Somerset Brick and Tile Museum

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Somerset Brick and Tile Museum

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The Somerset Brick and Tile Museum is based in Bridgwater, and is dedicated to the local industry of brick and tile making. Open Tuesdays 10.00 am to 4.00pm

The Brick & Tile Museum is dedicated to the local industry of brick and tile making, one of the many labour-intensive coal based industries once found in Somerset. The core of the museum is the only remaining tile kiln in Bridgwater. It used to be one of six at the former Barham Brothers’ Yard at East Quay. It was last fired in 1965, the year that the works closed. Demonstrated inside the museum are the methods and processes involved in making the impressive variety of bricks, tiles, terracotta plaques and other wares that create the ‘look’ of Somerset towns like Bridgwater, Burnham and Glastonbury. The kiln is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, saved from dereliction in the 1990s when it became a museum. The Brick & Tile Museum is part of The South West Heritage Trust an independent charity committed to protecting and celebrating Somerset and Devon’s rich heritage. For more information:

www.swheritage.org.uk

01/11/2026

🎄 Christmas creativity is back🎄

Families, come and create something special together.

✨ Make a festive clay tealight holder in the shape of an angel or Christmas tree, inspired by traditional Christmas tree toppers. 📆 Sat 28 Nov

🎨 Or join us for our popular clay decoration painting sessions, where you can choose from a range of pre-fired clay decorations to paint, with a Paint a Plate activity included in your ticket. 📆 Tue 22 & Wed 23 December

🔗Book your tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/bdr8mfhz
❤️ Handmade keepsakes to bring out and enjoy Christmas after Christmas.

29/10/2026

What a lovely half term.

Lots of baaautiful sheep made and some woven jelly fish!!

We also had a lovely group visit on Weds from ladies of Stoke St Gregory WI. They enjoyed a tour and made a decorative tile.

Please email the museum for any group visit enquiries

[email protected]

Our next family activities are already on the website and open for bookings

https://swheritage.org.uk/events/clay-christmas-tealight/

https://swheritage.org.uk/events/family-christmas-decorations/

See you all soon 😀

27/10/2026

🍀 Did you know a gonk is said to be a winter guardian who brings good luck to the home? - Just don't forget the porridge... 🥣. Join us and make your own clay gonk to take home this Christmas.
🎟️ Booking required. See our website for details.

26/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who booked a ticket for the Clay Sheep family workshops. We're now sold out!

We look forward to seeing all the woolly sheep created, alongside some weaving too. We'll share photos afterwards, so watch this space.

25/10/2026

👐 Get your hands dirty and your creativity flowing!

Our adult workshops are proving popular, with some sessions already selling fast. Choose from a charming flower wreath 🌸, characterful Highland cow 🐮, festive gonk 🎅 or beautiful bird sculpture 🐦 and create your own handmade masterpiece.

You will be guided each step of the way though all our workshops making them perfect for seasoned makers or complete beginners.

📅 Date correction: One of the images shows an incorrect date. The correct date for the clay birds workshop is Tuesday, 19th January 2027.

🎟️ Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your place.
🔗BOOK NOW: https://swheritage.org.uk/.../somerset-brick.../whats-on/

21/10/2026

We're so used to talking about clay that it feels extra special to talk about wool. 🐑🧶
Did you know that before bricks and tiles, one of Bridgwater's most important exports was wool and woollen cloth? 🧵Fleeces from Somerset's sheep were transformed into textiles that travelled from Bridgwater's port to markets overseas.

The wool on a sheep's back was only the beginning:

🐑 Sheep → Wool fleece → Yarn → Woven cloth → Clothing, blankets and more 🪡

This October half term, discover the journey from sheep to cloth through hands-on family activities. Sculpt a clay sheep, try weaving on a paper plate loom, and explore a fascinating part of Bridgwater's heritage.

There's limited spaces available: Wonderful Woollies: Clay Sheep & Weaving Fun

18/10/2026

October half term is just around the corner!
🐑Join us for Wonderful Woollies: Clay Sheep & Weaving Fun
📅Tue 27 and Thu 29 Oct.

Did you know that before bricks and tiles, Bridgwater’s biggest export was wool? 🐏We're celebrating celebrate Somerset’s woolly heritage by crafting a clay sheep and weaving with colourful wool. 🧶 There's still some availability so book your tickets now to get crafting with clay.

What's On Somerset Bridgwater Here and Now Bridgwater Events

17/10/2026

Some amazing makes today at the Gingerbread House workshop. Everyone did brilliantly.

Next up is our Snowman making session on Tuesday. Places still available for booking.

https://swheritage.org.uk/events/adult-workshop-white-clay-snowman/

Address

East Quay
Bridgwater
TA64DB

Telephone

+441823278805

Website

https://somersetbrickandtilemuseum.org.uk/

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