The Brickworks Museum Southampton, Swanwick

Reviews

1. Bee Bee (sewlittlebee) ★★★★☆

   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.

   almost 9 months ago
2. Sue Burnip ★★★★★

   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.

   almost 10 months ago
3. Lesley Hedger ★★★★★

   Very good museum. Very easy to walk around. Steps to upper floor. Lots of parking. Interesting displays

   1 year ago

1. Gr3at White ★★★★★

   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.

   1 year ago
2. A Westwood ★★★★★

   Lovely museum. Really makes you consider something we all take for granted, the humble brick and the history surrounding it's production and the lives of the people that made it. We came on a none steam day and the museum was quiet. Signage is very informative and easy for children to access. The cafe does good food for a fair price. We had some nice bacon baps. They have an old arcade section with fun old games which are good fun. The children's trail allows them to have one free go on the machines and my two managed to win some sweets which made them very happy. This is an absolute museum is a must for anyone interested in the industrial revolution and/or engineering.

   almost 2 years ago
3. Felix Roux ★★★★★

   If you're interested in industry and history and the like then it might be worth a visit if you're in the area. It was so loud that it gave me tinnitus but on the bright side I threw a brick at my cousin.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Team Robertson ★★★★★

   Really.plwased to support a local small venture. Highly recommended for lunch. Nice food, well priced and generous pot if tea. We will return. Takes cash and card Free parking.

   almost 3 years ago
2. James Watson ★★★★☆

   This is a really good place to go if you like bricks. I went for the steam day so there was lots to do.

   almost 4 years ago
3. Jennifer Nicholson ★★★★★

   This unique museum is an excellent place to visit for all ages, where you can learn the history of brickmaking. Plenty to see and do, including a superb café and children's play area

   almost 5 years ago

1. Amy Rushton ★★★★★

   We visited to take part in mosiac coaster making. We had a lovely afternoon. My boys aged 10 & 6 enjoyed finding the stamps and seeing all the old machinery. They've tried to include lots of hands on stuff for kids. The volunteers were all really enthusiastic and friendly too. We thoroughly enjoyed making the mosaic coasters and even made our own bricks too. The cafe was clean and pleasant. Restricted menu but sandwiches were very tasty. All in all a lovely afternoon.

   more 8 years ago

FAQs