Metal work/forge in Devon (Combe Martin)?

[MarkRuffaloCrumble]

We're staying in Combe Martin in the summer and looking for some activities for the DCs.

DS2 is 10 and into Minecraft (aren't they all?!) and we wanted to find somewhere he could try his hand at some sort of metal work.

I've tried asking Tourist Information on Facebook but they haven't been able to help so far, does anyone know of somewhere we could try?

Also any other suggestions for the DCs would be very welcome, they are 7,8,10,10 and 15.

[sacbina]

try goggling artist blacksmith.

[sanityawol]

The problem is, most metalwork is quite dangerous (DH is a welder), so you'll probably be hard pushed to find somewhere that will allow them to actually have a go.

I'm in North Devon, but not that near Combe Martin... if I can come up with anything I'll post it on here.

[balletgirlmum]

We are off to Combe Martin next week too! I also have an 11 year old Minecrafter.

Sorry no suggestions. Combe Martin itself is quite small. We tend to go to Ilfracombe for days out & to woolacombe for a better beach.

[Ferguson]

There should be some tin and copper mine sites not too far away (Poldark!?) (Google Dartmoor and Exmoor) and also a few steam railways, particularly Dart Valley and Paignton-Dartmouth.

At Chudleigh in South Devon is the National Trust Finch Foundry. Also in that area are various I K Brunel sites, including one of his very few 'failures' an 'atmospheric railway' on the south coast, and there is a small museum at Newton Abbot (once an important railway town.)

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/finch-foundry/

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isambard_Kingdom_Brunel

The link below includes 'ordinary' railways, as well as heritage one, but it also has a rather nice map of Devon and Cornwall.

greatscenicrailways.co.uk/

There are also river cruises on the Dart, and sea cruises across Torbay I think.

Have a good holiday!

[UniS]

www.craftcourses.com/categories/metal/blacksmithing?page=3

I'm not sure you will find much for a child of 10. Forges are hot and dangerous, not somewhere I'd want to supervise a child I didn't know.
Have you considered forest school type days, opportunity for making things, using tool and lighting fires, but more woodwork than metal. DS ( age 9) always seems to come home with a new weapon he has made, spears, bows and recently nice daggers he has turned on a pole lathe.
He goes to Woodland Adventure Club, at Haldon Forest, near Exeter.

[UniS]

Lynton and Barnstable railway can be a good slightly geeky day out in North Devon. The volunteer drivers, guards, controllers are generally happy to explain how things work.

[SantasLittleMonkeyButler]

I'm not sure how far it is from Combe Martin, but they did do blacksmith type experience days near J30 of the M5 - near Westpoint just outside Exeter.

I don't know if they still do them, or if they would be suitable for children.

[sacbina]

not much help for now but if you're ever in London, Kew Bridge steam museum have blacksmith taster sessions, sometimes for children. check website for special events

[MarkRuffaloCrumble]

Thanks all, that's great. I will have a look at all of those and even if we can't combine the metalwork with the holiday, we can try some of the other lovely geeky suggestions for him and look at blacksmithing another day.

I know what you mean about hot metal and 10 year olds not being a good combination. I suppose I hadn't considered that not all 10 year olds are as sensible and mature as my DS2 - in fact I wouldn't trust his 15 year old brother not to mess about in a forge, even though DS2 would be fine with it!

[Kez100]

My grandad worked in the silver mine near combe Martin! Can't help anymore than that....maybe drop into their museum and ask there