Perfume Making - Level One Course

Course Description

Discover the art and science of smells and learn how to make your own perfume on this one-day perfume making workshop covering both the theoretical and practical aspects of fragrance creation.

Our one-day beginners’ perfume course appeals to everyone from aspiring perfumers with commercial ambitions, to those curious to learn about the art of how to make a perfume so you can create unique fragrance gifts for yourself, friends and family. You’ll spend much of the day experimenting with the many different ingredients you will be introduced to and make a magical blend of your very own bespoke perfume to take home with you in a stylish, contemporary perfume bottle.

The cost includes refreshments as well as lunch in a restaurant in beautiful Bourton-on-the-Water.

Over 18s only

Gift Vouchers

If you or someone you know would be interested in attending our Level One Perfume Making Course, but don't yet know a date to choose, why not buy a gift voucher from our main Cotswold Perfumery website? The Cotswold Perfumery - Makers of Fine English Fragrances (cotswold-perfumery.co.uk)

You can then check availability for a date that would suit you. Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months.

Cancellation Policy can be found here

Course Dates

The number of places on each course is limited to 8. To check current availability please visit our online booking system.

Course cost: £295

Course length: 1 day

CPD accredited

Course Dates

Saturday, 22 March '25 9am - 5pm

Saturday, 12 April '25 9am - 5pm

Saturday, 10 May '25 9am - 5pm

Saturday, 21 June '25 9am - 5pm

Saturday, 26 July '25 9am - 5pm

Saturday, 6 September '25 9am - 5pm

Saturday, 11 October '25 9am - 5pm

Saturday, 15 November '25 9am - 5pm

View availabilty & book

Clicking the above link will open our secure booking system in a new browser tab.

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Course Features

Spend a day with us at The Cotswold Perfumery and we'll teach you the art and science of the nose, the sense of smells and how to make your own perfume.

Our perfume courses bring together a wide range of people; from aspiring perfumers who have commercial aspirations to discerning individuals who are interested in finding out more about the art of perfumery. You might be looking to create perfume as unique gifts for friends and family for special occasions?

The bespoke element of this course means that you can do just that. Our courses incorporate both theoretical and practical aspects of perfume creation with the majority of your time involved in hands-on perfume making.

Perfumery Level One introduces the basic concepts and perfume classifications and ends with the creation of a perfume.

Your journey into the fascinating world of perfume creation begins with an overview of the theory of perfume making. During the morning session our chief perfumer John Stephen will test your nose and talk you through the basic concepts for perfume creation including fragrance composition, characteristics of raw materials and the stages of the perfume-making process.

In the afternoon, with the help of your newly acquired perfumery knowledge and John’s support, you will work in our laboratory and create your own bespoke perfume to take home with you.

Perfect for:

Our Level One course is the perfect gift for anyone who loves perfume or has an interest in perfumery and wants to make their own perfume or for those considering perfumery as a career. It also provides an excellent insight into the perfume industry and a real-world experience of a fully operational perfume laboratory.

Over 18s only

By the end of the Level One course, you will:

understand how perfumes can be grouped into classifications so that
you have a framework within which to understand fragrances and be able to create your perfume knowledgeably.
learn how to structure a perfume and build it from raw materials.
understand blending techniques and identify typical pitfalls to avoid.
appreciate the importance of balance and harmony in perfume and how to achieve these qualities.
learn how to use perfume making and testing equipment safely and confidently.
make your own distinctive perfume to take home.

Cancellation Policy can be found here

Location

Cotswold Perfumery
Victoria Street
Bourton on the Water
Cheltenham
GL54 2BU
England

About the venue

The Cotswold Perfumery

We have a dedicated teaching room/laboratory at the Cotswold Perfumery in the beautiful village of Bourton on the Water

The knowledge transfer from John was outstanding, easy to digest and so wide-ranging covering so many aspects of creating a perfume and beyond (multidisciplinary), an absolute masterclass and so enjoyable!

Alison

Interesting day, would definitely recommend this to my friends

Rosemary D

It's great to to be inspired and informed by an obvious expert in their field. It generates a buzz of enthusiasm in the room.

Attendee September 2021

Extremely helpful. A must for everyone in fragrance industry

Nasir A

The entire day was totally enjoyable. The group was a good mix, and John is a joy. I wouldn’t change anything – it was all marvellous. Thank you for a lovely, well put together day. Even the lunch was tremendous.

Julie

Fantastic/informative day. Would definitely do 2nd course

H Mitchell

I heard about the course when I visited the Cotswold Perfumery shop in Bourton-on-the-Water. It was excellent. John’s enthusiasm for his subject made the course. If only he had been my chemistry teacher, I might have learnt something at school!

Jane

Fantastic; so much more than I expected. Thank you :)

Clea W

A well organised, enjoyable day. Excellent presentation, support, humour and encouragement from John. His extensive knowledge and passion for the subject was evident throughout. Thank you.

Chris

I was fascinated by everything that we were taught and by doing the practical parts. I could have listened to John for such a long time. He had so much knowledge to share.

Lianne

Fantastic! So much more than I expected. Thank you

C Wright

I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the course. It was really interesting, informative and enjoyable. John’s presentation style is friendly, entertaining and helpful. Just perfect

Jools

John was extremely knowledgeable and a fun teacher! Making the perfume was great and the theory aspects were very interesting.

Samantha

John is a fantastic and engaging teacher, being with students that are also passionate and truly want to be there also adds to the experience!

Attendee July 2021

The whole day was so informative on so many levels – it was wonderful. I would definitely recommend the course. Thank you for a really super day!

Libby

I heard about the course from my dad. I enjoyed all of it – the theory and the practical part, particularly testing and making the perfume. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, learnt lots and had fun. Lunch was very good, too!

Jack

Best part of the course was how John delivered the material and executed and organised the course. Best bespoke perfumery course the UK has to offer.

Stefanie

It was an inspirational day, thanks to John's teaching style and enthusiasm. It has inspired me to continue my interest in making liquid soap and to attend the second course. Thank you to John and the team for a wonderful day.

Annabelle

It was an inspirational day thanks to John's teaching style and enthusiasm. It has inspired me to continue my interest in making liquid soap and possibly doing the second course at some stage. It was good to have a small number of people on the course to enable people to ask questions. Thank you to John and the team for a wonderful day.

Annabelle S

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ABOUT THE COTSWOLD PERFUMERY

Established in 1966, the Cotswold Perfumery specialises in creating fine fragrances for the niche market.

It’s something we’ve been doing for over 50 years.

We sell a range of unique fragrances from our shop in the beautiful Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water, and from our online store on our main website.

Visit our main website

OUR ACCOMMODATION

Combine your course with a stay in one of our luxury 5 star self-catering apartments.

If you’re visiting Bourton-on-the-Water, why not stay in one of our luxury, five-star, self-catering apartments at the Cotswold Perfumery. Or try a luxury stay in nearby Cheltenham.

Visit our accommodation website