The Store
Hundreds of wonderful hand-crafted items await you in the The Makers Yard Store. With eye-catching displays of work from more than 80 artists and makers from across Dorset, it’s a feast for the senses that brings the best of the county’s creative talents together in one space.
This array of art and craftsmanship offers variety, originality and quality across a wide range of mediums and techniques, from glasswork to pottery, painting to textiles, wood carving to weaving, leatherwork to jewellery making. The Store is the perfect place to shop local and pick up something special for yourself, or a unique gift for a loved one.
What’s in store…
Expect to see handmade jewellery, handbound notebooks, prints and paintings, colourful mugs, ceramics, homeware, luxury bath treats, textiles, leather hats, ironmonger-crafted tools, and much more.
There is something to delight everyone in our treasure trove of incredible artworks and artisan creations.
Please be aware the Makers Yard Store only accepts card payments.
Make a day of it
Why not combine your visit with a relaxing walk around The Sculpture Park.
Enjoy meandering walks around our stunning lakes, woodland and gardens, whilst discovering sculpture nestled within the landscape along the way.
The Pantry
A relaxed, self-service Pantry offers fresh, seasonal food, much of it sourced from our own Kitchen Garden
Choose from a variety of sandwiches and salads, along with a wide range of homemade dishes, sweet treats, and ice creams.
There is a wide selection of seating indoors, outdoors, and around the sculpture park.
We also continue to offer pre-booked afternoon teas as a more considered, table-service experience.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea at Sculpture by the Lakes is a truly distinctive experience, completing a perfect day of exploring 26 acres of botanic garden and magnificent artwork. A delicious selection of generously filled sandwiches, freshly baked pastries, and creamy cakes are served on top of a masterfully crafted tea stand, handmade by Simon Gudgeon. Afternoon tea is served in the cosy Maker’s Yard Kitchen, which is accessible without garden admission.
Pre-book online with at least 48 hours’ notice.
£30 Per Person
Traditional Pantry
Picnic for two
Escape into the park with our beautifully prepared Traditional Pantry Picnic for Two — a relaxed and indulgent picnic designed to be enjoyed beside the lakes, amongst the sculptures, or within one of our private pre-booked spaces.
Lovingly prepared by our kitchen team using fresh local ingredients, handmade pastries, and produce from our Kitchen Garden, each picnic is presented in our signature Pantry style and ready to collect with 24 hours’ notice.
Perfect for a peaceful afternoon in the park or to accompany your booking at The Riverkeepers, Pavilion, Island, Hide, or Lake House.
Picnic for two £33
The Gallery
We represent an outstanding collection of international artists exhibiting sculpture, paintings and handmade prints in one of the largest exhibition spaces in Dorset. All works are carefully chosen so we can offer the best possible pieces by exceptional artists.
We change our exhibition every four to six weeks, so there is always something new to experience within the gallery. To support our exhibition programme we organise regular talks, workshops, and artist demonstrations.
The Gallery is positioned within The Makers Yard near the entrance to The Sculpture Park. Entry to The Gallery is free.
FORM
April 4th – June 20th, 2026
Our award-winning biennial sculpture show FORM returns in 2026, It is a wonderful celebration of sculpture, featuring large-scale works displayed within our beautiful park and smaller, more intimate pieces presented in the gallery space and courtyards.
We are planning a series of engaging events and artist talks throughout the exhibition, offering unique opportunities for visitors to connect with the work on display.
Book a Table
Opening hours
Tuesday – Saturday | 10am – 5pm
Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington Lakes, Dorchester DT2 8QU