The Brickworks Museum
The Brickworks Museum
The Brickworks Museum
4.5
About
The height of Victorian industrial innovation – 125 years of brick history under one roof. A visit to The Brickworks Museum invokes the sights, smells and sounds of life in Victorian Britain. Explore how our favourite building material was made and the lives of the people who worked so hard to make it happen. With hands-on exhibits, two play areas and plenty to see and do in our 10 acre site, there has never been a better time to visit.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
201 reviews
Excellent
130
Very good
55
Average
8
Poor
6
Terrible
2
dianej
Eastleigh 7 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We chose to visit the Brickworks today because of the added attraction of “Meet the buses”. However only 3 buses were there, one was shut, another was almost the same as ones currently in use, so only one was of some interest. However, we and our 2 grandchildren (age 5 & 8) did enjoy the museum, although disappointed that they couldn’t make their own brick - as advertised.
Written 17 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RayandErIndoors
3 contributions
Aug 2022
Very interesting visit. Lots of exhibits to see. Information presented well. Knowledgeable staff. Nice cafe. Easy parking. One of several industrial museums visited while on holiday in the area and didn't disappoint. Only feedback would be that some You Are Here boards would be helpful as it is a big place.
Written 25 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
suemissb
Spalding, UK178 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Who'd have thought bricks could be so interesting! This museum is brilliant, showing the history of bricks and brick making, illustrated with the equipment that was used and the stories of the businesses and people involved. Along- side this are displays of how people (associated with the brickworks) lived with lots of interesting artefacts. The display of bricks from around the country is amazing. There are loads of 'hands on' activities for the tinies (and, lets be honest, oldies like us). The scale of the process and the engineering involved are awesome. We spent over 2 hours here and it could have been longer. The cafe does a very nice coffee, staff are welcoming, loos are clean and well stocked. Overall, a great place to visit. Recommended for all ages.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maggie S
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Friends
Did not know what to expect but was extremely impressed not only with the exhibits but the knowledge and passion of the volunteers.
We were transported back to a time where ingenuity and invention prevailed
We could see how hard people worked to make the bricks and the dangers they faced.
Thoroughly recommend this as a day out. At the end there was a lovely cup of tea and cake in the cafe followed by great fun with the penny arcade.
We were transported back to a time where ingenuity and invention prevailed
We could see how hard people worked to make the bricks and the dangers they faced.
Thoroughly recommend this as a day out. At the end there was a lovely cup of tea and cake in the cafe followed by great fun with the penny arcade.
Written 26 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jchanides
Brackley, UK37 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Can only agree with previous reviewers who said nice museum, terrible cafe. Visit marred by 45 min wait for 2 toasted sandwiches when cafe was almost empty. Even then they only came after asking how much longer. Seriously, how long does it take to prepare 2 toasted sandwiches when there is hardly anyone else to serve? I dread to think how long you would wait if the small cafe was only half full. The staff really do need to up their game from the lackadaisical approach. That said the museum itself was good and the comment from our grandson said that ‘ it made bricks interesting. ‘
Written 29 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlie E
10 contributions
May 2022
The museum is good if you're interested in bricks. The cafe is terrible if you're interested in food. Can you imagine waiting 25 minutes for a single cup for inedible congealed soup? This nightmare became a reality in the cafe at the brickwork museum.
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thanks for taking the time to review the museum. We are glad that you enjoyed your visit to us but sorry that the cafe didn't live up to your expectations that day. The cafe is run independently to the museum and we have forwarded your comments to them for their attention.
Written 7 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hollowanchor
4 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Absolutely fantastic! We visited today for the October Halloween Steam-up. The staff/volunteers were all super friendly and informative. Lots of do and actually a lot more interesting and fun we expected. Such a beautiful building as well. We also enjoyed some of the optional extra of the train ride and cafe. Impressed with all facilities, very resonably priced. As always, it is what you make it, overall a great classic, wholesome family day out. My son especially loved buying a pet brick and taking part in a flea circus.
Written 23 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SouthamptonUKAndy22
Southampton, UK419 contributions
Aug 2020
Another visit to my local industrial museum which has reopened following COVID lockdown. Felt safe to visit, currently only open on Thursdays. Well worth a visit to get an overview of local brickmaking.
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review. This is our first Tripadvisor review this year!! Strange times.
We are glad you enjoyed your visit and felt that it was safe. The advantage of a big site has come into its own.
Written 25 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John A
4 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Visited today. Quirky museum with interesting back story. We felt more effort could have been made to tell their story and made the experience more user friendly. No staff on hand to explain things, just to sell tickets. Cafe was disappointing. Waited 45 mins for a very average sausage bap. Could be good if they put in a bit more effort.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
We are sorry that you didn't enjoy your visit.
We try very hard to make the site understandable but sadly, whilst we would love to be like the National Trust and have room stewards everywhere, we simply don't have the resources.
Our lovely Volunteers man the front desk for us, make visitors welcome and do their best to explain how the museum is laid out, but the route round the museum has to be self-guided at the moment.
The cafe is run by another charity and we will pass on your comments.
Written 23 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen-Southampton-UK
Southampton, UK53 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Why a great day, such amazing value! A wonderful step back in time to our local industrial history. Enjoyed the education, information and environment. Lovely team of volunteers. Great coffee and cake too.
Written 12 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you go to the cafe without paying admission please?
Written 16 April 2019
Hello, We are happy for visitors to come and use the cafe without visiting the museum but not when we have an event on. We are simply too busy on those days to be able to cope.
Written 1 May 2019
Museum only: Adults £5, Concessions £4 and children £3 (Family ticket £13 and is for 2 + 2)
Steam-Up Events: Once a month we steam the machinery up and hold bigger events. Tickets cost: Adults £7, Concessions £6, Children £4 (Family ticket £18)
Written 3 January 2019
Is this attraction suitable on a Rainy Day?
Written 2 September 2017
Yes. Most of the attraction is under cover.
Written 8 October 2017
Hi, if you make a brick do you get to take it home or does it have to stay at the museum?
Thank you
Written 21 August 2016
Yes, but they will need to dry out so you need to be a bit careful with them!
Written 19 October 2016
Ooops - we missed this question. Yes, dogs on leads are very welcome. We have no problem with them inside and outside the museum. The only place we can't let them go is in the cafe itself but even then there is plenty of seating where you can take your food and have the dog. Hope to see you soon and sorry for the delay in answering.
Written 17 July 2016
We are not open for the February half term as it is too cold in the Brickworks. Back in action in April ready for Easter.
Written 29 January 2015
Carol F
Southampton, United Kingdom
Can I book to bring my grandchildren over half term on the 15 and 16th of February .Please advise
Written 29 January 2015
Hello,
Thanks for contacting us. I'm afraid we are closed until April. It is so cold here that it makes opening really difficult. Lots of things to do in the summer half term though.
BBIM
Written 29 January 2015
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