Step into our industrial and social history
From a time when
Steam was king
Staying Covid-19 Secure in 2020
We are excited to finally be able to reopen to continue to share this part of Wiltshire’s history!
We are following current Government Guidance for visitor attractions, updating our procedures as guidance changes.
We have been making changes across the site to keep our visitors, volunteers and staff safe. Please see below for more information.
OPENING HOURS
NO STEAMING DAYS SCHEDULED FOR 2020
The Pumping Station and grounds are open Friday to Sunday and on Bank Holiday Monday 31 August from 10:30am – 3:30pm. Last entry to the buildings is at 2:30pm
CAFÉ
The Engineman’s Rest Café remains CLOSED for the remainder of 2020.
CAR PARK
Our Pay and Display car park is open for visitors during the Pumping Station opening hours (Fri-Sun 10:30am – 3:30pm). The car park gates will be locked at 4pm.
Parking charges apply:
0-2 hrs – £1 All Day – £2.50
Our parking machine is cleaned with a Ramsbury Brewery 70% alcohol sanitiser spray 3 times a day during opening hours
PUBLIC TOILETS
Our toilet facilities (5 unisex cubicles, 1 disabled and baby changing cubicle) are open to visitors visiting the station and grounds only.
We have increased our cleaning schedules of these facilities to 3 times a day.
Visitors will see that some cubicles will be closed with clear OPEN or CLOSED signage to assist social distancing.
The Public Toilets are open during opening times only (Friday to Sunday 10:30am – 3:30pm).
SITE ACCESS
Access to the site is via the front gate located opposite the pay and display car park. There is no access between the site and the canal towpath. Visitors wishing to visit from the canal can do so from Sam Farmer Lock (No. 59) and following the main road east to Crofton. Similarly visitors wishing to access the canal must use the same route.
COVID PROCAUTIONS
Hand Sanitiser
- site entrance
- site exit
- public toilet entrance/exit
- station entrance
- payment desk
- station exit
These stations are checked regularly by a member of staff and hand sanitiser is replenished when necessary.
Social Distancing
Yellow distancing queue lines are marked outside the station entrance as well as the public toilets and site entrance. Visitors will see signage around site to remind everyone to follow the government guidance.
Protective Equipment
Please note that the mandatory use of face coverings in museums and other indoor spaces which will come into effect on Saturday 8th August will apply to visitors wishing to visit the station. This law does not apply to volunteers and staff
We have installed a clear Perspex screen on our payment desk in the station to protect our staff and visitors.
Visitors may see volunteers and staff wearing face coverings, gloves and/or face shields during their visit, this is by their choice and is not mandatory.
Cleaning
Handrails and other surfaces around the station are cleaned using Ramsbury Brewery 70% alcohol sanitiser spray after every visitor group has exited the building. This is to keep visitors as well as our volunteers and staff safe. The cleaning of other objects such as pens, the card machine and key cards occurs after each use
SITE ENTRY
There is no charge to enter the site, however we have limited the number of daily visitors on site to maintain social distancing rules and aid visitor management within our team. To manage this we are operating a first come, first served entry basis, therefore visitors may be asked to wait outside the grounds before entry. Visitors will be counted on and off site as the day progresses.
We have no booking system for site access, so please understand this is a first come first served system. If full capacity is reached signage will be present in the Car Park and at the Entrance Gate. Visitors may still use the Pay and Display car park even if full site capacity has been reached.
As we progress through the season the total number of visitors allowed onsite will change after assessing the suitability of our new procedures.
Last entry to the site is at 3:30pm, and the site and car park close at 4pm.
STATION ENTRY
We are operating a Station Key Card entry system to the Station. Visitors must collect a key card if they wish to take a self-guided tour of the Engine House.
Key Cards are collected on entry to the site at the front gateand are given to each member of the visiting group, including children.
Key Cards are available for 4 time slots throughout the day. These are 11:30, 12:30, 13:30 and 14:30. The number of Key Cards for each slot is limited, and Cards are distributed on a first come first served basis. We do not have a booking system for self-guided station tours
Visitors have 15 minutes to arrive for their time slot. If visitors arrive after this or have misplace their Key Card(s), entry to the Station will not be permitted.
ENTRY PRICES
Payment is taken at the Boiler House entrance via contactless payment or cash. Please see our Opening Dates and Times page for more information on admissions – https://www.croftonbeamengines.org/plan-your-visit/opening-dates-and-times-2/
| Ticket Type | Standard | Gift Aid |
| Adult (18+) | £4.50 | £5.00 |
| Concessions (60+ & Students) | £4.00 | £4.50 |
| Children (under 16) | FREE | FREE |
| Carers | FREE | FREE |
| Display of valid Lottery Ticket | FREE | FREE |
FIRST AID
We will have an appointed member of staff who will be responsible for contacting the emergency services if an incident should occur
ACCESSIBILITY
Visitors with accessibility needs, please see our accessibility statement – https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/crofton-beam-engines.
TEST AND TRACE
We are taking part in the NHS Test and Trace scheme. Details are taken at entry to the station with consent from visitors and destroyed after 21 days. Entry to the station will not be denied if details are not given.
END
The Engineman’s Rest Cafe
The Cafe will remain closed in 2020.
Bring your own picnic to enjoy in the grounds!
Learning at Crofton
Whether you are a school, college or simply a steam enthusiast we can provide learning opportunities to suit your requirements. From School Tours, Talks and Tours to the general public, Steaming Events and our Personal Steam Experience, we have plenty for you to choose from.
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
Getting Crofton Ready
We are excited to be able to reopen and continue to share this part of Wiltshire’s history! We are following current Government Guidance for visitor attractions, updating our procedures as guidance changes Government Guidance Our dedicated team of volunteers are hard at work preparing for your visit. We have no booking system for site access,…
Crofton reopens for 2020!
Crofton Beam Engines will reopen to the public on 18 July. We look forward to your visit.
New for 2020
As part of the project to tell ‘Our Crofton Story’ supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, new interpretation has been installed in the grounds and buildings to tell the story of Crofton Beam Engines and explain why the pumping station was built and who it worked.
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”
