Explore The Great Outdoors. reviews

Richard Robbins reviewed: Make your own Pole Lathe

"A very enjoyable two day course making a pole lathe. Peter and Jacqui were both knowledgeable, helpful and kind hosts. Would very much recommend any of their courses. A delightful rural setting at both venues at Brimslade or Warminster."

Peter Harrison reviewed: Charcoal & Biochar Making Course - Warminster Wiltshire

"Great instructor, fabulous location, fascinating subject and great bunch of students (of course!). Thanks to Jack and Peter for a great day "

Sarah reviewed: Private Whittling Workshop

"My daughter has long wanted to try her hand at woodwork and Pete and Jacqui provided the perfect introduction. They were flexible, adapting the day according to her interests, patient and knowledgeable and we were delighted with the butter knives and bug hotel we went away with. Thank you for a great day!"

David Martin reviewed: Pole Lathing Taster Day

"A lovely day in the woods learning the art of pole turning. Everything was organised to give us maximum time on the elements we individually wanted to do. Blanks for immediate turning were already prepared on the lathes (everyone had their own lathe) plus the opportunity to also use a froe; carving axe; and draw knife later in the day. Although a mainly sunny day, the heavens opened at one point, but the way things were set up, we neither got wet nor had to stop what we were doing. Tuition was mostly on a one-to-one basis, so everyone could work at their own speed. All in all a very enjoyable day out in the woods."

Jane kanisius reviewed: Japanese style chopping boards workshop - Marlborough

"A thoroughly enjoyable day - a big thank you to Jacqui and Pete."

Rich swain reviewed: Make Your Own Flat Pack Shave Horse

"An enjoyable day spent working with Peye and Jacqui, an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team. Good tuition, great teaching style, good tools. I'm very happy with the outcome, and would highly recommend this course"

Jerry Herbert reviewed: Woodland Tools Use & Sharpening Day

"Pete and Jacqui were very welcoming and patient during this course, providing just the guidance I needed at this stage in my wood carving journey. I would thoroughly recommend this to others. "

Hannah reviewed: Green Wood Rustic Stick Chair

"What a great day out! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Pete and Jacqui were fab, with helpful tips and suggestions to make a great chair we were proud to take home! Just waiting for the rain to stop so we can enjoy it in the garden! 😊 would definitely recommend! "

Claire reviewed: Pole Lathing Taster Day

"Loved it. Great people and a great experience "

Sarah Roberts reviewed: Bushcraft and Survival Skills Course

"We attended this course over the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it - it was really fun and also informative and educational! We will definitely be booking onto more courses with Pete & Jacqui. Thanks again! Sarah & Simon. "

Duncan reviewed: Green Wood Rustic Stick Chair

"We had a great day making our rustic chairs. Peter and Jacqui were great teachers and very patient. The workshop is in a lovely setting too. Very much recommended. "

joanne Dickson reviewed: Rustic Log Stool Making Course

"We had a fabulous day with Pete and Jacquie. Fun and interesting and you get to take the end result home with you. A very hands on day that leaves you happily tired. Couldn’t recommend it enough "

Enrique reviewed: Spoon Carving the Scandinavian Way - Beginners

"Well run course in a lovely secluded setting. A thoroughly immersive and relaxing experience with clear and encouraging tuition covering the full process of spoon carving. Already putting it into practice, I wish I had done it much earlier, so would definitely recommend it and also consider other courses. Many thanks"

Jenny reviewed: Pole Lathing Taster Day

"My husband, Keith and I had a great time on the pole lathing taster day. I personally got carried away trialling the various tools so my masher is far too heavy but lovely to look at but I am over the moon with my garden dibber ! It was amusing that it started a rush on black lines in the narrow grooves on handles! Thanks to both Pete & Jacqui for their generosity of time and knowledge over a vast range of subjects !!"

Marguerite reviewed: Spoon Carving the Scandinavian Way - Beginners

"An interesting and well organised study day. I came away with my first wooden spoon, even though it needs more work! Pleasant surroundings, good tuition with a helping hand when needed. Plenty of hot drinks. I will continue to put into practice what I was taught and aim to have more spoons. Highly recommended. "

Sheren reviewed: Japanese style chopping boards workshop - Marlborough

"Japanese style chopping board course was a excellent opportunity to learn new skills. Pete and Jacqui were brilliant hosts, taking time with each student to ensure they understood how to make the boards and how to work safely. Amazing the quality of the boards a complete novice can take home, definitely recommend this day. "

Stu reviewed: Japanese style chopping boards workshop - Marlborough

"Pet & Jacqui are an encouraging, helpful couple who made me feel confident despite my lack of experience to go ahead and truly make a chopping board I am proud of. I can't recommend them enough! "

Mike Harrington reviewed: Make Your Own Flat Pack Shave Horse

"We had a really lovely day in a great setting and were very grateful for the help and wisdom offered to build our wood shave horse. You have a lot of different courses so we will be back. Many thanks"

Mark reviewed: Japanese style chopping boards workshop - Marlborough

"I really enjoy every aspect of the day. The course leaders are skilled and interesting people, other participants were great company and my Japanese chopping board was pretty good (if I say it myself)."

Explore The Great Outdoors. responded:

"Thank you for your kind words.. Yes you did a really good job., Well Done."

Nick Pearson reviewed: Japanese style chopping boards workshop - Marlborough

"I absolutely loved this course creating a Japanese chopping board with Jacqui and Pete. They were so lovely and supportive, and shared their expertise so well. Thank you."

Steve Mortimer reviewed: Charcoal & Biochar Making Course - Warminster Wiltshire

"Once again a great course, I did this course last year but came back with my son in law to learn some more about the art of making charcoal. Once again Peter was a mine of information and put across in a relaxed way in great surroundings. I can highly recommend this course."

Explore The Great Outdoors. responded:

"Thank you very much for your kind words. And thank you for choosing us."

Simon reviewed: Green Wood Rustic Stick Chair

"A beautifully paced day of creative exploration and making. Pete and Jacqui were knowledgeable, passionate, welcoming and encouraging. Like with all good creative training days there were some structured, boundaried bits, laying down foundations onto which we could (and were encouraged to) express our own ways of working. Would definitely recommend. "

Fay reviewed: Green Wood Rustic Stick Chair

"Brilliant day … Jacqi was a patient and encouraging teacher … 2 pupils to 1 teacher … Everything made it possible for me to produce a great chair … very happy"

Explore The Great Outdoors. responded:

"Really pleased to hear you enjoyed your day. Thank you for your kind words."

Mike reviewed: Green Wood Rustic Stick Chair

"Lovely day spent with Pete and Jacqui. Great excuse to step off the treadmill for a while - the rustic throne is a bonus!"

Mark Morrison reviewed: Green Wood Rustic Stick Chair

"Pete and Jacqui were fantastic hosts who gave as much help as required whether with design, ideas or building. So welcoming, would happily just sit and chat to them for the day. Really fulfilling course, great stress reliever and fantastic chair to show for it!"