Fransham Forge reviews

9 Apr 17'

Dave Patrick reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Booked this hoping to make 3 curtain poles for my shepherds hut. Came away with the poles, hold backs, a poker and a shovel. Thoroughly enjoyed myself, and really feel like I've learned something. Nigel 's a great teacher, just the right mix of demonstration, tuition, and letting you get on with it to learn for yourself. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course"

9 Apr 17'

Tarl Bruton reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel flawlessly managed to teach three of us at once, the smoothness of his teaching allowed for all three of us to learn the basics then make four very different things (each) in one day. Personally, Nigel was very welcoming, a super interesting guy with a myriad of amazing and quirky stories that he wove seamlessly in with teaching us. The grounds of the forge were beautiful too, peacocks watched me from the trees as I went exploring over the stream and through the woods, looking out for all the weird and wonderful creations Nigel has made over the years. I will definitely be coming back, either to learn more skills or just to stay in one of the beautiful Shepherd's Huts. Either one alone is more than worth it!"

5 Mar 17'

Dave Atkins reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Another two day course with Nigel. Another two days of learning, fun + making some wonderful pieces of metalwork. Already thinking of what to make next time. Many thanks."

27 Feb 17'

Robert Bell reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I've now done two one day courses with Nigel, the second of which I brought my brother to. Both have been fantastic. Nigel is a brilliant teacher and you'll get the opportunity to make several items which demonstrate the basics of Blacksmithing. Well worth the time and money and I expect Ill find myself back here again."

24 Feb 17'

Daniel barwick reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just finished a one day course with Nigel had a fantastic day and made some great items including a chefs knife. Would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a great day out."

23 Feb 17'

michael martin reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Had the pleasure of spending a cold Saturday in February with Nigel Barnett at the 'Fransham Forge'. It was a real insight to a skill (I had never tried before)blacksmith. Nigel, with a large dollop of humour and patience actually got us making our own fire irons. Nigel also demonstrated other techniques, making nails etc, and gave us the full tour of his latest product, Shepherd Hut construction, there are some shepherd huts on site you can stay in when on the course, but I'm saving that for a future visit in warmer climes. Highly recommend the day, course and spending some time with Nigel at Fransham Forge"

23 Feb 17'

Daniel Lowe reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"what a lovely day well worth the money and would highly recommend. now contemplating building my own forge! thank you Nigel for a wonderful experience! YOU MUST TRY THIS!!!!!!!!!!"

23 Jan 17'

Suzanne Greenway reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Spent an amazing day with Nigel on January 14th 2017, I would recommend to anyone interested in blacksmithing to go here!! He is truly inspirational. Hoping to go again in the summer. Suzanne"

21 Jan 17'

Fliss & Chris reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just got back from a BRILLIANT day forging with Nigel. If you enjoy getting stuck in, being creative & getting filthy, you'll love this course! Nigel is a great tutor who will treat you to many stories from the forging world & inspire you with his beautiful sculptures, some of which are nestled within a woodland. There was just my partner & I on the course which was amazing. We received Nigel's attention all day and because there was only 2 of us we got the chance to make lots of stuff! I was chuffed thinking we'd get to make 1 thing. We in fact made 3 things each and got to bring it all home! Super, super day! Recommended 100%!"

16 Jan 17'

Peter Saunders reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Had an excellent couple of days working with Nigel in his forge, learning and making lots !! Special place :-) Peter"

15 Jan 17'

Ian and Rachel Harrower reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I bought a day's course for my husband for his birthday after he'd been dropping not too subtle hints! Well, it was money well spent and as he declared 'one of his best birthday presents ever'. He was full of praise for Nigel the minute he stepped in the door brandishing a poker, shovel, key rings and a small pot! He has been heartily recommending the course to family and friends and is keen to go back for more!"

15 Jan 17'

Carl Herrington reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"This was my second course with Nigel, obviously I thoroughly enjoyed the first course or I wouldn't have been so keen to do another. On my first course Nigel taught the basics of metal working, explaining the history of blacksmithing and how technology developed through the ages. We rapidly progressed from heating and shaping our first piece of 10mm rod to turning out pokers, shovels, keyrings and small pots. Nigel's knowledge, skill and passion for the art are infectious, his humor and patience carry you through the day of intense learning. You really do get out of the day, what you put into it. My second session was an extension of the first, although 3 months had passed, Nigel remembered me and was able to effortlessly guide me further in my learning while simultaneously starting two first timers off. The way Nigel made the second session mesh with two other lads first session was excellent, we all worked along as a group, with complete support and attention to us all, I was able to move forward and progress, with the freedom to make what I wanted, while the others where guided through from the beginning. Beyond the course Nigel has been very helpful and supportive in helping me to set up a small furnace of my own and I will certainly return for another course and will be bringing a friend who I know will love it!"

12 Dec 16'

Vix McArthur reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My son and I had an amazing two day course with Nigel. A master blacksmith, excellent practical teacher, amusing and erudite raconteur and we feel we have tasted briefly the versatility of metal and gained huge respect for the skill and artistry that goes into forging. Thank you so much, and I look forward to using my fire screen. x"

20 Nov 16'

Richard Vickery reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just had a day long course with Nigel. Just awe inspiring. His enthusiasm and skills are infectious! I came home with Christmas presents I forged that I am proud of. Will definitely be booking another course. I cannot recommend this highly enough. If I had done this course 15 years ago, I would be seriously looking at changing careers - it is that inspiring!"

13 Nov 16'

Julian parkes reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What a great day! Nigel was an excellent teacher and host, could he tell a tale or too. Came away amazed as to what can be done with metal. Will definitely be booking another day or two . Thanks very much Nigel."

7 Oct 16'

Justin Cubitt reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just spent another fantastic day with Nigel at the forge, learnt many more blacksmithing skills. Will be booking up to return soon. Nigel is a true inspiration and true craftsman and fantastic teacher. Thank you."

23 Sep 16'

Kay Pearson reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our 2 day Blacksmithing Course and stay in one of the Shepherd's Huts. Nigel is very skilled, talented and a great teacher with many interesting stories. The workshop was very well equipped with lots of interesting projects to see. The Gallery and sculpture trail are great and show off some of Nigel's work. We also enjoyed looking around at his other projects and can't wait to go back for another visit at a later date. The Shepherd's hut was very comfortable and well crafted. We were pleased with what we made and couldn't wait to show our family and friends. Thank you for making a birthday wish come true. Richard and Kay"

17 Sep 16'

Dave Atkins reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just completed a two day course with Nigel and had a fantastic time. His dedication and enthusiasm is second to none, and leaves you wanting to learn more. He makes the art of forging and blacksmithing seem effortless and shows how to make each piece by example, but with a bit of patience and practice I was able to produce respectable (by my standard anyway) items that I was allowed to take home. Never a dull moment listening to his many tales and stories of the work he's done and people he's met along the way. Wish I'd found out about this course years ago, but now my eyes have been opened - who knows!"

6 Sep 16'

Nicc reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"This course was bought for me for my birthday. And it was fantastic, the blacksmith is a great teacher taking time to show me what I needed to know but also leaving me to it. Nigel's knowledge is very vast. I have thoroughly enjoyed my day, I was tired but all worth it! Everything I made that day I could take home with me. His shop is also a masterpiece! We also stay in one of the gypsy carts with my wife, it just added to the whole experience! Definitely recommend this forge!!!"

4 Sep 16'

Bill & Mary reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just enjoyed 2 days blacksmithing with Nigel for Bill's birthday which exceeded all expectations! We stayed in a cosy shepherd's hut in the idyllic woodland adjoining Fransham Forge. Nigel's infectious enthusiasm guided us through a wide range of techniques & he made sure that we both successfully created several useful tools, supporting our differing levels of ability & guiding us through successive processes. We enjoyed working with Jane & Keith on the second day. Nigel is an inspiring and entertaining teacher & we highly recommend his courses - hope to come again & learn more!"

4 Sep 16'

Matt reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I've had a keen interest in blacksmithing since university and after plenty of research I found this course in Norfolk. I signed up for the two day course and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Nigel's skills, knowledge and enthusiasm for engineering and blacksmithing was amazing! During the two day course I gained much inspiration around the workshop and sculpture garden. All aspects of production were explained including the safe and controlled use of tools and machinery in the forge. I learnt a great deal of knowledge that will be valuable in the future and will definitely attend another course to develop my skills further. I highly recommend this course!"

3 Sep 16'

Jayne Gutteridge reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A big thank to Nigel for the excellent day spent with him, Mary, Bill and Keith. I had a brilliant time and am over the moon with the items I made. It was an experience I shall never forget. Nigel is a very good teacher, I learnt a lot. He makes everything seem so easy to achieve and as he says - there are no mistakes! The workshop day is something I would recommend for anyone who wants to have fun and learn a new skill. Thank you once again Nigel."

29 Aug 16'

Dave Swinborne reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Great Fun. Booked on the recommendation of my brother in law. Was not disappointed. Had a great day with fellow trainee blacksmiths!!!!!. Thoroughly recommend Nigel and the course. Hope to repeat the experience in the future."

24 Jul 16'

Simon Reed reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Had a 2 day course and it was fantastic learnt so much in short space of time. Nigel is an amazing teacher with a wealth of knowledge and plenty of enthusiasm for what he does which he is brilliant at. I will definitely be looking to go back again to learn more."

22 Jul 16'

Justin Cubitt reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just had the best day with Nigel, really nice guy,so knowledgeable, such a craftsman, enthusiastic teacher. Could not believe how much I learnt and done in a day . will definitely be going back to learn more."