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NI Science Festival 2025: Crafters of the Forge

Are you ready to ignite your creativity and delve into the world of traditional craftsmanship? Get fired up for a hands-on experience that combines history, artistry, and practical skills.

  • Booking essential

In this one-hour workshop, you'll learn the time-honored techniques of forging and blacksmithing, guided by our skilled National Trust blacksmith team.

This year, we’re turning up the heat as you create your very own bespoke bottle opener—a perfect blend of functionality and personal craftsmanship to take home.

Come prepared in clothes you don't mind getting a little dirty, and wear sturdy footwear, preferably work boots or shoes. Don't forget your water bottle—blacksmithing is hot work, and you’ll want to stay hydrated.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
All £25.00

The basics

Booking details

Call n/a

Suitability

+14

Meeting point

Entrance of the forge

What to bring and wear

sturdy footwear

Accessibility

ramps and wheelchair access available

Contact info

Patterson's Spade Mill

Upcoming events

Event

4-Week Blacksmithing Course Starts Tuesday, 21st January, 2025 

Take time out of your hustle and bustle and try your hand at the ancient craft of blacksmithing.

Event summary

on
28 Jan to 11 Feb 2025
at
19:00 to 21:00
+ 2 other dates or times
Event

Patterson's Spade Mill Guided Tour 

Witness over 250 years of spade making history at the last water powered spade mill, in daily operation, in the UK.

Event summary

on
1 Feb to 1 Nov 2025
at
11:00 to 12:00
+ 29 other dates or times
Event

Patterson's Spade Mill Interactive Tour 

Experience 250 years of spade making history at the last water powered spade mill, still in daily operation, in the UK. Engage your senses as you feel the heat of the forge, see the flames and hear the ring of hammers on steel.

Event summary

on
1 Feb to 1 Nov 2025
at
15:00 to 16:00
+ 14 other dates or times
Event

1-Day Blacksmithing Courses 2025 

Take time out of your daily hustle and bustle and have a crack at being a Blacksmith for a day. Select from a range of dates throughout the year.

Event summary

on
8 Feb to 23 Aug 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 4 other dates or times