Name: Crofton Beam Engines
Rating: 5.0

Crofton Beam Engines

Crofton Beam Engines, Crofton, Marlborough, UK

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Crofton Beam Engines is a historic steam engineering site located near Great Bedwyn in Wiltshire, England. Built between 1807–09, it houses the oldest working steam engines in the world still performing their original function. The site played a vital role in pumping water to the highest point of the Kennet and Avon Canal, helping power Britain’s Industrial Age.

Visitors can explore the Georgian Grade 1 Listed engine house and see the remarkable beam engines that once kept canal trade moving between London and Bristol. On Steaming Days, guests can watch the engines in action, while the special Steam Experience (£195 per person) allows participants to help light and stoke the boiler, assist the Duty Engineer, access restricted areas, prepare the engines for steaming, and take control of the oldest working beam engine in the world. Facilities include the Smithy Tea Room serving drinks and cakes, picnic areas in extensive grounds, modern accessible toilets with baby changing facilities, and free car parking.

On Steaming Days, the Annual Pass is £14.50, Kennet and Avon Canal Trust Members pay £7.25, while Children (under 16) and Carers are FREE, with FREE car parking. On Non-Steaming Days, the Annual Pass is £7.25, Members pay £3.50, and Children and Carers are FREE, with FREE car parking. The exclusive Steam Experience costs £195 per person.

Overall, Crofton Beam Engines offers a rare chance to witness early steam technology still working in its original setting. It combines industrial heritage, hands-on experiences, and peaceful countryside surroundings. This attraction is ideal for engineering enthusiasts, history lovers, families, and anyone curious about Britain’s steam-powered past.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Crofton Beam Engines are a remarkable example of early 19th-century steam engineering, situated near the village of Great Bedwyn in Wiltshire, England. These historic engines were built to pump water into the highest point of the Kennet and Avon Canal, an essential feat that made the canal navigable and supported Britain’s burgeoning industrial revolution.
Constructed in 1807-09, the Crofton Pumping Station houses the oldest working steam engines in the world still performing their original function. The beam engines were pivotal in maintaining water levels on the canal, which was a major transport route for goods and raw materials during the Industrial Age.
Steam Experience: Have you ever wanted to stoke a huge coal fired boiler or operate the oldest fully working beam engine in the world? Now is your chance! Accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable volunteer, you can help light and stoke the boiler, work with the Duty Engineer, enter areas not normally seen by the public, help prepare the engines for steaming, and finally take control of the oldest, working beam engine in the world.

Facilities

Food & Drinks: From our “Smithy Tea Room” we will be serving tea, coffee and a variety of soft drinks as well as cakes, biscuits and other delights to keep you sustained while visiting the engines and meeting our wonderful volunteers.
Picnics: You are welcome to bring your own picnic and enjoy it in our extensive grounds, where new picnic tables have been installed.
Toilets: We have modern, accessible unisex visitor toilet facilities. There is a baby changing table and nappy bin within the accessible facility.