Carter & Duck Blacksmith

Through fiery forges, pounding hammers and ringing anvils, get a taste of life as a blacksmith. Travel back in time and try your hand at an ancient craft. Nestled just off the Tolkien Trail, visit the home of Carter & Duck Blacksmiths. Book a six-hour experience day, when you will learn from skilled blacksmiths Bill Carter and Oscar Duck. Each course has a maximum of four people with a minimum age of 17 years. Throughout the day you will be taught fundamental forging principles, learning how to swing a hammer, use a pair of tongs and forge steel. You will use techniques such as tapering, scrolling and twisting to make a variety of handcrafted pieces to take home. This could include bottle openers, keyrings, fire pokers, wall hooks and hanging hearts. The Smithy is fully equipped, so each participant has their own workspace with an anvil, forge, vice and hammer. The small group courses mean everyone gets plenty of one-to-one tuition.