Somerset Brick and Tile Museum
Free museum in Bridgwater built around one of the last traditional bottle-brick kilns in southern England, telling the story of local brick and tile making.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Somerset Brick and Tile Museum stands on East Quay in Bridgwater, on the site of the former Barham Brothers' yard. Brick and tile making was one of the many labour-intensive industries once found in Somerset, and Bridgwater produced an impressive range of bricks, tiles, terracotta plaques and other wares that gave many Somerset towns their look.
The heart of the museum is a traditional brick kiln, one of the only ones to survive in southern England. It was one of six at the yard and was last fired in 1965. The kiln is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and was saved from destruction in the 1990s. Visitors can walk into it and learn how it was loaded, fired and emptied.
Around the kiln, the museum shows tools used to make bricks and tiles and examples of the products. It is run by the South West Heritage Trust, a charity, and also hosts a clay workshop space where visitors can make and paint pottery, with drop-in sessions, school workshops and private parties.
Highlights
- Last traditional bottle-brick kiln in Somerset, a Scheduled Ancient Monument
- Tools and equipment used in making bricks and tiles
- Examples of Bridgwater bricks, roof tiles and terracotta wares
- Hands-on clay workshops and pottery painting in the museum workshop
- Free entry with a suggested donation
Permanent exhibition
- Brick and tile making – The story of brick and tile making in Somerset, with tools, products and the preserved kiln at the former Barham Brothers yard.
- Founded
- 1990
- Operated by
- South West Heritage Trust
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups (8+ people) | £8.50 per personGroup tour of the museum and kiln with a hot drink and a roof tile demonstration, £8.50 per person; a two-hour tour with clay creation is £14.50 per person and a youth group tour is £7.50 per person. Groups of 8 to 18 people. |
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Entry is free. The museum is run by a charity and asks visitors to consider a donation of £3 per person. Workshops, tours and pottery parties are charged separately.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Most of the museum is fully accessible: the main museum, the workshop area and the brick kiln are on the same floor, with mostly level access and a ramp going into the kiln, and there is plenty of room between displays. The entrance can be reached by steps or a ramp, both with sturdy handrails, and the doors are held open. There is an accessible toilet on site and disabled parking with space for a minibus.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
The museum runs clay and craft workshops in the school holidays, and children can have a pottery party for ages 7 and over with 8 to 14 children. Adult clay workshops and drop-in painting sessions are also offered.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
There is parking on site for one car per booking; please do not block access for other vehicles. If the space is taken, park on the nearby roadside.
- Accessible parking
The museum is on East Quay between industrial units, currently Jewsons and Kilnside Industrial Estate.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
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| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Group tours of the museum and kiln last about an hour and can include a roof tile demonstration or a clay-making session; groups must book in advance. School workshops on brick and tile making take place on Wednesday mornings. Occasional guided tours with a tile-making demonstration are also advertised on the events page. |
