{"title":"Viking Benches","description":"\u003cp\u003eBuilt to last generations, our Viking benches are handcrafted from solid hardwoods using traditional joinery techniques. Each piece draws inspiration from the robust, no-nonsense craftsmanship of Norse furniture — sturdy mortise-and-tenon construction, raw natural edges, and a form that's as functional as it is striking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether pulled up to a dining table, set at the foot of a bed, or placed in an entryway, these benches bring a sense of weight and permanence to any space. Made one at a time in our workshop, every bench is a little different — and built to be used hard.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrowse our full range of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/freerangingdesigns.com\/collections\/viking-thrones-and-benches\"\u003eViking Thrones and Benches\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"giant-oak-chair-bench","title":"Giant Oak Chair — Solid Oak 2-Seater Outdoor Throne","description":"\u003cp\u003eA giant outdoor throne chair in solid Welsh oak — broad enough for two, built to last decades, and imposing enough to become the centrepiece of any garden or outdoor space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece was commissioned by a client who wanted something that couldn't be confused with anything from a garden centre. Solid oak, heavyweight construction, a high carved back with sweeping arms — and enough width across the seat to sit two adults side by side in genuine comfort. The brief was for something that would feel at home in a grand garden but was also made to actually be sat in, season after season, in the Welsh weather. That's what we built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt entirely from solid oak with solid hand-built joinery throughout and finished with Epifanes matt varnish — three coats — for outdoor durability. Oak is one of the hardest, most weather-resistant native timbers; a piece like this, well maintained, will outlast most garden furniture by decades. The total height of 180 cm gives it a presence that earns its place in any setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTotal height: 180 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTotal width: 120 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInside seat width (back): 80 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInside seat width (front): 90 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSeat height: 46 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100% solid oak\u003c\/strong\u003e — one of the hardest, most durable outdoor timbers available\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEpifanes matt varnish, 3 coats\u003c\/strong\u003e — premium outdoor finish for long-term protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolid hand-built joinery throughout\u003c\/strong\u003e — heavyweight, built to last decades\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2-seater seat width\u003c\/strong\u003e — genuine comfort for two adults\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e180 cm total height\u003c\/strong\u003e — a commanding presence in any garden\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFully bespoke\u003c\/strong\u003e — dimensions and carved details to your specification\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eYour Version\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis chair can be made wider, taller, or with a single seat if preferred. Carved motifs, inscriptions, armrest details, and Celtic or Viking knotwork can all be added. Some clients have this made as a landmark piece for a walled garden; others as a commission for a special anniversary. Tell us what you're imagining and we'll price it from there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTypical lead time is 4–5 weeks, though we're flexible if you have a deadline. \u003cstrong\u003ePrices include VAT.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our full range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/celtic-viking-furniture\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eViking and Celtic thrones\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/garden-benches\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eoutdoor garden benches\u003c\/a\u003e, or view the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/storytelling-chairs\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003estorytelling chairs collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FreeRangeDesigns","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53500128199031,"sku":"FRD-BEN-OAK-1359","price":1930.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0267\/7673\/1729\/files\/giant-oak-chair-bench-cosy-2-seater-7766706.jpg?v=1759412351"},{"product_id":"viking-legend-bench-throne","title":"Viking Legend Bench Throne — 2-3 Seater, Drayton Manor","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Viking Legend Bench Throne is a sweeping 2-3 seater hand-carved throne bench covered in Norse knotwork, Viking gods and mythological symbols — originally commissioned for Drayton Manor, and one of the largest and most dramatic pieces we have ever built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Drayton Manor commission came with a brief to create something that felt authentically Viking — not themed or decorative, but genuinely carved in the tradition of Norse craft. The result is a bench that seats three people inside a carved frame that rises nearly two metres, with gods and warriors emerging from the oak on every surface. It has lived outdoors at a major UK theme park and has been sat in by thousands of people, which tells you something about how it is built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMade from locally sourced oak and chestnut in our Mid Wales workshop, and finished with three coats of Epifanes matt varnish for all-weather outdoor durability. A proven design for high-footfall outdoor venues, school gardens and permanent garden installations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal height: 190 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal width: 150 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInside seat width (front): 100 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeat height: 50 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHand-carved Norse knotwork and mythology\u003c\/strong\u003e — Viking gods, warriors and symbols covering the full frame and backrest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2-3 seater bench throne\u003c\/strong\u003e — 100 cm inside seat width, substantial enough for three adults or a group of children\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOak and chestnut construction\u003c\/strong\u003e — locally sourced, built for permanent outdoor installation and high-footfall use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEpifanes matt varnish, 3 coats\u003c\/strong\u003e — premium exterior finish proven in outdoor venue conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOriginally made for Drayton Manor\u003c\/strong\u003e — a proven design with a track record in major public settings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandmade in Mid Wales\u003c\/strong\u003e — can be adapted for schools, parks, visitor attractions and garden installations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eYour Version\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe can adapt the carvings for your own venue, school or garden — changing the mythological figures, adding runes, incorporating a specific god or creature from Norse legend, or adding an organisation name carved into the frame. We have made versions for school playgrounds, forest school gardens and private estates. Get in touch with your brief and we will design from there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTypical lead time for the bench is longer than our standard chairs — please get in touch to discuss your timeline. \u003cstrong\u003ePrices include VAT.\u003c\/strong\u003e Organisations and schools can order by purchase order and pay on invoice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/storytelling-chairs\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003estorytelling chairs collection\u003c\/a\u003e, see our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/carved-viking-throne-chair\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCeltic Knotwork Viking Throne\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/tree-of-life-viking-throne-chair\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eViking Throne for Epic Storytellers\u003c\/a\u003e for more Norse designs, or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/design-your-own-chair\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003edesign your own chair from scratch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FreeRangeDesigns","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53500138226039,"sku":"FRD-BEN-WD-1322","price":3860.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0267\/7673\/1729\/files\/viking-legend-bench-throne-2-3-seater-5723383.jpg?v=1759412267"},{"product_id":"harlech-castle-circular-bench","title":"Harlech Castle Circular Bench","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Harlech Castle Circular Bench is a monumental circular seating structure hand-carved from solid Welsh oak, inspired by the concentric walls of Harlech Castle — and one of five pieces made by Free Range Designs for Meirion's Trail, the permanent public storytelling trail through the heart of Harlech.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHarlech Castle was built in the 1280s on a sheer rock above the sea, its concentric design — walls within walls, each commanding the last — making it one of the most formidable fortifications ever built in Wales. It was here that Owain Glyndŵr, the last native Prince of Wales, held his court from 1404 to 1408, using the castle as the seat of his government and the base for his extraordinary campaign for Welsh independence. The design of this bench echoes that architecture: a ring of carved oak that draws you inside, closes you in, and makes you feel — briefly — as though you are holding the high ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMade from 100% locally sourced solid oak — just as the castle was built from locally quarried Harlech sandstone — and finished with three coats of Epifanes matt varnish for lasting outdoor protection. At 180 cm across and 190 cm tall, it becomes an instant landmark in any garden, school ground or public space. Children instinctively want to play in it, climb on it and tell stories from inside it. That's exactly the point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal width: 180 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal height: 190 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal depth: 180 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterials: 100% solid oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConcentric castle-inspired design\u003c\/strong\u003e — echoing the architectural genius of Harlech Castle's great defensive walls\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart of Meirion's Trail\u003c\/strong\u003e — one of five storytelling structures made by Free Range Designs for Harlech's permanent public trail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100% solid Welsh oak\u003c\/strong\u003e — sourced locally, built to withstand decades of outdoor use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree coats of Epifanes matt varnish\u003c\/strong\u003e — premium exterior finish for lasting weather protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolid hand-built joinery\u003c\/strong\u003e — a monumental, long-lasting structure for public spaces and school grounds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e180 cm across\u003c\/strong\u003e — genuinely theatrical in scale; a centrepiece for any outdoor setting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eYour Version\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe can adapt the carved details, dimensions and design of the circular bench to suit your space. Whether you want heraldic carvings, inscriptions, a school crest, or details drawn from local history and mythology, we'll build it into the structure. Contact us to discuss your commission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTypical lead time is 4–5 weeks, though we're flexible if you have a deadline. \u003cstrong\u003ePrices include VAT.\u003c\/strong\u003e Schools can order by purchase order — we'll supply our VAT number, bank details and address for supplier registration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSee also our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/giant-wooden-welsh-throne\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eGiant Welsh Throne\u003c\/a\u003e, also part of Meirion's Trail, and our full collection of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/storytelling-chairs\" style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003estorytelling chairs and benches for schools and public spaces\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FreeRangeDesigns","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53500185149815,"sku":"FRD-BEN-WD-1104","price":4550.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0267\/7673\/1729\/files\/harlech-castle-circular-bench-7662260.jpg?v=1759412006"}],"url":"https:\/\/freerangingdesigns.com\/collections\/viking-benches.oembed","provider":"FreeRangeDesigns","version":"1.0","type":"link"}