Crofton Beam Engines - Season steaming finale

About

Crofton's boiler will be lit and her engines in steam and lifting water for the last time this year. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see technology from a bygone age in operation

You can see our magnificent beam engines at work, pumping water to the highest point of the Kennet and Avon Canal, keeping the canal full of water. The pumping station at Crofton has been running for well over 200 years and includes the oldest Beam Engine in the World, still in its original location, still doing the job for which it was installed. Watch these surprisingly quiet marvels of engineering and learn how it all works from our knowledgeable volunteers.

Once our boiler crew have raised steam to drive the engines, see our highly skilled engine drivers coax the engines into life. See the heart of the fires in our boiler and learn about coal and alternative fuels. Remember that our number one engine, installed in 1812 has been working since Napoleon retreated from Moscow!

Our Old Smithy Tea room will be open from 10am till 4.30pm for hot and cold drinks and cake.

Showman's engine returns to Crofton: Verity, a very fine showman's tractor will be visiting Crofton again on this weekend to help us celebrate our last steaming for the summer season. This beautiful engine will be in steam and her crew will be pleased to talk about her history with visitors.

Fun for all the family: Children's activities will include a special trail guiding them round our station, a prize for every completed trail. There will be a special, self-guided crafting area for children to use, as well as a "stain Glass" window of Crofton which children can colour in.

Our play area includes a model canal where children can lift water to the top of the canals and then let it flow through the "locks".

Crofton Beam Engines will be open and steaming for the on the Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th. Opening times on both days: car park 10:00 to 17:00, grounds 10:00 to 16:30, with access to the Engine House from 10:30 to 16:30.

You can visit Crofton by road and park for free in our car park, we have a cycle park as well. Or join us from the canal via the canal tunnel at Crofton Lock.