The London Blacksmith

Blacksmithing courses in Essex
Hands-on, beginner-friendly forge experiences

Learn traditional blacksmithing in a real working forge. Our one‑day and half‑day blacksmithing courses are designed for complete beginners, couples, friends, and anyone who wants to try something unforgettable.

You’ll learn the craft, use the tools, and take home something you’ve made with your own hands.

A UNIQUE BLACKSMITHING EXPERIENCE

COME PLAY WITH FIRE!

Fire has always had a certain magic to it, and now you can learn how to work with it and create something beautiful in the process.

If you’ve ever wanted to swing a hammer, try blacksmithing for the first time, or gift someone a truly unique experience, our courses are the perfect place to start. They’re relaxed, hands‑on, and designed for complete beginners.

Run by Will, also known as The London Blacksmith, you’ll learn the fundamentals of blacksmithing, spend a memorable day in the forge, and take home the piece you’ve made yourself.

The forge is situated a few miles south west of Colchester, Essex in the village of Great Tey.

CHOOSE YOUR COURSE

All courses include exclusive use of the forge, all materials, safety gear required, and expert instruction.

Gift vouchers available.

Solo half day

£225

A focused introduction to blacksmithing with one‑to‑one guidance.

Solo full day

£320

A complete forging experience to master techniques and create a more advanced piece.

Two person half day

£300

A shared experience for couples, friends, or family.

Two person full day

£425

Forge together for a full day, each making your own item.

COURSE DATE SCHEDULE

WHO CAN TAKE PART?

Our blacksmithing courses are open to individuals or pairs, and are suitable for complete beginners. Anyone aged 18 or over can book a course.

Teenagers under 18 can also attend, but an additional insurance fee applies and a parent or guardian must be present. They’re welcome to take part in the course themselves or simply relax and observe.

Physical requirements
Blacksmithing is a physically demanding activity. You’ll be on your feet for most of the day, working with hot metal and using a hammer for extended periods. It’s important to consider your own comfort and physical ability before booking.

For safety reasons, we strongly advise against participating if you have medical conditions such as:

chronic back pain
heart conditions
joint issues
mobility limitations

If you’re unsure whether the course is suitable for you, feel free to get in touch before booking.

SAFETY INFORMATION & WHAT TO WEAR

Staying Safe in the Forge

Your safety is our priority. Blacksmithing involves heat, tools, and physical activity, so we keep the environment controlled, supportive, and beginner‑friendly. You’ll receive a full safety briefing at the start of your session, and we’ll guide you throughout the day.

What to wear

To keep you safe and comfortable, please wear:

Long trousers (no shorts)
A long‑sleeved cotton top
Sturdy closed‑toe shoes or boots
Hair tied back if it’s long
No loose jewellery or dangling clothing

We provide all safety equipment, including gloves, aprons, and eye protection.

The Forge is located on a working farm, so please be mindful of farm traffic while on site.

Refreshments such as tea and coffee will be provided, but bringing a packed lunch is advised as there are no shops in walking distance.

WHAT DO WE MAKE?

The most common items to make in the full day course are a coat hook and a fire poker. These items are fantastic for first timers as they cover a lot of basic skills and are great pieces to show off.

Other items include:

Bottle opener
Letter opener
Hanging basket bracket
Candlestick for tea lights
Initials or numbers for house or wall
Trivet for the kitchen counter
Door knocker

You can make one item in a half day and two items in a full day.

If you have a personal project you would like to do yourself then please get in touch – we love to see our course participants bring their creativity to the Forge! (please note – prices may vary slightly for bespoke designs)