Somerset Brick and Tile Museum Heritage Open Day
East Quay, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4DB
Learn about the last bottle brick kiln in Somerset and enjoy a guided tour around the Museum followed by a tile-making demonstration.
Hear about Bridgwater’s brick and tile making industry and how it shaped the town. Discover the clay-to-brick process and the life of the workers who made them.
The tour will last around an hour and will be followed by a demonstration of hand-making a roof tile.
Booking essential.
Entry is FREE. The museum is run by a charity so please consider donating £3 per person.
The Museum tells the story of brick and tile making, one of the many labour-intensive industries once found in Somerset. At the heart of the Museum is one of the only traditional brick kilns to survive in southern England. It was one of six at the former Barham Brothers’ Yard in East Quay, Bridgwater, and was last fired in 1965.
Bridgwater produced an impressive variety of bricks, tiles, terracotta plaques and other wares that created the look of many Somerset towns. The kiln is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and was saved from destruction in the 1990s.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- 10.30 am and 1.00 pm
Location & directions
East Quay, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4DB
- Directions:
- We are nestled in between some large industrial units, currently Jewsons and Kilnside Industrial estate. There is parking available on site for one car per booking. Please do not block access for other vehicles. If there is no parking on arrival please park on nearby roadside parking.
- Contact on day:
- Marie Emmerson
- Telephone number:
- +441278426088
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Booking essential. To book visit: swheritage.org.uk/events/heritage-open-day-tours/
- Booking contact name:
- Marie Emmerson
- Booking telephone number:
- +441278426088
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.swheritage.org.uk/events/heritage-open-day-tours/
- Alternative booking website:
- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heritage-open-day-tickets-693941546847?aff=oddtdtcreator
Accessibility details
Most parts of the museum are fully accessible with the main museum, workshop area and brick kiln being on the same floor. There is mostly level access but with a ramp entering inside the kiln. There is ample room to manoeuvre between displays. Entry to the museum is by steps or ramp, both have substantial railings to provide support. Doors are held open. There is an accessible toilet on site. We have disable parking on site with room for a mini bus. Please contact us for further advice or information with regard to accessibility [email protected]
Additional information
- Max no of people per tour:
- 12
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)
