Keymer Handmade Clay Roof Tiles & Wienerberger Factory Tour

Wienerberger’s Ewhurst factory is one of the largest brick manufacturing sites in the South East of England. The site opened in the 1920s and has an overall site area in excess of 350 acres including large areas of historic woodland and farmland, which help to screen the quarry and factory operations. The factory uses Weald clay from the extensive reserves in the adjacent Smokejacks clay pit. This quarry site is designated as a site of special scientific interest for its geological characteristics and was the source of two of the most significant finds of dinosaur remains in the UK. The site was previously recognised as 'Ockley Works', home of the famous Double Diamond brick, from the 1920s right through to 2004, when Wienerberger Ltd acquired ownership of the site from its previous owners 'the brick business Ltd’, with the newest factory on site having been built in 1999.

Our factory is split into two areas. The main factory makes Wienerberger Bricks, and at the back of the factory, we hand make Keymer clay tiles. We have been making Keymer tiles using the same methods for over 400 years. As well as the opportunity to make your own Keymer tile, you will see bricks being both handmade and machine-made.

In the visitor centre there will be people on hand to show you around and tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided free of charge. Both adults and children will be welcome to come along and look around.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 07 September:

0930-1400

Location & directions

Wienerberger Ltd, Ewhurst Works, Horsham Road, Walliswood, Ewhurst, Surrey, RH5 5QH

Contact on day:

Christine Leadbeater - 07718 115578

Telephone number:

+447718115578

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

We will be running factory tours every half hour from 9.30am until 2.00pm. Whilst pre-booking is not essential, it is recommended, as we are usually very busy on the day and many tours get booked up in advance.

Booking contact name:

Dorking Halls Box Office

Booking telephone number:

+441306881717

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking opens:

01 Jul 2024 10:30 AM

Booking closes:

06 Sep 2024 03:00 PM

Accessibility details

As this is a working factory it is unfortunately not accessible to wheelchairs or pushchairs. There is one step into the visitor centre. The factory is not accessible at all for wheelchairs or pushchairs. However, if it is a nice day, there will be tables and chairs both outside and in the visitor centre suitable for families and wheelchair users.

Additional information

Wear flat, closed toe sensible shoes for the factory tour.

Max no of people per tour:

10

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s)

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