Who are we? The Northern School of Woodwork (previously called Wharfedale Workshop as we used to be in Ilkley in Wharfedale) runs a range of courses specialising in hand tool woodwork at beginner and intermediate levels. Whether you’re an adventurous hobbyist, a confident DIY-er or an enthusiastic crafter, you can work at your own pace in our fantastic workshop in Sunny Bank Mills.
See below for Christmas vouchers and courses:
Welcome to those of you we met at the Harrogate Woodworking Show !
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS!!!! – Spring 2026 dates now on course pages!
Our courses are great for Christmas presents. Now I know we are not cheap but our feedback is really excellent. (search for our Google reviews.) Our 2 day weekend Introduction to Fine Woodworking (£295) is the most popular present and is perfect for anyone who wants to really commit to making high quality boxes, small cabinets and furniture; it focuses on the tools and skills you need to begin fine hand tool woodwork. Our Box Making Course (£595) runs over 2 weekends and covers some of the same ground but focuses on making a beautiful dovetailed ash box. Many people come along for one to one sessions to make a fantastic pine and oak work bench; it takes about 3 days (c.£900) and you leave with a wonderful handmade bench which will last several lifetimes.
As an option, we can laser engrave a small wooden voucher as something tangible to give on the day:
See below for more detail on all our courses and email for booking and payment details.
2 DAY INTRODUCTION TO FINE WOODWORKING COURSE – £295.
Next free place 7/8 February 2026
ROUTER SKILLS COURSE: £195 one day comprehensive course for complete beginners. Courses now full for this year
2026 places available: Sunday 26 April 2026 9.00am-4.00pm
BOX MAKING COURSE: £595 The popular box making course is now being run over 2 consecutive weekends. This will allow us to make a very nice dovetailed, hinged English ash box with lining! Hard work but very rewarding. Beginners welcome. 14/15 and 21/22 March 2026
You will find more details on each of these courses on the relevant page of this website – access these using the menu at the top. Once you have looked at that information, email to book a place and we will send booking and payment details; you can’t book directly from this site. Looking forward to seeing you in the workshop!
Bench Making
We run this one a one to one basis. Find more info here: Bench Making
What do we do? Our most popular course is our 2 day introduction to fine/hand tool woodworking which gives a thorough introduction to woodwork. This course runs every month and places tend to be booked very quickly. We also run two other courses in Box making and Routing; these run around once a quarter. People also come to make a work bench – this is done on a one to one basis.
Where do we do it? Our workshop is in Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, near Leeds. Find out more about our workshop, the mill and our neighbours here:
How do I book a course or ask a question? You can contact us by email at northernschoolofwoodwork@gmail.com Also, if this website doesn’t answer your questions then find out more ways to contact us here but do read the FAQs (below) first:
FAQs
Is the 2 day introduction course suitable for complete beginners? – Yes it is
Under 18s? – Sorry no as the insurance does not allow it – we are not aware of any children’s woodworking courses
Do I need to bring any tools? – No all you need is provided
Lunch? – Bring sandwiches or several nearby options to buy hot or cold food – tea and biscuits provided
Parking? – On site and free
Booking on-line? – No. Email and we will reply with booking and payment details
Availability of courses? – This website is kept up to date with available dates for the individual courses
Small print: You may cancel or change your course (if space available) at no charge with 6 weeks notice; 2-6 weeks notice 50% fee retained; 1-13 days notice 100% fee retained. We will however always try and fill your space (and often do) but this is not guaranteed. One to one days are not refundable. Vouchers must be used within 6 months of purchase.
Box making 