Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum, Mining heritage museum in Norden, Dorset, England
The Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum is a mining heritage site in Dorset displaying underground passages and structures from the ball clay extraction period. The building preserves original machinery and a narrow gauge railway system that once moved clay from the mines.
Benjamin Fayle opened the Middlebere Tramway here in 1806 to move clay from local pits to Poole Harbour. This marked the start of industrial clay extraction in the region.
The site shows how Purbeck ball clay mining connected to British pottery making, especially the famous Wedgwood ceramics. Visitors can see how materials dug from local pits became part of well-known products across the world.
The museum is currently closed and will reopen in spring 2025, with exact opening details announced in January 2025. Visitors should check current information before planning a visit to confirm the site is open.
The museum occupies one of the last remaining underground mining buildings in Purbeck where clay was extracted. The original machinery and transport systems inside give a direct sense of how work happened beneath the surface.
GPS coordinates: 50.64547,-2.06196
Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:42
Corfe Castle
657 m
Corfe Castle
652 m
Mortons House Hotel
946 m
The Old Town Hall
869 m
Corfe Castle Model Village
861 m
Parish Church of Saint Edward
888 m
The Fox Inn
884 m
The Greyhound Inn
837 m
The Bankes Arms Hotel
847 m
Penny Cottage
976 m
Corfe Castle Post Office
930 m
Village Cross, Including Pump
842 m
27, East Street
877 m
Railway Viaduct For The Former Wareham To Swanage Railway
530 m
Nos 40 And 42 Including Garden Wall South Of No 42
995 m
K6 Telephone Kiosk Outside Post Office, West Street
918 m
Ottaway's Pottery Shop And Adjoining House
931 m
The Old Forge
978 m
29, 31 And 33, East Street
888 m
Building To The North Of No. 17 East Street
807 m
13 And 15, West Street
971 m
35 And 37, East Street
903 m
32, West Street
977 m
9 And 11, West Street
956 m
15, East Street
822 m
Milestone
519 m
The Town House
859 m
17 And 19, West Street
985 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes