What you’ll do
1
When you arrive
On arrival, you’ll be signed in and introduced to the smith who will talk through the course step-by-step and help you select which design you would like to make. We’ll discuss what you want to achieve for the day before providing you with protective equipment and a safety briefing.
2
Firing up the forge
The forge will have been lit and heating up before you arrive, so it’s ready to go! You will get an introduction on how to control and maintain the fire of the forge to a forging heat.
3
The Forging Process
During your tool-making session, you will cover essential forging skills such as tapering, bending and twisting. Our experts with give you guidance and freedom to create something unique for you. Forging isn’t as easy as it looks, but we’ll help to make sure your BBQ tool or toasting fork is fit for the ‘barbie!
4
Finishing
All your handwork comes together after approx three hours, after which you’ll have a practical tool for any BBQ or campfire! Give your BBQ tool a test drive with marshmallows or toast around the forge.
5
Photo Time
It’s great fun working alongside one another and crafting something unique! Once the forging is complete, it’s time to pose for those all-important photos at our wooden stage!
GUIDELINES FOR TAKING PART
Our experience day packages are physically demanding and have the potential for minor injury. Therefore, please seek advice from your doctor or our booking team if you’re unsure.
Be sure to dress accordingly, remembering that in the colder months it can get pretty chilly inside the workshop, despite the fires! Please wear long trousers and suitable footwear.
Make sure you follow the guidance on our website and what’s sent to you ahead of the event. And always listen to the instructions of our expert team on the day.
AVAILABILITY
The Forge is open all year round, seven days a week. Our online booking system will show you the availability in real time. Please be aware that weekends should be booked well in advance!
HOW BOOKING WORKS
Our online booking system is easy to use and allows you to choose a time and date that suits you. Once confirmed, you will receive an email with all the details you need, as well as an important form to complete.
HOW PRICING WORKS
The price of this booking covers one person making one BBQ tool or toasting fork during a half-day session.
We welcome groups of friends to come and take part together – simply adjust the number of people when making your booking.
If you’re buying a voucher, the voucher will entitle the recipient to a half-day session making one BBQ tool or toasting fork.
Reviews
I had the time of my life!
I booked myself in for a “Just for Fun” day and “Forging a Knife” the next day. It was purely, simply brilliant. The team was exceptional, all of them: Ben, Theo, Joe, Bobby, Aaron, and last but not least Henry, are clearly passionate about their job. They’re happy to help and answer any questions and are really working as a team. They show you how it works and explains the process. There is a great variety of objects you can choose to make – loved it and will recommend it to any and all.
Well what can I say, other than ‘Thank you!’
We had an amazing 3-hour experience today. The welcome from the team was great and instantly you felt at ease being invited into the forge. There’s loads of inspiration at the start so that you can choose what to make, we went with a poker and a fork for our outside fire pit. We were expecting to get bogged down with safety instructions, but whilst safety is paramount at the Forge, Ben instructed us in a way that was fun, interesting and engaging! I was absolutely amazed at what we achieved in such a short time and I’ve already rebooked another session. Keep up the great work and see you guys soon!
The whole experience enjoyable start to finish
I was treated to a 3-hour fun forging session, in which I made a little knife, and it was incredible! There was a very nice little selection of things to make, including fire picks or candle holders. Our main instructor for the day was Joe but all the instructors were helpful and approachable. Joe in particular explained what we were doing very nicely and clearly. The whole forge has a kind and fun atmosphere. It definitely won’t be my last visit, can’t wait to visit again to make something bigger
Loved our 3 hour package at Oldfield Forge
Really interesting and fun. Helpful and friendly tutors who explained everything really well. My husband made a towel rail that will be put to good use as well as my cloak brooch which I absolutely love. Thank you so much!
Explore Our Other Experiences
Will has worked as a Blacksmith for many years and enjoys both teaching our workshops as well as forging beautiful pieces for our showroom. Will has worked as a Blacksmith for many years and enjoys both teaching our workshops as well as forging beautiful pieces for our showroom.
Aaron started by dabbling in farriery after getting bored at his old desk job and found out that he was pretty good at it. Even years later he doesn’t regret […] Aaron started by dabbling in farriery after getting bored at his old desk job and found out that he was pretty good at it. Even years later he doesn’t regret a thing. His favorite part about the job is being able to express himself artistically and smashing hot steel.
Josh first discovered blacksmithing when he was on a trip to Dover Castle and saw a smith making arrowheads and fell in love with the craft. He did his initial […] Josh first discovered blacksmithing when he was on a trip to Dover Castle and saw a smith making arrowheads and fell in love with the craft. He did his initial training at Canterbury College and then his BA(HONS) in artist blacksmithing in Hereford. Josh comes from Deal in Kent and moved to Hereford and began teaching the craft at Oldfield Forge in the summer of 2022. His interests include Dungeons and Dragons and archery.
Ben has been at Oldfield for many years. He was one of the first teachers and has seen the number of students increase greatly! Ben has been blacksmithing for over […] Ben has been at Oldfield for many years. He was one of the first teachers and has seen the number of students increase greatly! Ben has been blacksmithing for over 12 years and has an active role as our social media manager. Some of his hobbies include Norman era reenactment in which he became a world-famous (now dead) meme.