Keymer Handmade Clay Roof Tiles & Wienerberger Factory Tour

Wienerberger’s Ewhurst factory is one of the largest brick manufacturing sites in the South East of England. The site opened in the 1920s and has an overall site area in excess of 350 acres including large areas of historic woodland and farmland, which help to screen the quarry and factory operations. The factory uses Weald clay from the extensive reserves in the adjacent Smokejacks clay pit. This quarry site is designated as a site of special scientific interest for its geological characteristics and was the source of two of the most significant finds of dinosaur remains in the UK. The site was previously recognised as 'Ockley Works', home of the famous Double Diamond brick, from the 1920s right through to 2004, when Wienerberger Ltd acquired ownership of the site from its previous owners 'the brick business Ltd’, with the newest factory on site having been built in 1999.

Our factory is split into two areas. The main factory makes Wienerberger Bricks, and at the back of the factory, we hand make Keymer clay tiles. We have been making Keymer tiles using the same methods for over 400 years. As well as the opportunity to make your own Keymer tile, you will see bricks being both handmade and machine-made.

In the visitor centre there will be people on hand to show you around and tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided free of charge. Both adults and children will be welcome to come along and look around.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 20 September:

0930-1400

Location & directions

Wienerberger Ltd, Ewhurst Works, Horsham Road, Walliswood, Ewhurst, Surrey, RH5 5QH

Directions:

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Contact on day:

Christine Leadbeater

Telephone number:

+447718115578

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

Please contact Dorking Hall Box Office to book a place on our factory tours. Pre booking preferred, but not essential. If not pre booked, you may have to wait for next available tour with space.

Booking telephone number:

+441306881717

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

http://www.dorkinghalls.co.uk/

Booking opens:

01 Jul 2025 12:00 PM

Booking closes:

19 Sep 2025 03:00 PM

Accessibility details

We are happy to accommodate people in a wheelchairs, or with pushchairs, but only in a small area of the factory. Please advise when booking. You are very welcome to visit our visitor centre, and enjoy our carving display. If you would like to attend and not do the factory tour, there is no need to book. There will be tables and chairs both outside (weather dependent) and in the visitor centre suitable for all, along with a carving display and workshop for all to enjoy. There will also be free refreshments for all our visitors.

Additional information

Hiking type shoes or boots are preferable for the factory tour, however if not possible, please ensure you wear flat, closed toe, sturdy sensible shoes for the factory tour.

Max no of people per tour:

10

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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