Step into our industrial and social history
From a time when
Steam was king
END OF SEASON MESSAGE
Saying a massive THANK YOU to all our volunteers, visitors and supporters this year for another successful open season.
Crofton Beam Engines and the pay and display car park are now closed for the winter. We plan to open again for spring 2023, dates are to be confirmed, so keep an eye on social media and the website for updates.
We’re not taking the winter off though, we will be carrying out essential winter maintenance during the closed season and will be open on the following Saturdays for Winter Works Open Days. A chance to see what goes on behind the scenes over the winter period. We hope to see you there!
Winter Works Open Days (10:30 – 14:30)
Saturday 8th October 2022
Saturday 19th November 2022
Saturday 3rd December 2022
With more dates to be confirmed for early 2023
If making a special or long distance journey, please check with us beforehand that we will be open. Crofton is powered by volunteers, we may have to close at short notice for unforeseen circumstances.
LOTS OF SPACE FOR PICNICS IN THE GROUNDS
No refreshments are currently available on site.
The picnic area is not under cover. Please note that the only access to the site is via the main gate opposite the car park. No access from the lower canal entrance at lock 60.
Explore Crofton’s Engines
A team of dedicated volunteers and staff looks after the whole site. They do that to preserve this amazing landmark from the past in order that you, and future generations, can see how our great, pioneering engineers tackled early developments in motive power and pumping technology. When you visit, you will see why Crofton is regarded as such a gem in the heritage of UK engineering.
Get Involved
Crofton is powered by volunteers! Come and join our friendly team at Crofton Beam Engines, and help to show our wonderful engines and beautiful site to our visitors. We have a wide range of volunteer roles, so there is a task waiting for you whatever your background. Roles include Front of house and tour guides, Engineering, Ground work, Building Maintenance, and Visitor Services.
Latest News
Ecoal Trial Steaming – Update
The results so far A trial steaming using Homefire Ecoal (partially made from coal with a proportion of ground olive stones) was held on 5 July 2022, having warmed the boiler through the previous day. The team of Crofton volunteers started their first test on the 120 year old Lancashire boiler. No one was really…
Shorter Steaming 30 and 31 July 2022
Restricted Steaming this Weekend Due to ongoing problems with the available water situation for the Kennet and Avon Canal there will be restricted steaming on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July 2022. The last available tickets will be for 14.45. Advance booking is recommended. Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 July Sunday 28 & Bank Holiday Monday 29…
ECOAL – Trial
Ecoal Trial Steaming – First Report A trial steaming using Homefire Ecoal (partially made from coal with a proportion of ground olive stones) was held on 5 July 2022, having warmed the boiler through the previous day. From a slow start from light up the boiler managers developed a different firing method and were then…
Visit by narrowboat
and stop by on the
Kennet & Avon Canal
A Word from our Patron Phil Harding
“I’ve known Crofton all my life and still enjoy visiting this special place. Crofton is important both as part of Wiltshire’s social history and internationally as a working steam pumping station”
