Carpentry Course: Wildwood Bench Crafting

Experience the RiverShop’s one-of-a-kind carpentry course.



4 hours Class size 1 to 10 guests       £125
London Activities
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Craft
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Woodworking Experience Gifts
Experience the RiverShop’s one-of-a-kind carpentry course and learn how to create a stunning, rustic wooden bench with tree trunk legs.
This carpentry course is more than just a workshop—it’s a journey that connects you to the land, the materials, and the process of woodworking.
Each bench features legs cut from tree trunks we hand-selected and harvested ourselves from a beautiful farm in Suffolk. We then bring this responsibly sourced wood to our London studio, where students like you can turn it into a functional, artful piece of furniture.
Our carpentry course is designed to immerse you in every step, from raw material to finished bench, with guidance from our passionate instructors who love sharing their knowledge of woodworking techniques and craftsmanship.
About the Course:
In this carpentry course, you’ll learn how to build a unique tree trunk bench, blending the charm of Suffolk’s natural wood with skilled craftsmanship. The bench’s tree trunk legs give it a grounded, rustic beauty, making each piece uniquely yours. Our carpentry course instructors are seasoned woodworkers who will teach you each stage of the project, ensuring you learn not only to make a bench, but also to understand the tools, materials, and techniques that go into crafting it.
This carpentry course uses tree trunks that have been carefully chosen and harvested to promote the growth of new woodlands in Suffolk. From our hand-selection and cutting of the wood to bringing it to London for our students, each step is an intentional part of creating a sustainable and meaningful piece. We are deeply committed to this process, and you’ll feel this passion throughout the carpentry course as you gain insight into the origins of your materials and the impact of responsible sourcing.
What You Will Learn:
This carpentry course is designed to teach you every aspect of woodworking needed to create a durable, beautiful bench that will last for years to come.
  • Learn to select, clean, and prepare tree trunks that provide both stability and beauty. You’ll understand how to assess wood grain, density, and structural integrity, ensuring that your bench has a strong foundation.
  • This carpentry course covers all essential techniques, including sanding, cutting, and joining, so you’ll feel confident working with the wood’s natural, uneven qualities. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your craft, we’ll teach you the foundational skills for success.
  • Our instructors will guide you in creating solid joinery connections that will ensure the stability of your bench. We focus on simple yet strong methods, including mortise and tenon joints, to make sure your bench is both functional and beautiful.
  • Learn to finish your bench with professional-quality techniques that highlight the wood’s unique character. From sanding to sealing, you’ll understand how to preserve the natural beauty of your materials and protect your bench for years to come.
This carpentry course is open to anyone who loves hands-on work and wants to create a unique, rustic piece of furniture. No prior experience is necessary—our experienced instructors will provide step-by-step guidance tailored to your level, making this carpentry course ideal for beginners as well as those looking to expand their woodworking skills.
Whether you’re an aspiring woodworker, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking to build something with your own hands, this carpentry course will leave you with newfound skills, a deeper appreciation for sustainable woodworking, and a bench that’s uniquely yours.
By the end of this carpentry course, you’ll leave with a bench that captures the beauty of the Suffolk countryside, a deeper connection to sustainable woodworking, and skills you can use for future projects.
Join us to create a bench that’s truly special, from source to finished product, with the guidance of skilled instructors and the joy of working with nature’s material.
NB: We do not accept entry to our classes 15 minutes after the listed start time. This is to ensure our students have a lesson without disruption once the class has started.
Our classes may take longer than the time stated. We can only estimate how long each class takes, and we do not want to rush students. Please allocate additional time after the class in case they overrun.
Thank you for your understanding and punctuality.

Upcoming dates for Carpentry Course: Wildwood Bench Crafting

Times are London time. Dates and prices as of 6 Oct 2026, 8:32am; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

3 upcoming dates between 21 Nov 2026 and 16 Jan 2027.

  • Sat 21 Nov 2026, 10am-2pm
  • Sat 19 Dec 2026, 10am-2pm
  • Sat 16 Jan 2027, 4pm-8pm
What you'll get
Your own handcrafted rustic wooden bench with tree trunk legs to take home.
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Beginners
What to bring
Materials and tools will be provided for you on the course but we suggest wearing old clothes as it can get messy.
For safety reasons, open-toed shoes (including sandals, flip-flops, and similar styles) are not permitted in our workshop. All participants must wear closed-toe shoes to take part in the class.
Please note: Entry will be refused to anyone not wearing appropriate footwear, and no refund will be provided in these cases.
We will meet in the Atrium just to the left of the vehicle gates upon entering Thames Side Studios. There is free parking on site, within the gated area, just drive up to the gates and you will be let in. Alternatively, Woolwich Dockyard station is about 10-15 minutes away by foot. Greenwich station is also close by with bus routes taking you close to our studio. Please bear in mind that we are situated within the ULEZ. This might incur a charge depending on what type or age of your vehicle you drive.
Location

Harrington Way SE18 5NR

Carpentry Course: Wildwood Bench Crafting location
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Recent reviews of Carpentry Course: Wildwood Bench Crafting

  • 5/5 from Cqimere Girigari, attended Sep 2026: Honestly such a great workshop and teacher my boyfriend really enjoyed what he made.
  • 5/5 from Vaibhav Dikshit, attended Aug 2026: Had an amazing experience. Very hands-on, and the guide was amazing. Was a gift, and completely loved it. I went on a bike, as I completely forgot that we could carry back the bench we made, so come prepared.
  • 5/5 from Helena Rowley, attended Aug 2026: Really enjoyable day!
  • 4/5 from Christopher Sarfo, attended Aug 2026: Fun experience and was well organised. Was demonstrated well and supported throughout the session by Richard and Joel.
  • 5/5 from Craig Twyman, attended May 2026: would highly recommend this woodworking class to anyone, regardless of your skill level! It was such a lighthearted and enjoyable experience from start to finish.Richard was a terrific instructor. He explained the bench-making process with a friendly, easy-going attitude while still making sure every important detail was simple to understand.The facilities are truly first-class. It was a real treat to work in such a great space and use the high-quality tools and equipment provided. I went with a friend, and we had the absolute best four hours of creative fun.Thanks Richard.Five stars all the way!
  • 5/5 from Patrick Porter, attended May 2026: This was a fantastic day. It was fun and it was creative. Myself and my good friend Gary had a fabulous time making our little foot stalls come side tables. Loads of great woodworking tips and skills from our leader Richard. Fabulous fun
  • 5/5 from Alastair Kight, attended May 2026: Such an amazing experience! Richard is a brilliant host/tutor who ensured we all, a dozen strangers, had the most enjoyable 4 hours together. The set up is amazing, the course unbeatable. I will be going to another one soon.
  • 5/5 from Grace James-Park, attended Apr 2026: My partner bought me this course as a birthday gift. I had a fantastic time and am absolutely thrilled with my bench which is now centre stage in my living room. Richard was an excellent teacher and made the course good fun, his passion for woodwork was infectious! His instructions at the beginning were perfect, just enough that we knew what to do but not so much that it took ages to get into the action. Very much recommend and I’m sure I will be back for another one soon!
  • 5/5 from Tim Barry, attended Apr 2026: Richard did a great job of organizing the class in a friendly and informational manner. In addition, we were really happy with our end product, a wildwood bench, which we plan on using for years to come. I would personally recommend the class for anyone new to woodworking.
  • 5/5 from Emma Catherine Adams, attended Apr 2026: Fun and educational time making a wildwood bench. Richard was awesome at explaining everything and it was great to be able to get on with all the stages on your Ian and ask for help if needed. Would highly recommend
  • 5/5 from Cheryl Evans, attended Feb 2026: It was great to get hands on with wood and learn with Richard.
  • 5/5 from Hannah Hammond, attended Jan 2026: Excellent class! The teachers were very supportive and knowledgeable. We came away with two gorgeous benches and feeling inspired to try more woodwork projects around the house. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this.
  • 5/5 from Sean Randall, attended Jan 2026: This was a great class. Really happy with our creation. Hoping to use the skills learned on future projects!
  • 5/5 from Samuel James, attended Nov 2025: My friend and I had a fantastic time in this class. Richard was a great teacher and it was far more involved than we were expecting. The bench made is very study and has made a nice addition to the house. Would definitely recommend this course.
  • 5/5 from Fred Stace-Smith, attended Oct 2025: This was such a fantastic experience, Richard was incredibly knowldgeable and an excellent teacher throughout the whole class, perfelectly balancing assistance with 'hands off'. Making the bench was such a fun and rewarding experience, and I feel I learnt so much about not just how to do it, but why to do certian things. The workshop itself was also a lovely space in which to work. 10/10 would reccomend to anyone.
  • 5/5 from Jakub Stasiniewicz, attended Jul 2025: Fantastic course, definitely will be coming back.
  • 5/5 from Francesca Fish, attended Apr 2025: Richard and Joao were amazing! Super friendly, always forthcoming with answering any questions & lots of fun! My wife brought me this as a birthday present and it was a great way to spend the morning into early afternoon. The team created a great atmosphere and were offering tips and tricks. Got to bring home a super lovely table and they both were completely open to know how the course had gone & looking for feedback. Thanks for the guaranteed seat on the London underground guys & can't wait to come back. All the best, Zach
  • 5/5 from Pablo Martin Romero, attended Mar 2025: Great class - would 10/10 recommend!
  • 5/5 from Brian Reynolds, attended Mar 2025: Went on the Wildwood Bench crafting course today had a great day learnt a lot and made a lovely bench. The instruction and course tutor Richard was excellent and easy to follow with encouragement and advice from Richard and his assistant. Very pleased with the day thank you both. Looking forward to my next course just got to pick one.
  • 5/5 from Mathieu Loiseau, attended Jan 2025: Richard, the teacher, was fantastic! We made a bench, and I absolutely loved learning how to use the tools. It felt so empowering to create something that turned out not only beautiful but also useful. This workshop was extra special to me because it was a Christmas gift from my boyfriend — the best Christmas gift I’ve ever received!
Your teacher

The Rivershop
The Rivershop

4.9 (1,220)

At Rivershop, we bring creativity to life through the timeless artistry of woodwork and the mesmerising beauty of resin. Our workshops are designed for enthusiasts of all skill levels, offering hands-on experiences that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques.
From crafting bespoke wooden pieces to creating stunning resin art, our expert-led classes guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re shaping elegant charcuterie boards, pouring vibrant resin designs, or learning the fundamentals of woodworking, Rivershop provides the tools, techniques, and inspiration to bring your vision to life.
Join us to explore the endless possibilities of wood and resin, unleash your creativity, and take home handcrafted creations you’ll cherish forever.
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