Lion Salt Works — Attraction in Marston

Thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Who knew that there was so much to producing the various types of salt, even for what are rudimentary and simple processes. I was fascinated that we exported so much of it so far afield, to the Commonwealth including to Nigeria. Apparently, the market for UK salt exports collapsed in 1984 when the Nigerians started to import cheaper product from, amongst other places, South America. The place closed shortly afterwards if I recall correctly.

The thing that surprised me was the working environment. The photos of the place in 1982 looked more like Pathe News reels of the 1950s or 60s or even sepia coloured photos of the Victorian era. No, it was the 1980s. Christ! No wonder Britain's post-war industrial landscape changed so dramatically. We simply didn't modernise and enter the new world as quickly as some of our competitors.

Anyway, I recommend a visit but would allow around two hours. Unless you have a family and kids and want to tour the musum and then enjoy the outdoors or have a picnic during...

An interesting & informative visit to Lion salt works, plenty of free car parking space & lovely visitor centre. The shop selling usual museum type gifts, I did wonder if a range of other directly linked salt products would be lucrative for the museum shop. I loved the interactive video instalments however was disappointed a number of the recorded information links were not working or had been removed for some reason, maybe reinstate these & make accessible & inclusive for Deaf & Blind visitors too. I liked the example of the house/office in the grounds, hopefully when funds permit further dressing internally would also engage visitors experience. The butterfly garden area & the seating area for better days are a lovely addition. Well worth both a local & out of area visit & I hope to read of future developments giving an insight into this surprising British Industry...

Fab little day out. £6.25 per adult, under 5's free as children are classed as 5-12. Good play area outside, that you don't have to pay to access, would be lovely on a warm day. Soup in the cafe was lovely but there was next to no choice food wise and the cakes and biscuits are the pre packed type so I wouldn't reccommend for lunch but do get a hot chocolate after (although our hot choc with cream and marshmellows had no cream....). The museum was really interesting and lots of buttons for kids to press. They also do a salt squad back pack with loads of kids activities in.

It was really quiet and we went on a Saturday. I think a better cafe and some home made cakes and scones and it would have been really busy as other people there...