Gate Helmsley, York

classes and kits: Woodworking

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The Rocking Horse Shop has been designing, making, and restoring traditional wooden rocking horses since 1976. What started as founder Anthony Dew crafting his first rocking horse in the garage of his family home grew into a nationally recognised business dedicated to preserving the art of traditional rocking horse making.

Over 50 years, the company has expanded from a small family operation into a world-renowned workshop based in Yorkshire, where every rocking horse is still handcrafted in Britain. Along the way, the business has published books and plans for aspiring makers, founded The Guild of Rocking Horse Makers, and even created "Bigger Bertie, " the world's largest rocking horse, measuring 28 feet long and almost 15 feet high.

Today, The Rocking Horse Shop remains family-run under the leadership of James and Becca, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques while continuing to create heirloom-quality rocking horses that are cherished and passed down through generations. As the company approaches its Golden Jubilee in 2026, it remains committed to preserving a unique British craft and bringing joy to families around the world.

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