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
Selecting what to forge
Forging isn’t as easy as it may look! Our expert team will work with you and your partner to help you decide what to make during the session, by showing you examples of what can be achieved in the time. You’ll be given the flexibility to stamp your own design on your piece, making it totally unique to you both! You can see the list of possible options on our ‘before your visit’ guide!
4
Learn a range of techniques together
Forging a taper with a good old-fashioned hammer and anvil.
Drawing out metal to a point, often used in handles, pokers, candle sticks and the Viking knife.
Rounding, taking square steel and forging the corners in.
Scrolling, which is a beautiful example of how fine and delicate blacksmithing can be. Rolling the end of a piece of steel, that is usually tapered for a decorative finish. This technique is versatile and is employed on a wide range of items such as the snail, hanging basket bracket and Viking knife!
Twisting, another decorative technique to give your work flair. This involves heating the steel and twisting it around.
Texturing, which is used to refine your work and make it really stand out. You will use texturing tools to planish the surface of your work to make it truly unique. This is often used on the candle sticks and boot scraper.
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 two people making one unique item of your choice during a five-hour 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 recipients to a five-hour session making one unique item of their choice.
Reviews
We had so much fun!
My girlfriend got us an afternoon session here and it was fantastic. The instructors were so helpful and patient. Way more people than planned showed up for the slot we were on and they were amazing at fitting us all in. I loved having a go at learning a new skill and getting to take something home with me at the end
Such a different and great day out
Great day out at the Forge. This was a postponed birthday gift for my partner who absolutely loved it. The guys Joe, Alec, and Gordon were so friendly and helpful, and special thanks to Will and all his help with the scroll knives we made. Would thoroughly recommend it as a really different experience!
Sam you star!
This time we came back for my partner to make a hammer. Fab Health and Safety briefing from Joe to start, who balanced humour and essential info nicely. The level of craftsmanship that Sam demonstrated was an actual marvel. My partner was in awe of the skills on show and the patience taken to actually teach him and share the knowledge. At no point did he take over and the piece was very definitely made by my partner however, he guided and encouraged beautifully. To say we enjoyed it would be an understatement.
Absolutely incredible experience at the forge.
I did a couple’s day with my girlfriend, and we built a door knocker. They worked with our creativity to build a custom piece that meant so much more than one of the standard pieces. I’ve gone back to them to do Christmas shopping, and they worked with me to find the best price for some gifts. They are all very friendly and helpful, and I couldn’t complain about them if I tried!
Explore Our Other Experiences
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.
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.
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.
Ianto has been blacksmithing for 4 years. He first got the idea of being a blacksmith after watching Lord of the Rings. He wished he could learn to shape metal […] Ianto has been blacksmithing for 4 years. He first got the idea of being a blacksmith after watching Lord of the Rings. He wished he could learn to shape metal into different forms and stunning works of art that can be seen throughout the movies. When he finished high school he knew he wanted to go into a profession that could lead him to make movie props. Ianto went to Holme Lacy College and studied traditional blacksmithing, from there he left and found his way to Oldfield Forge. During his time at Oldfield, he has picked up the nickname Ianto Tanto, for the fact he enjoys teaching the Tanto’s and using the traditional Japanese smithing techniques.