About Redlands Yard

Early history

The story of Redlands Yard starts in 1986, when redundant farm buildings had seen better days, and were calling out for a new lease on life.  Built on the site of Redlands Farm in Broadwindsor, developers at the time saw an opportunity to create a new space where locals and visitors could enjoy spending an afternoon exploring local arts and crafts and enjoy a light lunch.

So was born the Broadwindsor Craft Centre and for over 30 years, the Craft Centre had been known as a firm favourite place to visit, whenever you were passing through West Dorset.

In 2002, the Craft Centre underwent a major transformation in 2002 when an extension was built from locally quarried stone. This allowed the additions of two further rooms in the main gift shop, including a dedicated toy room. The main shop gallery was also opened at this time displaying pictures, lighting, fireside tools, fire guards and log baskets and in 2012, added the Gallery of Makers to its ranks, a wonderful collection of exhibitions from many talented artists from the local area, all under one roof.

New Ownership

A few years later, The Craft Centre was up for new ownership when it was taken over by Colin and Sarah Williams, who, as history would have it, was born to a farming family in the village and worked in the restaurant at the Craft Centre as a Saturday girl for many years. It was a serendipitous match, made in… Dorset. The re-invented Craft Centre quickly became even better known for its excellence and quality, bringing together a community of independent traders, an abundance of gifts for yourself or someone you love, good food & a deli full of locally produced and regionally sourced food and drink.

Redlands Yard – a community hub in Broadwindsor

Under the leadership of Colin and Sarah, the area has quickly developed a voice of its own now makes way for a new creation to continue on with the legacy of the community hub, through what will grow as Redlands Yard, where it will continue to provide a welcoming atmosphere, a friendly experience and a place where many happy memories will be made, for years to come.