Broadrake reviews

Jayne Weatheritt reviewed: Line and Watercolour Wash with John Harrison in the Yorkshire Dales

"Great experience, came away with a new enthusiasm for watercolour, most enjoyable day, the cake was good too. "

Broadrake responded:

"Thank you Jayne, keep that pen and brush work going! I'm sure that John's demo's and work will continue to inspire you."

Rhonda reviewed: Cleft Oak Stools in the Yorkshire Dales with Phil Bradley

"We had a great time, lovely venue with great food and facilities. Phil is passionate about using traditional methods and a helpful tutor. With his support and guidance we all produced a lovely stool to take home. It was a most enjoyable day "

Cath B reviewed: Cleft Oak Stools in the Yorkshire Dales with Phil Bradley

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Cleft Oak Stool workshop with Phil. He is a great teacher - I came away feeling I had gained a good understanding about the tools and wood we used, and I'm delighted with my stool. We stayed overnight in the bunk barn and I'm so glad we did. The setting is beautiful and Rachel and Mike were wonderful hosts. I'll be looking out for more courses to do at Broadrake (probably to make another stool or a basket)because I'd love to return. Book onto a course - you won't regret it!"

Broadrake responded:

"Thanks Cath, so glad you enjoyed the workshop and your stay! Come back and see Broadrake when the flowers are out, and of course try another workshop too!!"

Ian Hoole reviewed: Line and Watercolour Wash with John Harrison in the Yorkshire Dales

"John was fantastic learnt so much, he has a lovely manor. The venue was lovely fantastic views of the Viaduct . I would highly recommend this course "

Broadrake responded:

"Thanks Ian, so glad you enjoyed the day, your work was great. I hope your journey back home through the Dales was full of views to continue to inspire you! Rachel"

Judith reviewed: Lunch/Shoulder bags, 2 days with Anna Turnbull in the Yorkshire Dales

"Wonderful two days weaving with Anna Turnbull, in lovely surroundings! The hospitality, and food provided by Rachel was excellent! "

Broadrake responded:

"It was a lovely 2 days; I loved that all the end baskets were so varied with the different weaves, colours, shaping and handle positioning. Hope to see you again next year for another basketry challenge! Rachel"

Graham reviewed: Cleft Oak Stools in the Yorkshire Dales with Phil Bradley

"I really enjoyed this course. Phil is a good teacher. His explanations are clear and he demonstrates each step in an accessible way. There is no pressure. Phil is always on hand. It's satisfying to leave with a stool that you have made and can use and enjoy. Facilities at Broadrake are excellent with a delicious lunch and then there is the amazing location with far reaching views from its situation at the foot of Whernside. It's beautiful."

Broadrake responded:

"Thanks Graham - your stool was fabulous so I hope you continue to make more! Good to have you back again at Broadrake! Rachel"

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

"A great day out! Beautiful location, lovely friendly atmosphere , tasty lunch and supportive expert tuition from Phil, all helped make a fun unique 60th birthday celebration for my friend and I "

Broadrake responded:

"Thank you Alison for your appreciative comments and what a lovely way to celebrate your special birthday with a friend. Rachel"

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

"A fabulous course in a superb venue. The tutor, Phil, is extremely skilled in his craft and patient as a teacher. He took us through step by step, in an unrushed, supportive manner. Everyone managed to create attractive curlews in the day - great to come home with something that can go straight in the garden or home. The facilities and welcome at Broadrake are second to none and the lunch was delicious. Thank you."

Broadrake responded:

"It was lovely to have you here for creative sculpture willow work with Phil - I hope that your 2nd curlew was just as successful as your first one created at the workshop. Hope to see you again at Broadrake for another willowy workshop. Rachel"

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

"An excellent, very entertaining and knowledgable tutor. Fabulous venue located in a stunning part of the world. Hospitality and food was second to none! Will definitely be returning…..soon hopefully. "

Broadrake responded:

"Hi Kirsten, It was lovely to meet you and your Curlew was fantastic I'm glad that you enjoyed the whole package - we like to share Broadrake with others! It's great to have another local lass keen to visit us again for more willowy adventures with Phil Bradley."

Alison Dwyer reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"A great day, making a willow curlew with phil. The venue was superb as was the lunch. Will definately be back."

Nicky Peck reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Great course and venue. It was a real pleasure to do this course, Phil’s guidance, instruction, kindness and encouragement exceeded my expectations. Loved it. Thank you. The venue is also stunning, I stayed the night before in the bunkhouse and had a very comfortable and peaceful stay, the food provided was excellent as was the hospitality. Again loved it, thank you."

Moira Domican-Gough reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Fantastic day, Phil is an excellent and very patient teacher. New experience working with Willow but will definitely try again as is a lot easier than I thought and bonus of going home with my lovely willow Curlew!"

Broadrake responded:

"Glad that you enjoyed your first willowy day with our brilliant tutor Phil, & yes, we agree he is the best! Send us a pic of Clive the Curlew in his new home; I'm sure your B&B guests will love meeting him."

Melanie Taylor reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"A brilliant day in every respect. Phil is a great tutor and made the whole experience a very positive one. Thank you! The space was comfortable and the location beautiful, even on a rainy day. A big thank you, also, to Rachel for looking after us so well - the 2-course lunch was delicious! I would highly recommend Phil and Rachel's workshops."

Broadrake responded:

"Melanie it was lovely to welcome you to Broadrake as a first time visitor so we're chuffed that you enjoyed the day. I would love to see your curlew in its new home so please send a pic. Thanks, Rachel"

Lucy Pike Bowyer reviewed: Line and Watercolour Wash with John Harrison in the Yorkshire Dales

"Brilliant course, I really enjoyed it and found with Johns tips I quickly started to produce pictures I was really pleased with."

Elizabeth Wakefield reviewed: English Round Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"A warm welcome from Rachel and Mike to a fabulous location. Excellent lunch and plenty of refreshments. Very Covid safe with measures taken in a very gentle way The course itself is excellent. Phil has a brilliant teaching style and its amazing howmuch you learn in two days. Definatly recommend the venue and Phil's courses"

Louise Hanley reviewed: English Round Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"A fabulous course in a stunning location. I would definitely recommend giving it a go. Phil is an excellent tutor and Rachel and Mike are superb hosts. The on-site accommodation was perfect and by staying, I was able to fit in an evening walk around the Ribblehead viaduct too. I have nothing but praise for the whole experience."

Steph Hughes reviewed: English Round Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I attended a two day basket making course at Broadrake with my 13 year old - we had a great time. Phil was an excellent tutor - clear explanations, patient, helpful if we needed extra guidance and with an obvious love of his craft and material. Broadrake is a fabulous venue in the most amazing surroundings. The barn is warm and comfy, with space to work and Rachel and Mike are excellent hosts - the food is delicious. A lovely relaxed atmosphere and a very enjoyable two days…and we cane home with two baskets and a bundle of willow to feed our new addiction!"

Belinda Strachan reviewed: English Round Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I've just had a very enjoyable two days at Broadrake, learning to make an English round basket. Phil Bradley's tuition was excellent and Rachel Benson made us most welcome and provided delicious homemade lunches."

Sue Hodge reviewed: Irish Weave, 2 days with Anna Turnbull in the Yorkshire Dales

"I throughly enjoyed my two day course at Broadrake. It was my first visit and l was blown away by the wonderful venue. The course tutor, Anna, was encouraging and patient giving clear instruction. Just what l needed whilst learning new techniques! I enjoyed being part of the group and will not hesitate to return."

Broadrake responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Sue and glad that you enjoyed everything Broadrake has to offer including the amazing views! We really hope to see you again at Broadrake for another workshop!"

Kate Toch reviewed: Irish Weave, 2 days with Anna Turnbull in the Yorkshire Dales

"I've thoroughly enjoyed a few willow and wood courses at Broadrake - a stunning location, lovely hosts Rachel and Mike, great teachers Phil Bradley and Anna Turnbull. The latest basket, with a Catalan base and an Irish Weave is beautiful, Anna provided all the materials and an abundance of patience and encouragement. I love my finished basket and I need more practice so I'll be back. Thank you to everyone involved - always good to work with other willow enthusiasts from beginners to experts :)"

Broadrake responded:

"Hi Kate, It was lovely to have you back for the start of the 2022 workshop season at Broadrake. Great to see a new weave being mastered by a lovely group of weavers!"

Fran Coates reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"A wonderful day hosted by Mike and Rachel in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Tea coffee and homemade biscuits served throughout the day and a superb lunch provided, looking across towards Ingleborough. Philip Bradley is an excellent teacher taking us through various stages to create a willow Curlew. I really enjoyed the day. Thank you all."

Shayne Darby reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Really enjoyed the day. It was so nice to learn a new skill in such good company and amazing location. It is a day I will remember for many years and would heartily recommend. As an added bonus I also have my curlew to remind me of a lovely experience."

Broadrake responded:

"Thank you Shayne! Glad that your husband enjoyed his walk up Ingleborough too whilst you were weaving! Rachel"

Pam Smith reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"A lovely day in stunning surroundings. We received a warm welcome from Rachel on arrival. The Barn in which we worked was a delight in itself. It has been sensitively converted and there was plenty of space to enable social distancing. Phil our tutor was friendly, relaxed and endlessly patient. I didn’t feel I had made a masterpiece but I learned a lot. All this AND a delicious veggie lunch and refreshments throughout the day. I was a very enjoyable day with lovely people."

Broadrake responded:

"Thanks Pam, it was lovely to meet you and glad that you had a great time. Rachel"

Andrea Higgins reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"What a fabulous fun day in beautiful surroundings! My first ever willow weaving course and I can't believe I've brought something home that actually resembles a Curlew! Phil was an excellent tutor; clear instructions with an abundance of patience and support! Thank you Rachel and Mike for hosting and providing a lovely homemade lunch, cakes and biscuits. I will be definitely be booking another course!"

Broadrake responded:

"Thank you Andrea! We're delighted that you enjoyed your first adventure into the world of willow. We'd love to see you again! Rachel"

Noelle Darwent reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Fantastic day - just the right combination of excellent instruction, relaxed, fun group, wonderful lunch and a very pleasing curlew to take home. Many thanks Phil. This was a great introduction to working with willow, we learnt how to work prepare and weave the willow and appreciated the skill of the professional willow worker. There was a good balance of prescriptive training and some free rein to make our curlews our own plus lots of help when things weren't going too well. Also the location was beautiful."

Broadrake responded:

"Thank you for travelling so far to join in the fun along the way creating your willow curlew. There was a lot of laughs from your end of the room! Hope it has inspired you to have another willow challenge. Rachel"