Broadrake reviews

Kate Toch reviewed: Frame Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Wow! I've met some really interesting, lovely people and learned so much about basket weaving in the stunning setting of Broadrake Barn. Thank you Rachel for hosting and sharing your magical space and delicious food and to Phil for being such an ace teacher - the attention to detail, careful instructions and demonstrations ensured that we all produced a basket of our dreams. Thrilled with mine - just need to add those grab handles and then get on down to the orchard to fill it with apples. Looking forward to seeing the 2020 programme for Broadrake and can't wait to get back for some more willow wizardry."

Broadrake responded:

"It was great to meet you Kate, and see the lovely baskets you've already made - hoping that you will create another one at Broadrake in 2020!!"

Gina Brondel reviewed: Frame Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I have just spent the last two days at Broadrake on a frame basket workshop led by Basketmaker Phil Bradley. What a wonderful couple of days in the most stunning setting. The workshop was great fun, extremely informative and I’m delighted with the basket I made! Rachel is an expert when it comes to hospitality and the constant flow of home baked goods really went down a treat. The accommodation in the newly renovated bunk barn is spotlessly clean and extremely reasonable for a stop over or longer break. I cannot recommend Broadrake highly enough!"

Angela Montgomery reviewed: Frame Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I have just enjoyed 2 great days on a frame basket workshop with Phil Bradley at Broadrake Farm. It was a very relaxed course with excellent tuition from a master basket maker, who always had another trick up his sleeve for the times when we came across difficulties. Everyone finished a lovely basket to take home, and some of us caught the bug and bought more materials to carry on with another at home! Phil's portfolio encompasses all possible uses of willow; from baskets, garden features, children's dens to sculptures in willow as he is tutor to several courses at Broadrake. The setting is a beautiful farmhouse within sight of the Ribblehead viaduct, the food provided was excellent, healthy and homemade. I enjoyed it so much I can't wait to go back and try something else."

John Dickinson reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"It's a wonderful location. I thought the hosting was first class and the tutor, Phil, could not have been better. Many thanks for a wonderful day Cheers John"

Susan K reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Phil is a fantastic tutor, showing you each step and then letting you get on with it, before moving on to the next stage. Rachel and Mike are wonderful hosts and we are honoured to share this unique location for the day, which makes the experience even more special. Everyone enjoyed a tasty lunch of homemade soups/bread and baking. They even provided fresh water, juice and suncream, as it was a hot, sunny day and we were able to work outside. Everyone had a unique hare to take home and I'm sure we all enjoyed it. Highly recommended, thank you Rachel, Mike and Phil."

Adam reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"I was bought the experience as a Christmas presant, really fun and enjoyable, great instructors and fab food, at the lunch break, a good social experience to. Opportunities to take a weekend in the Yorkshire dales with the borders of Kendal not far. Would deffo recommend!"

Maurice Rutherford reviewed: Spoon carving, 2 days with Steve Tomlin in the Yorkshire Dales

"A very relaxed and informative intoduction to spoon carving in a great venue. Looking forward to more of the same!"

Bryony reviewed: Spoon carving, 2 days with Steve Tomlin in the Yorkshire Dales

"Just finished the two-day October 2018 course with Steve. On the train home as I write and already I want to come back. Steve was so willing to share his spoon carving skills (and he's pretty good at it) it made learning a pleasure. Rachel and Mike have a beautiful place and are the most welcoming hosts. The weather was cold and rainy and we were warm and well-fed and completely absorbed in our spoons. When the cloud lifted the views were stunning.... It was a wonderful way to spend two days. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning a woodcraft."

Lisa robinson reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"A fantastic day! Great fun, company, tuition and food. Thank you so much for a taste of the blacksmith’s life."

Mark Chamberlain reviewed: Line and Watercolour Wash with John Harrison in the Yorkshire Dales

"A fascinating day in a beautiful studio with great views and subjects to draw in every direction. The course taught me several new pen techniques and tips to use watercolours better. The venue was friendly and relaxed, offering full facilities and delicious home made treats. John and Rachel made us very welcome and we had a worthwhile and fun day."

Felicity reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"It was a wonderful location and the willow curlew modelling was a great experience. However the lunch was very poor. I informed them well ahead of the day of my gluten free requirements. The rest of group had a lovely lunch but I was presented with a packet of crisps and some crumbly defrosted biscuits to go with soup and strawberrys. I felt it really spoilt what was otherwise a great day."

Broadrake responded:

"Please accept our sincere apologies Felicity – we admit that we totally forgot to get your GF bread to go with the Pea and Mint / Beetroot soups & Wensleydale cheese with sour dough lunch that everyone enjoyed, so could only offer you vegetable or potato crisps instead. Yes, we agree, they were a very poor substitute. There was plenty of soup to have more of which we did offer you. We then offered Bakewell tart(not GF) alongside a fresh fruit option the latter of which suits many of our guests, GF or otherwise and felt that seasonal strawberries was appropriate. The home-made stem ginger cookies were made with GF flour; unfortunately they’re always crumbly, fresh or defrosted, but they taste just as good as the normal ones! There were also some GF Hob Nob biscuits and ‘Naked’ GF carrot cake bars available. We won’t make these mistakes again and I'm very sorry that it spoilt the day for you."

Katarzyna Pracik reviewed: Frame Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"My second time at Broadrake with willow weaving. You guys are amazing. Phil show us plenty of new skills, I met a great bunch of people and had a grand time. Food was excellent. After 2 days of pleasant labour in stunning scenery I went home with 2 baskets and some cuttings that now have grown into a mini willow plantation ;) I will be coming back! Can not fault this course; money well spend."

Janine Fearon reviewed: Frame Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 days making a frame basket. I've now booked for the round basket course and (easily) persuaded my husband to book on the willow curlew making course. Broadrake is a lovely spot, Rachel is an excellent host and cook, and Phil is a great teacher. And the basket I made is very useful too."

Oliver reviewed: Spoon carving, 2 days with Steve Tomlin in the Yorkshire Dales

"An ideal beginner's course for someone interested in spoon carving. Steve is a very good teacher, very patient and will illustrate each step. Broadrake is an excellent location, Rachel and Mike have done a wonderful job with the bunkbarn which is stunning. Ribbleshead viaduct can be seen from the property with Whernside just behind the property. Mike and Rachel are very good cooks/bakers and you will be treated to their veggie lunch and sweet treats."

Cindy reviewed: Spoon carving, 2 days with Steve Tomlin in the Yorkshire Dales

"A very informative course with step by step tuition. Steve demonstrated each step and then allowed us to have a try, offering help and advice all along. He was able to answer any questions put to him and kept reminding us of good technique. We all came away with a spoon original to our own design. Broadrake as a venue is in a very scenic part of the Yorkshire Dales with the Ribblehead viaduct in the near distance and Whernside just behind. Ideal for a walk if you happen to stay a night or two. There was an excellent lunch and wonderful home baking. All in all a great day. Highly recommended."

Michael Kane reviewed: Spoon carving, 2 days with Steve Tomlin in the Yorkshire Dales

"This is a brilliant course! Steve is an amazing instructor and was able to answer any questions that were thrown at him. Everyone had a great time, the venue was lovely, Lunch was awesome, and the course was one we'll remember forever. The spoons came out great thanks to Steve’s guidance and I'd recommend the course to anyone interested in learning a fun new skill."

Jean Hall reviewed: Spoon carving, 2 days with Steve Tomlin in the Yorkshire Dales

"A really informative introduction to the skills needed to make a wooden spoon from a tree trunk. Steve is a very patient and friendly tutor demonstrating each step and helping when needed but at the same time allowing us to be creative and end up with a spoon that was unique to each. Broadrake is a fantastic venue and Rachel and Mike friendly and welcoming. Excellent home baking and substantial lunch contributed to an excellent and relaxing day (not good for the waistline!) Thank you"

Carole Thorpe reviewed: Frame Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"An excellent course, well led. Good company, delicious food, a new skill attempted in beautiful surroundings. Very pleased with result. The glorious weather added to the enjoyment. Will come again. Thank you"

Broadrake responded:

"Thank you Carole - it was lovely to meet you and share the learning experience! The sunshine was a real bonus!"

Neil Holden reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"A very enjoyable and instructive time - great location at Broadrake in beautiful surroundings, friendly hosts Mike and Rachel supplying lashings of good food and continuous tea, coffee and home-made biscuits. Expertly tutored with all the gear and help you need for a productive day with hammer and tongs!"

Paddy Lambton reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"Really good. Given that the things you would make are worth about 60 quid if you bought them, that means the food (there is loads) and tuition is only £40. Excellent value for money and a really great day."

Mia Hopkins reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I have just attended a two day basket weaving course, taught by Phil Bradley at Broadrakes, and cannot praise it enough. Broadrakes has lovely new rooms with ample space for our group - a light, beautiful, clean and comfortable area. Our hostess Rachel Benson provided us with delicious lunch, tea breaks with home baked treats, and was friendly and helpful. Phil's teaching was fantastic, we all returned home with a basket, and enough knowledge to make others, and he interspersed his teaching with anecdotes and funny stories from the world of willow. I would not hesitate to attend another course at Broadrakes, or indeed one taught by Phil. Top Marks all around."

Helen Thornton reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"A fantastic day in the most beautiful location! After a day of help and encouragement, spurred on with tea breaks and homemade goodies we left with a real sense of achievement (and a son who now wants a forge at home!) This come highly recommended!"

Sheila mason reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"Marvellous surroundings a very interesting course .we were able to make key rings then dragon hangers in the full day course.wonderful food was provided to keep us sustained which we enjoyed looking out across to ribble head viaduct .new friends were made.great day 10 out 10 ."

Richard Payne reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"A really great experiance, I enjoyed the course and did far more than I expected. We were tutored and looked after wonderfully. The food was exceptionally good. Thank you for a really great experience which I hope to repeat again in the future. I would recommend this to all."

Mervyn Ashford reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"Adrian and Andy were very patient and made great teachers. A really enjoyable day , a great lunch and a fabulous view. What better day is there?"