Stunning location in which to watch my son learn from a master. Highly recommend the taster session - would love have a go some day!
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
2026.03.26
Thank you, Sally! We're thrilled your son enjoyed the experience and you appreciated the location. We'd be delighted to have you join a session in the future—let us know when you're ready!
We had a great time as a group of 7 doing the 1/2 day blacksmithing experience making bottle openers. You get to experience using traditional techniques and tools (they had a 105yr old bellow that you use with the fire). Dave and Bex were wonderful instructors and we all ended up with functioning bottle openers. It was a great fun, engaging morning that we all enjoyed. Thanks Dave and Bex!
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
2026.03.26
Thank you, Alex! We're thrilled to hear that you and your group enjoyed the blacksmithing experience. Your kind words about Dave and Bex mean a lot—it's wonderful knowing you all had such an engaging and memorable time!
Had a roaring good time at the Old Pound Smithy
From the moment we stepped in, it was clear we were in good hands; Jamie - from Bastion Forge and our teacher for the day - struck the perfect balance between guiding and enabling us to shape our own experience, and our own knives
Thanks to Jamie's masterful skill and instruction we were able to apply a wide range of techniques.
There’s something deeply satisfying about taking a raw piece of steel and, with a bit of heat and a lot of hammering (or in my case, a lot of heat, many pieces of steel and a bit of hammering) and turning it into something to be genuinely proud of.
All in all, a solid experience that's well worth the effort.
We'll be back for the axe-making course!
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
2026.03.26
Thank you, Oliver, for sharing your experience! We're delighted you enjoyed the knife-making workshop and found it rewarding. Jamie will be thrilled to hear about your praise. We look forward to seeing you again for axe-making!
Fabulous blacksmithing experience with Dave, who was patient, kind and super informative and we love the end product. Thank you!
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
2026.03.26
Thank you, MrsBee! We're delighted you enjoyed the blacksmithing experience with Dave and appreciated his expertise and guidance. We're thrilled that you love the final product!
Dave is an excellent teacher of the blacksmiths craft. He set us up and guided us through the steps to learn and create our own workpieces. I did the one day course and forged three pieces. It’s an excellent experience learning a whole new skill. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone.
A splendid afternoon on the two hour taster session in the Smithy Forge making our own curled, twisted and working bottle openers- really good quality coaching from a patient welcoming team.
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
2026.03.03
Thank you, Kate, for your kind words! We're delighted you enjoyed the taster session and found our coaching helpful. It's wonderful to know you had a great time crafting your bottle opener.
If you want to be educated in the ways of the old arts then this the place. Situated in an idyllic west countryside location an authentic and rustic olde worlde forge sits where you will be educated and tested in the art of blacksmithing; learning and aching from the efforts that you learn to appreciate the wonderful and passionate staff guide you through the processes in a safe yet interesting manner. always attentive, willing to pass on their knowledge and skills. This place is not run of the mill and the courses are a joy - all that we wanted from a trip to days gone by - you even get to keep your efforts that you can look at in the future and reminisce on the time spent at the 'Old Pounds Smithy' A truly authentic experience worth every penny which we further enjoyed by staying overnight at their quirky and eclectic Yurts. A very different experience coupled with the facilities you would expect for a self catering stay - topped off by relaxing in the massaging bubbles of a hot tub after a rewarding and industrious day soaking away the aches and pains (of course after having a shower - you will get dirty). Many thanks to Dave for setting up this site and his advice during the 'knife making' and Jamie for his boundless energy and enthusiasm, attention to detail and patience. It was a trip for my 60th Birthday with my immediate family and is one that I will not forget. Keep the old arts alive.
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
Thank you, Brian, for sharing such a heartfelt and detailed review. We're delighted you enjoyed the blacksmithing course and stay, and that your 60th birthday was made memorable. Your words inspire us to continue preserving and sharing these cherished traditions.
We loved our stay, beautiful surroundings, the yurt was so comfortable, the hosts have thought of everything, would love to stay again
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
2026.02.10
Thank you, Sharon, for your kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed your stay and appreciated the details. We'd love to welcome you back for another visit in the future.
Done a Black Smith Taster a week ago and made a bottle opener, Loved it!
David was great at explaining and teaching the craftsmanship of it.
I highly recommend booking up and trying it out!
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
2026.02.10
Thank you, Samuel, for sharing your experience! We're thrilled you enjoyed the blacksmith taster and creating a bottle opener. We'll pass your kind words on to David. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Had a great time on the 1/2 day taster course! Perfect introduction to blacksmithing and definitely planning on coming back for another go!
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
2026.02.10
Thank you, Adam! We're thrilled you enjoyed the taster course and are excited to hear you’re planning to return. Blacksmithing is such a rewarding craft, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more forging fun!
Verified
A beautiful and tranquil location offering complete privacy and all the amenities you could need. The kitchen is compact but very well equipped, and the bathroom, though small, is clean and functional. The hot tub is a particular highlight—spotlessly maintained and wonderfully private.The yurt itself is excellent: cosy, comfortable, and thoughtfully furnished. With both the radiator and the log burner, it stayed warm and peaceful throughout our stay. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, and I had one of the best nights’ sleep I’ve had in a long time.David, the host, was welcoming and attentive. He greeted us on arrival, ensured we had everything we needed, and promptly arranged logs for the burner.Overall, it was a wonderfully peaceful stay in a warm and inviting yurt. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway.
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
2026.01.16
Thank you, Lee, for sharing such a detailed and thoughtful review! We're delighted you had such a peaceful and comfortable stay, and that you enjoyed the yurt, hot tub, and friendly service. We hope to welcome you back soon!
My 11 year old son and I had a wonderful full day blacksmithing at the old pound smithy. The day was a Christmas present from his granny inspired by his love for making things, lord of the rings and minecraft! David was an excellent teacher of blacksmithing skills and gave my son the confidence to really get stuck in and make a bottle opener, hook and letter opener himself. The smithy is in a wonderful location and we enjoyed having our lunch next to their lake. I would highly reccomend this experience.
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
2026.01.16
Thank you, Jonathan! We're thrilled you and your son had such a memorable day. It’s wonderful to hear David’s guidance brought confidence and joy to the experience. Your recommendation means a lot, and we hope to welcome you back!
Really great experience Paul was extremely knowledgeable and patient with us , can't recommend it any more highly well worth visiting and getting to create a few new things
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
Thank you, Gricey! We're thrilled you enjoyed your experience and appreciated Paul's knowledge and patience. It’s wonderful to hear you found it worthwhile and creative. We hope to see you again for more memorable moments!
Amazing stay in Whittlers Yurt. Cannot recommend enough! The setup was private and peaceful and had everything we needed - the yurt was gorgeous, clean, and toasty warm - the hot tub was perfect! The perfect escape from reality. David was a fantastic host, really informative, friendly and helpful with his communication. Great location, great for the dogs, an all around great place!
Wouldn’t think twice about rebooking, will definitely come back!
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
2025.11.25
Thank you, Roberta! We're thrilled you enjoyed your stay and found everything to your liking. It’s wonderful to hear you had a peaceful escape and appreciated David's efforts. We look forward to welcoming you back!
Verified
My partner and I went for our anniversary and we felt right at home immediately, the yurt was extremely cozy and comfortable in a very peaceful and relaxing environment. We went in November but the yurt was lovely and warm and stayed warm. The hot tub was brilliant and a real touch of luxury. Would definitely recommend staying here, whatever season it may be!
Went for a half day Blacksmith course here and it was absolutely brilliant! The instructors were very helpful and took time to explain everything and help us to make a lovely looking bottle opener and hook. The place itself is also lovely, with yurts and nature walks to go on! Would highly recommend going!
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback! We're thrilled you enjoyed the blacksmith course and had a great time exploring the surroundings. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
We had a fantastic stay in the Whittler’s yurt! We are a family of 4 and it was perfect, the wood burner kept it really toasty even in late October rain and the hot tub was amazingly warm. The kitchen was well equipped for making porridge and pasta etc.. and the shower was hot every time. It’s a lovely setting and the kids enjoyed all the space. Our 11 year old had a one to one Blacksmith course which he absolutely loved! He had waited years to be old enough and it didn’t disappoint! The smithy is so interesting, like stepping back in time. We went to the Farmers Arms for dinner (5min drive) which is always superb and the Milky Way theme park which is bonkers but the kids loved it.
Thank you for a great holiday!
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
2025.11.11
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so pleased your family had a fantastic stay and enjoyed the yurt, hot tub, and blacksmith course. It’s great to hear the kids had a blast too!
We have just come back from a weekend stay at Pritchels Yurt. What a wonderful experience.
You have the modern luxuries mixed in with old time charm. Everything we needed was available and it was beautifully clean. We particularly liked how accessible it was and close to nearby beaches.
It rained for some of our stay but this wasn’t a problem because it was so cosy indoors! The rain pattering on the roof and the warm interior was lovely. Star gazing from this location is incredible!
Absolutely beautiful set up, a real credit to the owner’s personality and style. We will be back, hopefully in summer 2026!
Reply from Old Pound Smithy
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed the cosy charm and starry skies at Pritchels Yurt. Your feedback means a lot, and we look forward to welcoming you back in summer 2026!
