suitable for all ages 14+
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Please note under 18's must be accompanied by an adult
£80 per person
Tool Making experience
Have you ever fancied making your own tools?
This course offers an introduction to the necessary skills and methods required to be able to forge your own tools.
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This is the perfect follow on course if you have already attended our introduction to blacksmithing course.
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This course can be tailored to your requirements – please ask in advance
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Hammers
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Tongs
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Punches
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Chisels
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Anvil Tools
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Hedge Laying Tools
What’s included
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Max 3 people
Light lunch included
1-1 available please ask in advance
£180 per person
knife Making experience
Have you ever fancied hand forging your own knife? If so, this is the experience day for you!
Spend the day hand crafting your own knife. Learn how to light the forge ,work the metal into shape and then finish and sharpen your blade ready to take home.
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There are various designs to choose from and we are open to personal preferences of style if we know in advance.
What’s included
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Max 3 people
Light lunch included
1-1 available please ask in advance
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Please note – This course is only suitable for over 18’s
£200 per person
axe Making experience
Back by popular demand!
Have a go at making your own axe – a truly unique heirloom item hand crafted by yourself.
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This course includes all forging and finishing of an axe head of your choice.
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Free personalisation is included should you wish.
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Axes to choose from (choose one head)
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Dane
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Bearded
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Forest
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Bushcraft
What’s included
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Max 3 people
Light lunch included
1-1 available (please ask in advance)
Please note – this course is only suitable for physically strong people due to the nature of the methods required in axe making
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Please note – This course is only suitable for over 18’s
£200 per person
christmas decoration course
Yes we mentioned Christmas!!
Make your Christmas extra special this year by hand forging a festive masterpiece to wow your guests.
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Ideas include: Table centrepieces, candle sticks, hanging decorations, festive log stores, horseshoe reindeers, freestanding Christmas trees (look awesome when lit up).
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This is a fantastic course to bring your children along with you to enjoy a family fun filled day making memories to last a lifetime.
What’s included
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5 hour course 9am-2pm or 3pm-8pm
This course offers an evening course option which is perfect for wintery festive evenings
Max 4 people per couse
Suitable for ages 10+ – under 18ns to be accompanied by an adult at ALL times. If you have children under 10 please get in touch as we can aim to do a safer and more suited course.
Mince pies and mulled wine included (soft drinks available)
These courses run during winter months October-January