The Brickworks Museum

Trainmaster comes to The Brickworks!
2026-05-27 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London)
Have a train fan in your house? Along with all the fun of the museum this May half term, on the 27th and 28th May 10am-4pm, we have Trainmaster Portsmouth coming down with their amazing train layouts! Included in your entry price is access to play with trains all day!
There will be a huge hands-on train track, ride-on train, train slide, and track to build. We fill the room with an enormous track allowing children of all ages to play.
Book at timed ticket here (on sale in March) but stay all day! Walk ins accepted after 1pm.

The Brickworks miniature trains will also be running on this date. Small additional fee.

Trainmaster comes to The Brickworks!
2026-05-28 10:00
Have a train fan in your house? Along with all the fun of the museum this May half term, on the 27th and 28th May 10am-4pm, we have Trainmaster Portsmouth coming down with their amazing train layouts! Included in your entry price is access to play with trains all day!
There will be a huge hands-on train track, ride-on train, train slide, and track to build. We fill the room with an enormous track allowing children of all ages to play.
Book at timed ticket here (on sale in March) but stay all day! Walk ins accepted after 1pm.

On Thursday 28th May the Brickworks very own miniature train will be open for rides 12.30-3.30pm. Get your ticket for this at the front desk. : )

World in Miniature!
2026-05-31 11:00 - 16:00
Come along to our very first event especially for the smaller things in life! We will have a whole range of models and miniatures on display from coaches to our very own dolls’ house.
One of the key features will be the collection of model carriages and coaches that we have been loaned for this year. They will be on show in our big events space – A chance to get up close and admire the craft that has gone into making these amazing models.
We will also be showcasing some of our volunteer’s craftsmanship. There will be models they have been working on plus a new model train layout that is being built for the museum.
Alongside will be other collections from external model makers and displayers including miniature cars, planes, boats, tanks, buses and pin cushions.
As always there will be activities for children. For this event we have a play dolls house and a chance to make a peg doll to take home as well as crafts in the marquee with Fred and Farmyard models too. : )
We will also be IN STEAM for this event so see the Victorian machinery of our brickworks in working order as well as our full museum collection, miniature train rides, children’s play areas and goodies served at our wonderful café and MORE.

Raku Firing and Ceramics Market
2026-06-07 11:00 - 16:00
Our first ever Raku firing day here at The Brickworks Museum
Raku Firing Demonstrations between 11 am and 3.30: Come and watch members of the Southern Ceramics Group reveal the magic of Raku firing.
It is going to be a day of ‘fours’ as there will be four kilns each being fired four times. They will be demonstrating four different kinds of raku – Glazed Raku, 2 step Naked Raku, Horsehair Raku and Obvara (also known as Baltic Raku involving burning hot pieces dipped into a fermented liquid). We are really looking forward to this!

Ceramics Market – unique ceramic art for sale:
Functional and sculptural handmade ceramic pieces made by members of the Southern Ceramic Group are up for sale between 11 and 3.30 pm. Come and browse and buy!

The event is free with your museum ticket.

Strawberries & Steam
2026-06-21 11:00 - 16:00
Come and celebrate the historical strawberry fields of the area with our pop up exhibition and join us for a strawberry afternoon tea. Enjoy it picnic style inside or out and enjoy the museum in full steam! Tickets available in advance for your afternoon tea here from May 2026.

BRICK art exhibition
2026-06-21 11:00 - 2026-09-06 16:00
BRICK

Introducing our new open art exhibition for 2026:
BRICK
Sunday 21st June 2026 – Sunday 6th September 2026
Shed 5 Exhibition Space
The Brickworks Museum

Bricks are all around us. What do bricks mean to you?
Come and see this inviting and inspiring exhibition to celebrate this theme which is central to our museum. Work form local artists from amateurs to professionals will be exhibited alongside art work from The Brickworks collection itself. You will experience both 3d and 2d art in a variety of media – from photographs of brick constructions, paintings in acrylic and watercolour to fine drawings in pen and ink.
We’d love for you to let us know which is your favourite so there will be a people’s vote box for you to let us know which struck a cord with you. More information on arrival.
The exhibition is free to visit included with your entrance fee which you can pay on arrival to the museum.

NEW: Wonderplay @ The Brickworks
2026-07-08 10:00 - 16:00
Calling all parents of babies and tots! Come along to the museum on Wednesday 8th July 10am -4pm for a free access session with Wonderplay. The session is free to use on your visit to the museum on this day. This fantastic new session is being offered to us to use and we expect it to be popular so reserve your place and pay on the day.

Reserve a place!

Summer Fun Steam Up
2026-07-12 11:00 - 16:00
Lots of fun to be had at one of our Museum-in-Steam events
The museum will be all steamed up and working; miniature train rides and the cafe selling lovely refreshing goodies.

(Please Note that due to the very hot weather the Dog Show has been cancelled – but it is lovely and cool inside our old brick buildings!)
Inside:
Tortoises with Tortoise Rescue Society
Allotment Display and Information
Magician, Clown, and Children’s Activities
Craft stalls: Spinning Demo; Artwork and pottery; Cards; Jams and chutneys; Plants
Tools and Old Books!
Outside:
Miniature Train Rides (small extra charge); Heritage Bus to explore; Two Traction Engines on display
So much to see and do INCLUDING our art exhibition in Shed 5; BRICK.

Lots for everyone else even if you don’t have a furry friend to bring along – Tortoise Rescue, Hedgehog Rescue, Allotment Information and Display, Local History Display on Allotments and Flower Shows. Dog Agility Display and also Fun Dog Show (just turn up with the dog no need to book and entry to two classes included with admission fee to event). Stalls including Barge Ware, Spinning, Glassware and Artwork, Magician and Children’s Play Areas. Cherished Double Decker Bus to climb upon and two Traction Engines. Brickworks Museum with working machinery and train rides (small extra charge).

Outdoor workshop: Make a medallion and creature hunt with Youth Options
2026-07-30 11:00 - 16:00
This summer we are lucky to have the wonderful Youth Options along to deliver some fun outdoor activities.

On Thursday 30th July come along have ago at sweep netting all day with Youth Options and see what creatures you can find. There will be all the materials you need to safely and carefully gather some bugs to look at in our wildlife garden. This activity in included in your museum entry.
Want to do a bit more? Come along and make a medallion to wearing using a variety of tools in a safe environment. This workshop will be with one of the Youth Options workers who will help guide your young person through the skills they need. Grab a wrist band at the front desk for this activity which will be an extra £4.50 so we can have small safe groups to deliver this workshop.

Summer Lego, Lego, Lego!
2026-08-05 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-06 10:00 - 16:00
This summer holiday, we are delighted to welcome The Brick People back to the Museum for a fifth year of running brilliant brick-based events using LEGO® bricks.
On Weds 5th and Thurs 6th August, as well as all the fun of the museum, you can find the models and mini-figures hidden around the site and see the display of models made from LEGO®. Enjoy the free Lego play areas AND add a LEGO® Dot mosaic tile to the wall.

10am – 4pm each day No need to pre book – pay on arrival.
Our dog and child friendly museum also features two children’s play areas, on-site café and a working vintage arcade.
You will also get 125 years of brick history, and the chance to wander around our museum and this is ALL included in your Event admission fee.

WORKSHOP: Lego Printing
2026-08-05 10:00 - 16:00
Come and make with us!
Fancy trying out printing? Explore using printing inks and make your own LEGO design with us at The Brickworks Museum. Book a place on one of our workshops in our Education room (which is nice and cool!). Each ticket to the workshop costs just £2.25 per attendee to cover our costs and you can secure your ticket and secure your place by booking online. Pay your normal museum entry fee on arrival. Children must be accompanied by an adult, please reserve a no-cost ticket to accompany your child.

Tickets can be booked online here from July 1st. Book here

Wheels, Wheels, Wheels!
2026-08-09 11:00 - 16:00
This August we pay homage to transport – an exciting day of cars, buses and, because we can, trains. Join us as we enjoy a wheel-y great family day out.
Featuring over 40 vehicles including cars, buses, train layouts in the marquee, live music, craft stalls, children’s activities, miniature train rides (small fee), vintage penny arcade, or art exhibition BRICK and The Brickworks Museum under steam – phew! Bring your favourite petrolhead or diesel daredevil to enjoy a day packed full of horsepower.
Whilst they do that why not eat delicious cake or lunch at The Brickyard Cafe awhile you take it all in including music from the Rock’a’Fellas Band!
(Important note from Events Supremo Pam – if you would like to show a vehicle at this or any of our other events, please book in advance via events@thebrickworksmuseum.org. Thank you.)

WORKSHOP: Bisque Painted Tile
2026-08-12 10:00 - 16:00
|Have a go at pottery painting in our new tile workshop.

This family friendly workshop based in our lovely cool education room, takes place this summer holiday! Come along and design and paint your own unique tile or room sign to be fired here at The Brickworks. If you have creative family members this is for you! The whole family can join in for just £5 each including firing. Come back and collect your tile at a later date (TBC).
Please book a £5 ticket for each person who wishes to paint a tile. Children must be accompanied and you can book a free ticket if you just want to accompany. Please pay your normal museum entry fee on arrival and enjoy a full day out at the museum. Tickets on sale here on July 1st.

Tickets here!

Make with Meccano!
2026-08-12 11:00 - 16:00
Come along to our children’s Meccano event this Summer holiday – included in your standard entry price! Boxes and boxes of Meccano await your creativity and design flair! What will you make?
No need to book – pay on arrival.
Our dog and child friendly museum also features two children’s play areas, on-site café and a working vintage arcade.
You will also get 125 years of brick history, and the chance to wander around our museum and this is ALL included in your Event admission fee.

WORKSHOP: Poly-Printing
2026-08-13 13:30 - 14:30 | The Brickworks, Swanwick Lane, Lower Swanwick, SO31 7HB, United Kingdom
Come and create a poly print with us! Draw out your design onto polystyrene and use our printing inks to make a beautiful piece of art work. Suitable for the whole family!
To book a place buy your ticket by clicking the button below! £3 per person for the workshop. Pay your normal museum admission on arrival.
Buy Tickets

Trainmaster comes to The Brickworks!
2026-08-19 10:00 - 16:00
This summer holiday, we are welcoming back to the Brickworks Lucinda and Trainmaster Portsmouth!
Have a train fan in your house? Along with all the fun of the museum this summer, on the 19th and 20th August, 10am-4pm (last entry 3.00), we have Trainmaster Portsmouth coming down with their amazing train layouts! Included in your entry price is access to play with trains all day!
There will be a huge hands-on train track, ride-on train, train slide, and track to build. We fill the room with an enormous track allowing children of all ages to play.
Just turn up and pay on the day.

WORKSHOP: Play with Clay
2026-08-19 10:00 - 16:00
Come along to our Play with Clay session in our lovely, cool education room. Take time to create together using clay! What will you make? Bring tupperware or small shoe box to take your creations home with you.
Please book a £2 ticket for each person who wishes to play. Children must be accompanied and you can book a free ticket if you just want to accompany. Please pay your normal museum entry fee on arrival and enjoy a full day out at the museum.

Tickets on sale here on July 1st.

Trainmaster comes to The Brickworks!
2026-08-20 10:00 - 16:00
This summer holiday, we are welcoming back to the Brickworks Lucinda and Trainmaster Portsmouth!
Have a train fan in your house? Along with all the fun of the museum this summer, on the 19th and 20th August, 10am-4pm (last entry at 3.00), we have Trainmaster Portsmouth coming down with their amazing train layouts! Included in your entry price is access to play with trains all day!
There will be a huge hands-on train track, ride-on train, train slide, and track to build. We fill the room with an enormous track allowing children of all ages to play.
Just turn up and pay on the day.

WORKSHOP: Paint a Bug Hotel
2026-08-26 10:00 - 16:00
Make and play this Summer holiday and come and paint your own bug hotel! Be creative and make a home for the bugs in your garden!
Please book a £2 ticket for each person who wishes to paint a bug hotel. Children must be accompanied and you can book a free ticket if you just want to accompany. Please pay your normal museum entry fee on arrival and enjoy a full day out at the museum. Tickets on sale here on July 1st.

Tickets here

Outdoor Workshop - God's Eye and hammer and nails activity
2026-08-26 11:00 - 16:00
This summer we are lucky to have the wonderful Youth Options along to deliver some fun outdoor activities.
On Wednesday 26th August 2026, come along have ago sweep netting all day long as well as crafting a god’s eye medallion. Additionally there will be a hammer and nails workshop which will be with one of the Youth Options workers who will help guide your young person through the skills they need. Grab a wrist band at the front desk for this activity which will be an extra £4.50 so we can have small safe groups to deliver this workshop.

All Aboard! Trains at The Brickworks
2026-09-06 11:00 - 16:00
Back for 2026 is our ever-popular Trains Day when the trains take over. Ride the rails as autumn sets in at The Brickworks Museum.
More details to come but you will find:
Various Model Railway Layouts inside, some large, also Railway Sales. Very large 16mm Layout outside in marquee. Live Music, Army Vehicles, Miniature Train Rides (small extra fee), Traction Engines, Living Wagons. Also inside – Brickworks Museum with working machinery, Children’s Activities and Play Areas and Vintage Slot Machines

Heritage Open Day
2026-09-16 11:00 - 16:00
Heritage Open Days is the largest heritage festival in England, dedicated to showcasing the country’s history and culture. The event invites people of all ages to discover and explore historical sites such as The Brickworks Museum. If you have ever wanted to visit this is a great day to come along as visitor fees are waived on this day.
The Brickworks Museum relies on visitor fees to keep open to the public so do consider donating, booking a workshop or purchasing something from the shop on your visit.
This year we are running two tours to enhance your visit. Please use the button to book your place. (Booking is essential)
Book Here

Holistic Fayre
2026-09-20 11:00 - 16:00
A new and exciting Holistic Fayre being held here at The Brickworks hosted by the wonderful people at Orange Blossom Beauty, Witch-Crafts and Ace Therapies.

Discover holistic therapies, spiritual gifts, handcrafted items, readings and more! You’ll find something for the mind, body, soul and spirit!

Entry £2 including a raffle ticket. You must purchase museum entry separately if you’d like to look around.

See poster for more details!

Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None
2026-09-23 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-09-24 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-09-25 19:30 - 22:00
The Brickworks is excited to welcome Torchlight Mysteries with their latest production!

Ten strangers with deadly secrets, a missing host, and worsening weather creates escalating tension.

Award-winning immersive theatre company Torchlight Mysteries invites you to experience Agatha Christie’s classic And Then There Were None like never before. Staged live inside the historic Brickworks Museum, you’ll take your seat right at the heart of the mystery.
The dinner bell rings at 7:30 PM, and you are cordially invited to take your seat. But this is no ordinary dinner party. You are seated at the beating heart of Agatha Christie’s most famous whodunnit. The doors are locked. The storm is brewing. And as the theatrical nightmare unfolds around you, the suspects are removed from the guest list, one victim at a time. Will you spot the clues? Can you deduce the killer before the final curtain falls?

Secure your seat before it’s too late: torchlightmysteries.com
The Brickworks Museum (This amateur production of AND THEN THERE WERE NONE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French, Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk)

Halloween and Autumn Steam Up
2026-10-25 08:00 - 17:00
Our Autumn steam up welcomes the Traction engines back from their summer show season to join us in one last celebration of brickmaking before the Museum closes for our winter months. As the nights darken and the season draws in, don’t miss the chance to explore our genuinely haunted museum at Halloween.
Featuring: Traction Engines, Train Rides (small extra charge), Halloween Decorations, Miniature Railway Layouts, Craft & Gift Stalls and much more to be announced at a later date.

Ghostly Goings-On
2026-10-28 11:00 - 2026-10-29 16:00
Two ghostly days planned here at The Brickworks. Come along if you dare, and join in with the ghostly goings on!

Victorian Christmas Fayre
2026-11-29 11:00 - 16:00
Come along and see the museum decorated in Victorian style and browse our market for all your Christmas gifting needs. Find something unique and special among our fantastic independent traders. All this and our fantastic museum in full steam!
