From artisans to adventurers: Immersive Cotswold experiences to try this summer

From blacksmithing to stargazing, the Cotswolds offers an array of immersive experiences to ignite your creativity. We look at some wonderful opportunities to create unforgettable memories.

Blacksmithing experience at Arian’s Forge

Once upon a time, every village would have had its own blacksmith, busy doing essential jobs such as shoeing horses, forging nails, and making and sharpening farm implements: an endless list. Arian Leljak not only continues to practise those ancient skills; he’s also committed to passing them on to others. An experienced teacher, as well as blacksmith, Arian has trained with famous Swedish axe-makers Gransfors Bruks, and takes inspiration from indigenous Sami craft and knife-making. Participants in this hands-on, accessible course will learn about working with iron and fire, as well as being able to pursue their own artistic and practical interests. (What’s more, they’ll take home the fruits of their labour!)

Course suitable for: 16 years and over
Duration: day
Cost: £120
When: Regularly through the year (see website below); though contact Arian directly for information on bespoke courses: arianleljak@gmail.com/ 07805 304 204
Where: Arian’s Forge, Brotheridge Farm, Cranham GL4 8HD

Webite: craftcourses.com

Aerial skills with School of Larks circus school

If you think your children don’t want to just hang around during the holidays, School of Larks might well prove you wrong. In this case, though, the ‘hanging around’ is in the form of exciting trapeze, silks, hoop and rope – the art of learning fun aerial skills. Children can book for a two-hour session, or attend a whole week, if they’re keen. The school has teachers on hand to instruct from scratch, or to help the more experienced. Some sessions also include juggling, tightrope-walking, spinning plates and flower sticks. What’s more, you can join in at one of three centres: in Nailsworth, Stroud and Bourton-on-the-Water.

Course suitable for: different classes for different age-groups, from five years to teens. Some adult classes, too
Duration: two hours
Cost: £26 per person
When: regularly throughout the holidays: check the website for specific dates
Where: School of Larks, Centre for Science and Art 13, Lansdown, Stroud GL5 1BB (but with sessions at Nailsworth and Bourton-on-the-Water)

Website: schooloflarks.com

Traditional butchery masterclass: Jesse Smith & WJ Castle

Ask Cotswoldians about their favourite butcher (and deli), and this name will crop up again and again: a family-owned company that –as they say themselves - has the 
Cotswolds written all the way through. If you fancy a hands-on lesson in meat and traditional butchery skills, you can’t do better than join a fun and relaxed evening at their Love Lane, Cirencester, headquarters. You’ll try your hand at light butchery skills, learn more about where the meat comes from, and pick up handy hints and tips on how to get the most from each cut. What’s more, participants get to take home a selection of meat they’ve prepared.

Course suitable for: everyone (Though under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Duration: two hours
Cost: £100 per person for an organised masterclass, maximum 12 people; £125 per person for a private event for five+ people, on a date of your choice
When: the various monthly masterclasses are always on a Friday; pre-booking is essential
Where: Jesse Smith Butcher & W.J Castle, head office, Unit 13A, 19 Love Lane, Cirencester GL7 1YG

Website: jessesmith.co.uk/masterclasses

Cider-making masterclass: Dunkertons Organic Cider, Cheltenham

The UK drinks more cider than anywhere else in the world. But the trick is to make sure you’re drinking the absolute best! We highly recommend Dunkertons Organic, where not only is a love for nature at the heart of the cider; but cracking award-winning drinks are the result. During this masterclass, you’ll take a tour of the cidery with an expert guide; learn why they use traditional varieties of organic cider apples and perry pears; then, with a totally hands-on approach, how fruit can be combined to create subtle nuances in blended ciders. Create your own unique blend and discover how to pair it with artisan cheese.

Course suitable for: over 18s; ID might be requested
Duration: approximately two hours
Cost: £35 per person
When: two Sundays each month, beginning at 1pm
Where: Dunkertons Cider, London Rd, Cheltenham, GL52 6UT

Website: dunkertonscider.co.uk/masterclass-tours

Drystone walling. Two-day course. Hillrise Stonework

If you want a defining image of the Cotswolds, then you need a drystone wall. They were being built 5,000 years ago in the Neolithic period, and they’re still being built today. Not only beautiful features of the landscape, these limestone boundaries also provide habitats for some of the region’s most treasured wildlife. Building a drystone wall is above all great fun. You will learn what it takes to do this highly skilled job. Plus, its rewarding, mentally, relaxing and a great way to spend time outdoors. (Not to mention a fantastic work-out!). DSWA GB Instructor Richard Gray (of Hillrise Stonework) leads two-day courses in picturesque Cotswold locations. These courses not only teach this traditional skill; they also help preserve an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for generations to come. 

Course suitable for: ages 16 and over, no experience necessary
Duration: over two days
Cost: £195 per person
When: April to October
Where: Notgrove Holidays, Cheltenham GL54 3BT and Whitehill Quarry,
Burford OX18 4EX

Website: hillrisestonework.co.uk/dry-stone-wall-workshops

Cotswold Stargazing experience: Dark Sky Telescope Hire

Of course the Cotswolds is the most gorgeous sight by day. But don’t ignore the beauty of the night. As dusk falls, the region’s skies become glorious and – according to countryside charity CPRE – amongst the darkest in the country. No wonder it’s a perfect area for stargazing. With an experienced astronomer as your guide, this session takes place on the giddy heights of Cleeve Hill. It will likely start with a laser-guided tour of the stars and constellations; followed by using a large telescope for a journey out across the universe: star systems, star clusters, nebulae and distant galaxies, alongside the background story to each view.

Suitable for: ages seven and over (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
Duration: two hours
Cost: £180 for one hour; £225 for two hours; a private experience for the client, plus up to 15 family members or friends
When: only dates not generally available are December 24-31 – though places book up quickly
Where: Meet at Cleeve Hill Common, GL54 4EU, by the radio masts

Website: darkskytelescopehire.co.uk/stargazing-experiences

Cotswold photography workshops out-and-about: Will Gray Photography

Depending on the season, says award-winning photographer William Gray, his workshops can focus on ‘bluebell woods, mist-covered water meadows, honey-stone villages, butterfly-speckled chalk grassland, poppy fields, formal gardens, arboretums, wildlife parks...’ And if that doesn’t tempt you, nothing will! For therein lies the beauty of the Cotswolds – and the chance to learn how to capture it in perfect photographic form. There are three Cotswold workshops to choose from; and each offers the choice of one-to-one or as part of a small group. A three-hour tutorial concentrates on camera basics; a full-day Cotswold tour covers everything from light and composition to filters and depth of field. There’s also a half-day walking tour, as much about a relaxed meander in lovely surroundings as camera skills.

Duration: from three hours to full day
Cost: from £55 up to £250 per person, depending on numbers (from one-to-one; or group, maximum five people)
When: year round
Where: In various locations around the Cotswolds

Website: william-gray.co.uk/photography-workshops

Gold footplate steam-driving experience: GWSR (Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway)

We’ve (pretty much) all had a train set. We’ve (pretty much) all read Thomas the Tank to our children (in some cases, endlessly!) Well, here’s a chance to impress the kids – and everybody else - by driving a real steam train. A footplate experience on the GWSR volunteer-run heritage railway is a humdinger of an opportunity. With two round trips between Broadway, Toddington and Cheltenham, you’ll cover a total of 56 scenic miles, firing and driving a steam locomotive, hauling up to seven heritage railway carriages, under expert supervision. Each of eight participants can be accompanied by up to two guests at £30 each, who may travel in the brake coach during the course. The experience includes other goodies, including a full English breakfast for all, and packed lunches.

Suitable for: participants must be over 18; guests 16 and over
Duration: full day
Cost: £626 (with up to two participants at £30 each; see above)
When: selected Fridays from April to September
Where: GWSR, Toddington Railway Station, Toddington GL54 5DT

Website: gwsr.com/your-visit/events-experiences