Holkham Forge reviews

15 Apr 16'

Stuart Martin reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"A return to the forge after too long a lapse! Two days under James and Roger's watchful eyes and helpful advice renewed my enthusiasm for moving metal and my determination to continue learning. Thank you so much."

4 Sep 14'

Tim Ford reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"My 8yr old son and I spent a day with James at the forge, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. The forge itself was worth a visit, with it's inherent history and magnificent setting in the estate buildings, and to have the opportunity to have a go at blacksmithing really made our day. James was patient, instructive, and helped us to both come away with an appreciation of the craft, and also something to hang on the wall: We made a toasting fork and key ring. Our day shared day, away from the modern day distractions of Apple and Nintendo, was some of our most memorable spent together, and we would love to do it again, next summer maybe."

3 May 14'

Vanessa Stocking Johnston reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"When my friend came up with a suggestion for her big birthday treat I thought, what a wonderful idea!!! And so it was!! I am a local person, with fond memories of working at the Holkham Pottery Shop, so I was even more impressed when the introduction to blacksmithing was based at the wonderful forge and buildings at Longlands in Holkham Park. The location, easy parking, the two red hot fires fires, equipment, memory inducing smell, straight forward tuition and sense of humour made the day all I had hoped for since the booking was made!! I came away with my large shepherds crook style bird feeder and shed hooks, released pent up aggression, a smile, and the desire to order a beautiful hare made by Helen!! With thanks!!"

31 Mar 14'

Jackie Grimble reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"Three friends & I went on one of James' courses. We had a fabulous day and we all thoroughly enjoyed it, so much so we are all booking up to go again. James and Arthur were so very patient. During our day we all made a poker and some hooks, amidst laughter and enjoyment. On our next visit we are taking another friend who was really impressed with what we made. The forge itself is creatively inspiring and the skills that you learn alongside the guidance given from the tutors allow for innovative creations to 'emerge from the ashes'. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone, as not only is it a great day out, but you can learn some new skills along the way. A big thanks to James and Arthur."

14 Mar 14'

Alison Spedding reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"Had a fantastic day in the forge with my fiancé Dave Prall. We made a poker and shovel for our wood burning stove. The whole team were kind and helpful, sharing their expertise without doing it for us! We'd highly recommend it!"

10 Mar 14'

Morris Davies reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"Had a great day learning a new skill. Roger and James were really helpful and supportive ( I think what I wanted to make was a bit too ambitious) and had a lot of patience. I had no idea that such a day would be so instructive and great fun. Highly recommended; you will not be disappointed."

6 Feb 14'

Mick Kemp reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"Many thx to all at Holkham Forge. I spent a fantastic two days with the team, the first day learning some basic skills by making a poker, hook, leaves, point, scrolls, drawing, twisting and keeping the fire hot. The second day we had a go at making some Damascus steel. This, as expected, took a lot of time and effort and after miss-calculating the amount of time and effort (by me, not James and Roger btw) I needed for my suit of armor..... I ended up with a ring of 316 layers - the one ring to rule them all! Probably the most valuable ring in the world now (I hope...). As I say, many thx to the team for putting up with me - I would certainly recommend this course for a taster session or to use their knowledge for any complex that you want help with."

16 Dec 13'

Stuart Martin reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"My first experience day was in July. This magnificent forge is at one end of the quadrangle at Holkham estate's 18th century farm complex. Roger patiently taught me the basic skills and I set to work at one of the two anvils by the large forge with him and James nearby to give advice, encouragement, and cups of tea. At the end of a really enjoyable day, I had proudly created a poker with a fancy handle and hook to hang it on; a wedding present for my neice with their initials stamped on. I was so enthused that I came again with my brother in October (see his comments below) and will be returning for further tuition."

14 Dec 13'

Alistair Martin reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"Complete novice and bought for me as present. Had a really great day in the fantastic setting on the beautiful Holkham estate. Roger and James very patient and took me though the basic skills. Mastered a poker by lunchtime and, aided by an excellent lunch at The Victoria, a hook rack was fashioned by end of play. All together a day to remember and I would highly recommend it to anyone."

7 Dec 13'

Barry hodges reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"Bought the experience day for my wife as it was something she wanted to try. James and Roger made it a great day. They were very patience and informative. We enjoyed the day so much that we have the now purchased our own forge. It was a feeling of achievement to leave at the end of the day with something we had made and have as a memory. Would certainly recommend the course to people of all levels of experience. I am looking to attend another course at Holkham in the new year."

3 Dec 13'

Charles Dowding reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"Went on the course with a friend and really enjoyed it, learned a lot and made some things. Roger and James looked after us well. Would like to go back to learn more skills and make something more complicated."