Burngate Stone Carving Centre

About

Burngate Stone Carving Centre on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset provides traditional stone carving courses for everyone from age 6 upwards and all abilities. Learn how to use the tools involved in stone carving and enjoy making memories with family and friends at our unique stone carving centre.  A therapeutic yet creative experience which will make you feel the essence of the Purbeck quarrying history.  The Centre also offers a wide range of art and rural craft courses and children's and family activities throughout the year, whatever the weather. Visit the Centre's exhibition of sculpture and craftwork or peruse the gift shop through which we support around 40 local artists and crafts people who produce lovely items for sale such as hand knitted headgear, hosiery, jewellery, candles, cushions, cards and the work of emerging local artists.  Alternatively, just drop in us for a cup of tea and homemade Dorset apple cake and a wander around the centre.  Open Monday - Friday 0900hrs to 1300hrs.

A truly beautiful location, look out east over Swanage Bay towards the Isle of Wight, look north over Nine Barrow and Ballard Downs. The surrounding landscape – fields, old quarry workings, and cliff tops above the English Channel – are designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area is part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World heritage Site, that reaches from Exmouth, Devon to nearby Swanage.  Burngate is dedicated to the preservation of the ancient art of stone carving by educating and informing our visitors.  All welcome and dog friendly too!  As seen on BBC1 Escape to the Country and a Dorset Tourism Award winner.