Blacksmithing
Traditional Blacksmithing Workshops
Course Overview
In one day you will learn the basics of blacksmithing, a trade that has been at the heart of countryside life for hundreds of years. The course teaches you a number of skills and processes through making a collection of four useful and traditional items that you take home.
Your day starts with an introduction to the workshop, workshop safety and the tools. During the day you will be learning the skills from a full-time professional heritage metalworker. The skills you learn include taking a heat, drawing out, scrolling, and twisting. To learn these processes you will make an S-hook, a key-fob, a bottle opener, and a decorative toasting fork. These items can be tailored to suit individual physical abilities whilst still teaching the same skills.
The course takes place in and around the purpose built oak framed craft barn at Stanwick Lakes which is managed by Rockingham Forest Trust as an environmental charity.
Stanwick Lakes is a protected Nature Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance, covering 750 acres of open space with seven miles of paths, a perfect inspiration to crafters and makers.
During your lunchtime you can enjoy the onsite cafés and visit the heritage museum or sit by a lake and watch the wildlife.
Times or dates don’t suit? Let us know, and join a waiting list.
What You’ll Learn
- – Master basic blacksmithing techniques like heating and shaping.
- – Forge four items: an S-hook, key-fob, bottle opener, and toasting fork.
- – Learn safety and tool use from a professional blacksmith.
- – Customize projects to suit your skill level
Who is this course for?
This day is suitable for everyone. Blacksmithing is about technique and making sure the steel is heated to the right temperature before working it, not about using heavy hammers and hitting the metal very hard!
The course is limited to just 4 participants, so that each person has their own anvil to work on throughout the day. Teenagers from 16+ are welcome to take part in this course, but must be supervised by an adult.
Excellent course. Excellent tutor.
Really enjoyed my day, and learned several new things not covered by other beginner’s courses I’ve attended.
John’s sense of humour and knowledge was spot on.
Key Course Details
When: Saturdays or Sundays
Duration: 1 day workshop
Class Size: Maximum of 4 students per class
Cost: £155.00 per session
Materials: All materials are provided. Wearing old clothes is recommended.
Times or dates don’t suit? Let us know, and join a waiting list.
About the Tutor
Your tutor for the day is John Wills, who has been running his own heritage metalwork business for ten years and teaching since 2017. He specialises in making historical reproductions in copper, brass, tinplate and iron/steel for museums, re-enactors, TV and film. As a member of the Heritage Craft Association John is actively involved in promoting and preserving metalwork skills and traditions that would otherwise be lost. His blacksmith work has been used in Hollywood films and can be seen at historic sites around England.
Traditional Blacksmithing Workshops
– for young people
A hands-on introduction to traditional metalworking for ages 11–17
We’re excited to introduce a brand-new blacksmithing experience designed especially for young people. These taster workshops offer a safe, hands-on introduction to working with hot metal, giving participants the chance to step into a real forge and try traditional skills for themselves.
These new sessions open the door to a craft that’s both creative and rooted in heritage. Young people will explore how metal responds to heat, experiment with simple forging techniques, and get a feel for shaping and forming their own piece. It’s a supportive environment where curiosity matters far more than strength – blacksmithing is all about technique, timing, and understanding the material.
Workshops are kept small so everyone has space, support, and the chance to really engage with the process. All tools and safety equipment are provided, creating a relaxed setting where young makers can focus on learning and enjoying the experience.
These workshops are led by John, whose metalwork has featured in museums, film, and TV. His guidance is calm, practical, and encouraging, helping young people get the most out of their first experience at the forge.
Please note: all participants must be supervised by a responsible adult aged 18 or over.
Available dates:
Monday 16th February 2026
Monday 30th March 2026
Friday 10th April 2026
Times or dates don’t suit? Let us know, and join a waiting list.
Additional Information
Hard soled boots, preferably safety boots, are recommended due to the possibility of hot coals falling out of the fire.
What’s included in the prices for blacksmithing workshops?
Tools, materials and safety equipment are provided.
Tea, coffee or juice and biscuits are provided free of charge during the course.
Your car parking is also free of charge on the day of your course.
Additional food and drinks can be purchased in the café in the visitor centre or bring your own packed lunch.
Please note if you are purchasing food from our café for your lunch break, a pre-order form will be available on the morning of the course (a selection of paninis, sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc, are available) so we can have your food freshly prepared and ready for you.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts.