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A Welsh Adventure

The Wild Wales
Blacksmithing Experience

Combine world-class forge tuition at Phoenix Forge with the extraordinary landscapes, coast and culture of West Wales. The forge is just the beginning.

Carmarthen, West Wales All Classes Available Stay & Forge Gourmet Dining
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More Than a Day Out

Wales at Its Most Wild

Phoenix Forge sits in the heart of Carmarthenshire — one of the most beautiful and unspoiled corners of Wales. When you combine a class at the forge with a few days exploring the surrounding landscape, you have the ingredients for a genuinely extraordinary trip. Ancient oak forest. Wild Pembrokeshire coast. Roman roads. Gourmet food. And the smell of hot metal and coal smoke from a working forge.

Plan Your Stay

Three Days in West Wales

Forge fire
🔥

Day at the Forge

A full day with William Holland at Phoenix Forge — choose from knife making, axe making, sword making or the blacksmith experience day. Something made by your own hands to take home forever.

Pembrokeshire Coast
🌊

Pembrokeshire Coast

Just 45 minutes from the forge lies one of Britain's most dramatic coastlines. Tenby's medieval walled town and turquoise harbour, Barafundle Bay, St David's Cathedral and the cliffs of Stackpole.

Brecfa Forest
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Brecfa Forest & Beyond

Ancient oak woodland on the doorstep of Carmarthen. Walking trails, mountain biking, red kites circling overhead. The Brecon Beacons are an hour away for those seeking higher ground.

Explore the Region

Places to Visit

Tenby, Pembrokeshire Tenby, Pembrokeshire
45 minutes from the forge

Tenby

One of Wales's most beloved towns and one of Britain's most photogenic harbours. Enclosed by medieval walls, its pastel-painted Georgian houses tumble down to a harbour full of fishing boats and pleasure craft. Four beaches — including the famous Castle Beach — are within walking distance of the town centre. In summer the water is remarkably clear.

Explore the walled town on foot, take the boat to Caldey Island monastery, or simply sit on the harbour wall with a bowl of dressed crab and watch the boats come in.

Brecfa Forest, Carmarthenshire Brecfa Forest, Carmarthenshire
20 minutes from the forge

Brecfa Forest

A vast ancient forest in the hills above Carmarthen, Brecfa is one of Wales's best kept secrets. Miles of waymarked trails wind through oak, birch and Douglas fir — with red kites riding the thermals overhead and dippers working the rivers below. Mountain bikers know it well; walkers mostly have it to themselves.

The Gorlech and Derwen trails offer everything from gentle riverside walks to demanding mountain bike routes. In autumn the ancient oaks turn extraordinary colours.

National Botanic Garden of Wales National Botanic Garden of Wales
15 minutes from the forge

National Botanic Garden of Wales

Home to the world's largest single-span glasshouse — a spectacular Norman Foster dome enclosing a Mediterranean climate garden — the National Botanic Garden is one of Wales's finest visitor attractions. The wider grounds feature walled gardens, a double-walled kitchen garden, wildflower meadows and Regency-era landscape.

Phoenix Forge has a strong connection to the Botanic Garden — William Holland's ironwork can be seen at the entrance gates and throughout the site.

Brecon Beacons Brecon Beacons National Park
60 minutes from the forge

Brecon Beacons

An hour north of Carmarthen, the Brecon Beacons National Park offers some of the finest walking in southern Britain. Pen y Fan, the highest point in southern Wales, rewards the climb with panoramic views across the whole of Wales on a clear day. The Black Mountains to the east are quieter and equally stunning.

The market towns of Brecon and Crickhowell make excellent bases for exploring — both with excellent independent restaurants, bookshops and pubs.

Where to Stay

Our Recommended Hotels

All three hotels are within easy reach of Phoenix Forge and have been personally selected for their character, comfort and welcome.

★★★★

The Boar's Head

Carmarthen Town

A characterful hotel in the heart of Carmarthen with a warm welcome, comfortable rooms and an excellent bar. Well-placed for exploring the town and an easy drive to the forge. Popular with visitors to the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

★★★★

The Rose and Crown

Carmarthenshire

A traditional Welsh inn with comfortable rooms, hearty food and the kind of genuine hospitality that this part of Wales is known for. An excellent base for those wanting to explore both the forge and the wider Carmarthenshire countryside.

★★★★

The Falcon Hotel

Carmarthen

A well-appointed hotel with comfortable rooms and good facilities, centrally located in Carmarthen. A solid base for a multi-day visit to the area — equally convenient for the forge, the Botanic Garden and Pembrokeshire.

Prices and availability vary by season. We recommend booking direct with each hotel. Please mention Phoenix Forge when enquiring.

Eat Well

Where to Eat Near Carmarthen

Carmarthenshire is one of Wales's great food counties — world-class shellfish, outstanding lamb, artisan cheese and a growing restaurant scene.

🦞

Wright's Food Emporium

Deli & Restaurant · Golden Grove

A legendary Carmarthenshire institution. A deli, restaurant and food hall combined — sourcing the very best of Welsh produce. The lobster rolls, salt-marsh lamb and local cheese boards are exceptional. Worth the short drive.

🍣

The Cors Restaurant

Fine Dining · Laugharne

Set in a Victorian house with an extraordinary garden, The Cors is one of Wales's most romantic restaurants. Local fish, game and produce cooked with real flair. Laugharne itself — Dylan Thomas's hometown — is worth an afternoon.

🍺

Harbwr Brewery & Restaurant

Brewery Tap & Kitchen · Tenby

Tenby's own brewery, right on the harbour. Welsh craft ales brewed on-site, Pembrokeshire seafood and a spectacular harbour view. The ideal place to decompress after a day at the forge with a well-earned pint.

🧀

Carmarthen Market

Market Hall · Carmarthen Town

One of the oldest markets in Wales, running three days a week in Carmarthen's Victorian market hall. Local cheesemakers, butchers, bakers and fishmongers — the best possible introduction to Carmarthenshire's extraordinary food culture. Pick up supplies for the week.

Plan Your Wild Wales Visit

Choose Your Class
and Start Planning

Every class at Phoenix Forge can form the centrepiece of a Wild Wales trip. Book your forge day below and use our recommendations above to plan the rest of your stay.

Knife Making1 Day · £199 Axe Making1 Day · £199 Sword Making3 Days · £449 Damascus Knife2 Days · £299 Bushcraft Package3 Days · £499

Questions about planning your trip? Call us on 01267 234 603 — we are happy to help with recommendations.