The Brickworks Museum, Swanwick, Southampton, Hampshire
Here’s your chance to visit the only steam driven brickworks in the UK. The Brickworks Museum at Swanwick near Southampton survives from a very industrious brickworks that was founded here in 1897 due to the abundance of clay in the area and the good rail and river transport links. The clay was originally dug from the pits by hand and the machinery used to make the bricks was all steam operated; you can still see all the old gear and once a month they fire it up for their Steam-up events which usually draw quite a bit of interest and is very impressive considering the museum is run by a group of volunteers. Go and see the original brickmaking machinery, the steam engine and all the other bits and pieces used in the production of something most of us take for granted. There are also archive displays and collections of wooden brick moulds, tools and equipment used in the trade, and other things that are made from clay, like chimney pots and drain covers. There’s a café and shop too.
Open: End of March - End of October Weds, Thurs & Sat 11.00 am-4.00 pm
T: 01489 576248 All information correct at the time of writing