Blacksmith Experience Day Peak District

Join a blacksmithing course in the Peak District and learn how to work the metal! We are offering full-day courses in blacksmithery at this lovely country forge near the little village of Elton, in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District.

Jessica, Phil and Tim run these courses. They are all full-time blacksmiths, specialising in decorative metalwork. As well as taking on private commissions and creating artistic pieces, they host experiences to teach novices the methods of blacksmithing.

It's quite a setup they have. Arriving at the traditional Peak District farmhouse, you'll be welcomed into the purpose-built forge. It's a really good size, with three double forges and six anvils. When the fire's roaring and the anvils are ringing, the place is abuzz with creativity.

And you'll be party to all that, as this is very much a hands on blacksmithing day. Expect to get properly stuck in heating, striking and shaping that red-hot metal. All the appropriate PPE and blacksmithing tools are provided for you, you just need to arrive with your steel toe-capped shoes or sturdy walking boots and comfy clothing.

Throughout your day you'll learn lots about being a blacksmith. Taking your project each stage at a time, you'll be shown how to work your metal using traditional methods that haven't changed for generations.

As for what you make, it's totally up to you. Popular forged iron items that students enjoy hand crafting include fire pokers, toasting forks and chestnut roasters. Your tutors will always be on hand to help you with the processes and even design ideas if you need inspiration. Of course, whatever you decide to create it's yours to take home with you.

After introductions over a brew, you'll set to work in the forge. There's a break for lunch (which is included in the voucher price) and then it's back to the anvils to put the finishing touches to your piece. As the activity in the forge ceases, you round things off with a nice cool beer to celebrate the day you went on a blacksmithing course in the Peak District.

• Introduction to general blacksmithing skills
• Create your own masterpiece to take home with you
• Examples of items you can create are toasting forks, fire pokers, chestnut roasters & knives
• PPE, tools, materials and fuel for the forges are included
• Lunch, snacks and drinks are included
• Groups of up to 6 people can be accommodated

General Itinerary

• 09:30 Meet in the forge for a health and safety talk
• 10:00 Light the firesand first demonstration
• 11:00 Break time with pork pie (or alternatives) and drinks
• 13:00 Well deserved lunch
• 15:30 On the go break with drinks
• 16:30 Forges off