August Steaming Weekend

Step back in time to when steam ruled all and explore this hidden gem in Wiltshire’s history. Learn about the history of the station and its restoration. Speak with volunteers in and around the Engine House. Discover the engineering challenges and the people who overcame them to build the canal and make sure that it had a plentiful supply of water.

For more than 100 years of its life Crofton was owned by the Great Western Railway. As well as Crofton pumping water for the canal during this time, it also supplied water to GWR railway locomotives. The contract that GWR signed was to provide water to the K&A Canal “in perpetuity”.  Indeed, if it were not for our relationship with GWR, Crofton would probably not have survived at all. To celebrate this long relationship with the railways.

In 2025, Railway 200 celebrates the 200^th anniversary of the modern railway – a once in a generation opportunity to explore rail’s crucial role in national life. To mark Railway 200and our small part in the history of the railways we will have an exhibition of all things GWR at Crofton, including displays of GWR artefacts, images and a chronicled timeline of our link with the railways. 

Get a glimpse of our relationship with the railway engineering shop at Swindon, and how Crofton provided light relief for the Swindon apprentices.  Learn about GWR’s involvement, from keeping the station open to supplying Crofton with a small saddle tank engine (probably an engine called Prince) to keep the pumps going when our engines failed. Our knowledgeable volunteers will demonstrate some of the GWR tools still in use to this day, as they stoke our boiler and drive our engines so that visitors can experience the power of steam in action.

Don’t forget to explore the grounds too with views over the Kennet and Avon Canal and Wilton Water Reservoir, fed by natural springs and the reason why the pumping station was built here. Or perhaps enjoy a picnic on our picnic benches to the sound of 200 years of living history.

Opening Times

Booking

You can pre-book your tickets to help you plan your visit.

PLEASE NOTE ONLINE TICKET SALES WILL CLOSE AUGUST 23rd

Or just buy your tickets onsite when you visit us on the day.

Refreshments

While you are at Crofton don’t forget to visit “The Smithy”.

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.

Open 10:30 to 16:00

Visitor Information

Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy overlooking the canal and railway. 

Please note our picnic area is not under cover.

There is a charge for parking.

Access to the site is via the main gate opposite the car park or from the lower canal entrance at Lock 60 and up the steps.

Well behaved dogs on short leads are welcomed on site. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the buildings.