What Can I Expect

Book in for an axe making course in Birchington! Spend two days at Bearded Pig Forge on the lovely Quex Park estate near Birchington-on-Sea in the Thanet area of North Kent.

Over the course of a weekend, you will be in the very capable hands of Spike, a skilled artisan whose love of blacksmithing and history combines seamlessly in the very creative and skilful metal work he produces.

Adopting traditional techniques that have been used for thousands of years, you will learn how to make your very own wooden-handled axe. Spike will be with you every step of the way, but it'll be you who will be forging that axe head shape, heat treating the blade and finishing, fashioning the handle out of wood and fitting it.

Nothing is more satisfying than stepping back and taking a good look at your creation. Not only is your axe a useful tool that'll last a lifetime, it's also a piece of art that you can be proud to say you crafted by hand yourself. And of course, you'll be taking your axe home with you.

And we have to say, Spike's workshop in the heart of Quex Park not far from Margate, is a lovely setting for a couple of days of axe making. The park, which is steeped in history, is home to lots of artisanal business, as well as farming, outdoor activities and more.

Axe making in Birchington's Quex Park is available over selected Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year and Spike will be ready with the forged fired up and the anvils ready to welcome you into his world!

When Is It Available

• Courses operate across a Saturday and Sunday throughout the year
• Sessions start at 09:30 finishing at approximately 16:00
• Dates are subject to availability
• Due to popularity it is recommended you book 8-12 weeks in advance for this experience

Suitable For

• Minimum age 18
• This course is an intermediate level

Spectators

• Not suitable for spectators

Anything Else

• Please wear non-flammable clothing and sturdy closed-toe footwear