Bursledon Brickworks Museum
Explore the UK's last steam-driven Victorian brickworks, a hidden gem offering industrial history, family fun, and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Bursledon Brickworks Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the UK's last steam-driven Victorian brickworks, a hidden gem offering industrial history, family fun, and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
"An amazing hidden gem! So much more than my expectations, and huge bonus is it's dog friendly throughout."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! Dogs are welcome throughout the museum and grounds. :dog:
💰 Budget-Friendly Entry
Enjoy a rich historical experience without breaking the bank. Entry fees are very reasonable. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Steam-Driven Machinery
Main Exhibition Hall
Witness the heart of the brickworks: the preserved steam engines and machinery that powered Victorian production.
Old Penny Arcade
Entertainment Area
Step back in time and play vintage games with old pennies – a nostalgic treat for all ages.
Regional Brick Display
Exhibition Area
Marvel at a quiet yet astonishing collection of regional bricks, each a fragment of local history.
Victorian Drying Sheds & Kilns
Outdoor Site
Explore the authentic drying rooms and kilns that were essential to the brick-making process.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Uncover Industrial History
Dog-Friendly & Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! Dogs are welcome throughout the museum and grounds. :dog:
💰 Budget-Friendly Entry
Enjoy a rich historical experience without breaking the bank. Entry fees are very reasonable. :moneybag:
☕ Cafe Delights
Grab a tasty bite at the cafe, or bring your own picnic to enjoy on-site. :coffee:
🕰️ Time Travel Arcade
Don't miss the old penny arcade for a fun, nostalgic gaming experience. :video_game:
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! Dogs are welcome throughout the museum and grounds. :dog:
💰 Budget-Friendly Entry
Enjoy a rich historical experience without breaking the bank. Entry fees are very reasonable. :moneybag:
☕ Cafe Delights
Grab a tasty bite at the cafe, or bring your own picnic to enjoy on-site. :coffee:
🕰️ Time Travel Arcade
Don't miss the old penny arcade for a fun, nostalgic gaming experience. :video_game:
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
The site is easy to walk around, with some steps to upper floors. Plenty of parking available. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bursledon Brickworks Museum as a delightful hidden gem, exceeding expectations with its authentic industrial heritage and welcoming atmosphere. The reasonable entry fee, dog-friendly policy, and engaging attractions like the old penny arcade make it a hit for all ages. While some minor points like tea brands were noted, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many planning return visits.
"Wow, what an amazing hidden gem! Wish we'd visited sooner as so much more than my expectations (and huge bonus is it's dog friendly throughout). Very reasonable entry cost, lovely museum with loads to see and information boards to read ... who knew that bricks were so fascinating?! All the staff are super friendly and helpful, and all volunteers I believe. Amazing cafe with lots of indoor and outside seating, good menu of sandwiches, toasties, bacon and sausage baps, chips etc, and very reasonably priced. Picnics also welcome. Highlight was the old penny arcade, great fun changing a pound for old pennies and playing the old machines. The special Lego event today was good with lots of interesting models to look at, merch to buy and a robot wars style battle event. All in all, a fantastic few hours and we still didn't manage to do it all so will definitely return (only reason we had to leave was because we had a very tired puppy with us!). Highly recommend for everyone, especially families as lots to do for little ones to keep them engaged and an outdoor play area."
Sue Burnip
"The Brickworks Museum, Bursledon – A Quiet Triumph of Industrial Memory
Tucked behind Swanwick Lane, The Brickworks Museum offers a rare and dignified glimpse into Victorian industrial life—without performance, without gloss. It honours the labour, engineering, and quiet ingenuity that shaped the region’s built environment, and does so with restraint and clarity.
The museum’s strength lies in its authenticity. The preserved machinery, brick presses, and drying sheds speak for themselves. Interpretive panels avoid sentimentality, focusing instead on process, material, and the people who worked the kilns. The display of regional bricks is quietly astonishing—each stamped with its own history, each a fragment of forgotten trade.
Volunteers are present but unobtrusive, offering practical help and genuine knowledge. The café is modest, with good coffee and cake, and the site is clean, accessible, and well-maintained. Hands-on exhibits and play areas are available, but they don’t overwhelm the core narrative.
This is not a museum that demands attention—it earns it. For those interested in local history, industrial heritage, or the dignity of ordinary labour, it’s worth the visit. Recommended for all ages, especially those who prefer substance over spectacle."
Bee Bee (sewlittlebee)
"Very educational and well spent 2 hours. Lots to see and Lot's to learn. It's dog friendly and the entree price is very reasonable."
Gr3at White
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located behind Swanwick Lane. There is ample parking available on-site, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Information on public transport options can be found on the museum's official website or by contacting them directly.
The museum offers plenty of parking, which is a significant plus for visitors, especially those with families or pets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the museum is very reasonably priced, making it an affordable and educational outing for everyone.
It's generally recommended to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on ticketing and booking procedures.
Information regarding discounts for specific groups (e.g., seniors, children) is usually available on the museum's website or by contacting them directly.
The museum is typically open from April to October. It's best to verify the exact opening hours and days on their official website before your visit.
Yes, the museum is very dog-friendly and welcomes well-behaved dogs throughout the entire site, including the museum and grounds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the last steam-driven Victorian brickworks, see preserved machinery, a regional brick display, an old penny arcade, and outdoor play areas.
Absolutely! Children will enjoy the old penny arcade, the outdoor play area, and the interactive elements of the museum.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on the day of your visit.
While not explicitly mentioned as formal tours, volunteers are often on hand to offer insights and answer questions, providing a rich learning experience.
Take your time to read the informative panels and engage with the volunteers. The site is easy to navigate, allowing for a relaxed exploration.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering a good menu of sandwiches, baps, and other snacks at reasonable prices.
Picnics are welcome, so you can bring your own food and enjoy it in designated areas or at the outdoor seating.
The cafe serves items like sandwiches, toasties, bacon and sausage baps, and chips. They also offer coffee and cake.
It's advisable to check the current menu at the cafe for specific vegetarian and vegan offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The preserved steam machinery, the historic kilns, and the unique regional brick displays offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to inquire with the museum staff upon arrival to ensure compliance with their guidelines.
Drone usage is typically not permitted at heritage sites like this. Always check the museum's specific policy before flying any aerial equipment.
Visitors often capture the industrial heritage, the steam engines, and the architectural details of the Victorian brickworks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during one of their special events, like Lego days, which can add an extra layer of excitement. The cafe offers reasonably priced food, and you're also welcome to bring a picnic, making it easy to manage family meals. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, ensuring a stress-free visit for everyone.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog on a lead and be mindful of other visitors. The cafe also offers outdoor seating, so you can enjoy a refreshment with your dog by your side. It's a rare and wonderful opportunity to share a historical exploration with your beloved pets.
🏛️ History Buffs & Heritage Enthusiasts
The authentic machinery, drying sheds, and kilns provide a powerful sense of place and history. The regional brick display is a quiet highlight, showcasing the diverse materials that shaped local architecture. The museum's approach is one of restraint and clarity, focusing on the process, materials, and the dignity of labor, rather than overt spectacle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Steam Power
These engines were the lifeblood of the brickworks, driving the presses that shaped the clay and powering the systems that moved materials. Understanding their operation provides a deeper appreciation for the scale and complexity of Victorian industry. The museum's commitment to maintaining these machines ensures that this vital piece of industrial heritage is not lost to time.
The presence of steam power is not just about the machinery itself, but also about the human element involved in its operation. The stories of the engineers and workers who kept these giants running are an integral part of the museum's narrative, offering a glimpse into the demanding yet essential labor of the era.
A Community of Volunteers
Many of the volunteers have a deep connection to the site or a strong interest in industrial history, bringing a wealth of authentic insight. Their commitment goes beyond mere maintenance; they are storytellers, preserving the memories and the operational understanding of the brickworks. This community-driven approach lends the museum a genuine and welcoming atmosphere.
Visitors frequently praise the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff and volunteers, noting how their contributions significantly enhance the visit. This collaborative spirit is a key reason why the museum feels like such a 'hidden gem' and why many visitors express a desire to return.
Beyond the Bricks: Entertainment and Education
For younger visitors, an outdoor play area offers a space to burn off energy, complementing the educational aspects of the museum. The museum also hosts special events, such as Lego exhibitions and even paranormal investigations, catering to diverse interests.
The museum successfully balances its role as an educational institution with that of an engaging attraction. It demonstrates that industrial heritage can be presented in a way that is both informative and thoroughly enjoyable, making it a destination that appeals to a broad audience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit