DISCOVERY DAYS
Join us for a one-of-a-kind Summer Truffle Discovery Day
An immersive, hands-on experience for dog owners, food lovers, and nature enthusiasts. Step into the hidden world of wild British truffles and discover how to train your dog, taste gourmet truffle dishes, and learn from professional truffle hunters—all in one inspiring, unforgettable day.
This year we’re offering two experiences:
Day 1: Beginners – perfect for newcomers with little to no experience.
Day 2: Intermediates – Build on your skills and gain deeper insights into successful hunting
You can attend either day separately or join us for the full weekend and take your dog’s training to the next level!
All photo credits: @Michelle Wallis, Candid Photography
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“Great introduction to truffle hunting and dog training” – Andrew Meikle, Previous Attendee
Step Into the World of Truffle Hunting
Train, Taste and Explore
Experience fresh, wild truffles up close while learning from expert truffle hunters and dog trainers.
This unique event is your chance to learn all about truffles—where to find them, how to train a truffle dog, and the secrets of successful truffle hunting—all in a stunning woodland setting. Whether you want to bring your dog or are just curious about a potential new hobby, you’ll go home with insider knowledge and a new appreciation for UK truffles.
“A great day of learning the basics of truffle dog training.. also accompanied by some lovely food and a like minded group of people.. I thoroughly recommend doing this course.” – Justin Prichard
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“My dog and I had a great session together, learning about truffle hunting and how to train my dog to find it fun to help me search. Ben Julie and all the gang are so genuine in their passion to share the knowledge and lost art o truffle hunting here in the UK. definitely worth attending.” – Lesley Provan
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“Ben is not just passionate and knowledgeable, he is very calm and caring. Ben truly understands dogs. His delivery of training is clear, constructive and positive.” – The National Dog Training Academy
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Watch The Highlights Video Below
See What Our Past Attendees Had To Say About The Discovery Day
Who Is This Experience For?
Whether You Have a dog or Not, This Day is for You!
Our Truffle Discovery Days are designed for:
✦ Dog Owners & Trainers – If you has boundless energy, an inquisitive nose or a need to be challenged, this is the ideal way to keep them engaged – fun, rewarding scentwork.
✦ Food Lovers – Taste fresh, wild truffles in gourmet dishes and discover what makes them so special.
✦ Nature & Foraging Enthusiasts – Explore sustainable truffle foraging, forest ecology and learn how truffles thrive in the wild.
✦ Curious Adventurers – If you love discovering hidden gems in nature, this is a unique and unforgettable day out.
No previous experience required—just bring your enthusiasm!
A Feast of Truffles
More than a dog training day, it's a full-on truffle dining experience!
Exceptional food, crafted by a true truffle expert.
We’re thrilled to welcome Nina Roe — a Suffolk-based chef, beekeeper and truffle hunter whose food is often featured in The Guardian and more. She’ll be preparing and cooking a multi-course lunch with lots of fresh truffles.
Expect beautifully crafted plates that celebrate the depth, aroma, and luxury of real truffle—served fresh and made on-site.
What’s included:
- Multiple freshly cooked courses, each one featuring seasonal truffles
- Curated and prepared by Nina Roe, chef & founder of Tuber Truffles
- A relaxed, communal dining experience in the countryside
- Vegetarian options available (please let us know when booking)
Come for the training. Stay for the feast.
What to Expect
A Day of Discovery, Learning, and Incredible Flavours
✦ Intro to Truffle Dog Training Workshop – Get a hands-on introduction to truffle dog training with fun scent games and guided exercises, perfect for beginners. Plus, go home with real training truffles (for dog & handlers attendess only). More advanced training will be provided on our intermediate days.
✦ Truffle Dog Have-a-Go Challenge – Put your dog’s new skills to the test in a fun, friendly challenge.
✦ Gourmet Truffle Lunch – Indulge in a gourmet picnic featuring real truffles (not synthetic truffle oil!).
✦ Truffle Re-Wilding Project – Play a role in supporting wild truffle sustainability in the UK.
✦ Expert Truffle Talks – Gain insights from seasoned truffle hunters about foraging, training, and conservation.
This isn’t just a workshop—it’s an experience designed to engage all your senses.
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"Such a fun day learning to hunt truffles with Ben and his team. My little dog Leonard was totally engaged and hopefully, we will be mastering the hunt before too long! Ben is super knowledgeable, the people were all lovely and the lunch was delicious and very truffly!" - Emma Collins, Previous Attendee
Practical Information & Booking Details
📅 Available Dates: Summer 2025
📍 Locations: West Sussex / Lincolnshire (exact locations shared after purchase).
Ticket Options:
✦ Dog & Handler Ticket (£190) – Includes hands-on dog training, gourmet truffle lunch, and full event participation.
✦ Spectator Ticket (£70, Junior £45) – Includes full event access and truffle lunch.
✦ BONUS: Get free lifetime access to The Truffle Dog Club for continued learning, community and support.
✦ BONUS: Plus, you’ll receive an exclusive 30% discount code for this year’s Truffle Forager Weekend Camping Retreat (TDC members only) — the perfect chance to put your new skills to the test in a real truffle hunting environment.
📌 Limited Spaces Available – These small-group events fill up quickly!
*Prices may vary on the booking page.
Join our community of 200+ Truffle Foragers
★★★★★ (9.74/10)
Meet Your Trainers
Ben Sweet
Ben Sweet is an IMDT OCN-certified dog trainer, founder of Truffle Forager, and co-founder of both The UK Truffle Festival and the Truffle Dog Championships.
Ben specialises in helping dog owners train their dogs to hunt truffles using his proven BSH Truffle Dog Training System. He’s also the creator of the Truffle Dog Club—a growing online community where truffle hunters connect, share, and accelerate their journey into the hidden world of wild truffles.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your skills, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and down-to-earth teaching to every event.
Julie Stopforth
Julie Stopforth is a professional truffle hunter and dog trainer with over 19 years of hands-on experience. She is the founder of The Real Truffle Hunters, a family-run truffle enterprise that hunts across Europe, trains truffle dogs, and specialises in four major truffle species—including the prized Tuber magnatum, the white winter truffle.
Originally from Liverpool, Julie began her truffle journey in the Italian countryside, where she was mentored by a local truffle hunter and trained her first dog. Since then, she’s gone on to build a full-time truffle-hunting career, working year-round with her pack of eight dogs.
Julie is also a passionate educator, sharing her knowledge and stories through her popular YouTube channel, The Real Truffle Hunters, and now, through events like the Summer Truffle Discovery Days. Her wealth of practical experience, deep understanding of truffle ecology, and love of storytelling make her a truly unmissable voice in the world of truffle hunting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If you don’t have a dog or are unable to bring your dog for whatever reason, you can attend as a Spectator. You can observe the training workshops and enjoy the food, talks, and experience the day fully.
For dog an handlers we reccomend bringing with you water for you and your dog, a long line (non retractable) and some tasty treats that your dog loves.
Ideally, you’d also have a treat pouch or some type of jacket with easy access pockets. This is for quick access to your treats during training. Zip lock plastic bags tend to hinder the trianing process through rewards delays etc.
✦ Hands-on truffle dog training—introduce your dog to real truffle scent.
✦ Fun truffle dog challenge—see if your dog has what it takes!
✦ Delicious fresh truffle lunch—delicious dishes made with real truffles.
✦ Truffle re-wilding project—help support the future of wild truffles.
✦ Expert truffle talks—insider knowledge from seasoned truffle hunters.
✦ Go home with training truffles- to help teach your dog the real truffle scent. (Handlers only)
Your hosts for the day are experienced truffle hunters and expert trainers:
- Ben Sweet – Is your lead trainer and founder of Truffle Forager, Co-founder of the UK Truffle Festival & UK Truffle Dog Championships and a certified truffle dog trainer.
- Julie Stopforth & John – Founders of The Real Truffle Hunters, with over 20 years of hands-on truffle hunting experience across Europe. They are seasoned truffle educators and dog trainers, dedicated to sharing their deep knowledge of truffle foraging and sustainable practices.
Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge, real-world experience, and a passion for truffle hunting that will make this event both educational and unforgettable.
This one-of-a-kind event is your chance to learn all about truffles—where to find them, how to train a truffle dog, and the secrets of successful truffle hunting—all in a stunning woodland setting. Whether you want to bring your dog or are just curious about a potential new hobby, you’ll go home with insider knowledge and a new appreciation for UK truffles.
No! We welcome complete beginners. This training day is designed primarily for novices.
Refunds are available up to 14 days after purchase, or you can defer your ticket to a future date instead. Outside of this, refunds are offered on a discretionary basis.
Yes! We schedule rest periods, water bowls and shaded areas are available also.
Yes, but you’ll be missing out on our incredible fresh truffle dishes!
Truffle Forager Limited