Purbeck Mining Museum will be open again from 3 May 2025 onwards
Our next planned opening dates during May are 11:00 – 16:00 (last entry 15:30)
Sat 3 to Sun 11 May inclusive – please note that we will be open on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May and all three days of the SR Diesel Gala
Tues 13 to Thu 15 May inclusive
Sat/Sun 17/18 May
Tues 20 to Thu 22 May inclusive
Sat 24 May to Sun 1 June inclusive – please note that we will be open Bank Holiday Monday 26 May and every day during the school half term week
Detailed opening dates and days for the rest of 2025 can be found on our Visit Us page
See also our Events page for special event information.
Purbeck Mining Museum
The Purbeck Mining Museum is dedicated to the history and heritage of Purbeck Ball Clay mining and its industrial narrow gauge railways.
Visit us to find out more about the history of clay mining in Purbeck and learn about the experience of miners and their families. You can also experience what it was like inside a typical Purbeck clay mine. Visit us to view the underground tunnel.
Entry is FREE. Please consider a donation of at least £2 for each adult visitor, this will help us to care for, explore and celebrate your heritage. Donations in cash or by contactless payment are welcome.
Please Gift Aid your donation, thank you.
Children’s activities
Children’s activity trail – follow the clues to be a Clay Mine Super Sleuth. Suitable for ages 9 – 13.
Count the Norden Nippers – how many of our little mining friends can you find hidden in the museum? Suitable for all ages.
Opening days and times
If there are any changes, we’ll post them on our Facebook page.
Find us at Purbeck Park, near Corfe Castle, Dorset. We are just above Norden Station on the Swanage Railway. Our postcode is BH20 5DW. What3words ///yelled.correct.evening