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 28th January 2023
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
Crofton Rescue Exercise
Crofton Rescue Exercise In November Stratton Fire Station rescue team from Swindon came to Crofton Beam Engines to perform a rescue exercise of an injured or incapacitated person from a platform deep down in a Well area around the pumps. Each rescuer descended down only using a harness suspended from ropes, the assumption being that…
Rescue of fish from the Kennet & Avon Canal at Crofton
Kennet & Avon Canal Fish Rescue Kennet & Avon Canal Fish Rescue The Canal & River Trust’s project to replace the pumping system at Crofton, which ensures the charity can keep the summit of the Kennet & Avon Canal topped-up with water for boats, will be completed this winter. https://youtu.be/aDJ8jiPZd80 The works, started in September…
Read more Rescue of fish from the Kennet & Avon Canal at Crofton
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…
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”
