Bows have been part of our culture for thousands of years. So long and so important are they that perhaps none of us would be here without the skill and patience of our ancestors. Hunting, inter-tribal conflict, and symbols of power that shaped nations, even our small islands, show that these beautiful pieces of timber were far more than mere tools. Each bow is a personal statement of skill, patience, and craftsmanship.

In our workshops, we explore bow design through the ages, drawing inspiration from the prehistoric record to help you find the design that suits you best. You will craft your bow using simple bushcraft tools, applying knowledge and techniques passed down through generations of bowyers.

By the end of the workshop, you will have created a longbow or flatbow from sustainably felled native timber, prepared using traditional methods. You will have made the bow, crafted a string, and gained the practical knowledge to do it again.

Most importantly, you will join the growing number of people returning to traditional archery, relying on your own skill and understanding rather than machines or modern materials. In our view, this embodies the core values of bushcraft: self-reliance, patience, and respect for tradition.

Course Content

• Bow History
• Wooden Bow Design
• Factors Affecting Bow Efficiency
• Wood Selection
• Bow Woods
• Tillering
• String Materials
• String Construction
• Serving Strings
• Arrow History & Design
• Arrow Woods
• Archery Techniques

Duration

The course runs over 4 days. On the first day, you will arrive at 5pm to set up camp, followed by an informal evening talk on bow history and design. Full working days then follow, concluding at 5pm on the final day.

Fees

Total course fee: £395 per person.
Deposit secures your place. Remaining balance of £295 invoiced 4–6 weeks prior to course start.

For any further questions, please contact us directly.

Catering

This course is part-catered, with an evening meal provided. We can accommodate meat and vegetarian diets. If you have allergies or a strict dietary requirement, you will need to supplement the provided catering with your own provisions.

Dates and Times – 2026

Please select the workshop dates you'd like from the drop down menu at the bottom of the page. 

Timber Conversion course – February 2027 25th - 28th – 4 Places Available -Learn to identify and fell bow wood using hand tools, process round wood to staves and make laminates backings, cores and bellies for bow staves. Includes bow wood fault finding and carpentry solutions for fixes like Dutchman plugs, blooms, joints and more.

Thursday 26th, arrive 5pm
Friday 27th
Saturday 28th
Sunday 1st, finishes 5pm

March Bow Making Workshop – FULL
Thursday 12th, arrive 5pm
Friday 13th
Saturday 14th
Sunday 15th, finishes 5pm

May Bow Making Workshop – FULL
Thursday 7th, arrive 5pm
Friday 8th
Saturday 9th
Sunday 10th, finishes 5pm

July Bow Making Workshop – 5 Places Available
Thursday 9th, arrive 5pm
Friday 10th
Saturday 11th
Sunday 12th, finishes 5pm

September Bow Making Workshop – 5 Places Available
Thursday 24th, arrive 5pm
Friday 25th
Saturday 26th
Sunday 27th, finishes 5pm

Course place availability is updated daily.

Location

Near Hellingly, East Sussex

Camping & Facilities

Woodland camping is included at no extra cost (optional). Local B&Bs and hotels are available.

Facilities at the woodland workshop include:

• Heated workshop
• Kitchen
• Showers
• Toilets
• Woodland or field camping
• Self-contained camper vans welcome

Course Size

Maximum of 8 participants

Course Details

This course is set entirely outdoors from our comfortable expedition-style camp. A basic level of carpentry experience is helpful but not essential. Traditional bow making is physically and mentally demanding, and you will be using tools and muscle groups that may be unfamiliar.

You will be closely guided throughout the process by Phil and two trained instructors. This is not a demonstration; this is you building your bow with professional guidance.

Adult-only course. Appropriate warm outdoor clothing required.

Upon booking, you will receive detailed joining instructions via PDF, including:

• Recommended kit list
• Directions
• Course information
• Medical form

Please check your email account, including spam folders, for attachments.

Tools

All tools are provided. You may find it useful to have one of our own Bow Making Scrapers, ideal for this course.

Bow Making at Other Venues

Phil also teaches Traditional English Longbow Making at other heritage events, including the Weald and Downland Museum.

Social Media

See photographs from previous workshops on Instagram: Phil Brooke Longbows Instagram.

Reviews

Rob Leaney
“I just want to say a big thank you for a fantastic weekend of bow making. I signed up to your course as an archer, thinking it would be nice to make my own bow. But I didn’t come away with just a bow, it was a great experience. As someone with little crafting skills, you and your team were very patient guiding us through tool technique and the anatomy of the longbow and the materials to make it. Your knowledge of the history of archery topped the experience off too. The friendly environment allowed this to be a social experience from the light-hearted banter to the help and encouragement from staff and students. Scott did a tremendous job in the camp kitchen and kept us well fed. This has seriously made me consider signing up for the next level.”

You can read more genuine client reviews on our Reviews page.