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crofton beam engines

Crofton Beam Engines

Step into our industrial and social history from a time when steam was king

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Beam Gallery

Heritage Open Day

13 Sep 2026
10:30 - 16:00

FREE Entry

Heritage Open Day – September 13th

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Crofton Beam Engines – Everyday Histories of Crofton Families

Step back in time at Crofton Beam Engines for FREE and explore this hidden gem in Wiltshire’s history.

Crofton Beam Engines, a site built when steam was king! A unique Grade I listed canal-side Georgian steam pumping station, housing an original 1812 Boulton & Watt and an 1846 Harvey of Hayle Cornish Beam Engine. This is a non-steaming event.

West view of pumping station

Built between 1807 and 1809, the Pumping Station supplied water to the highest point of the Kennet & Avon Canal which links London and Bristol. The Station houses the oldest working Beam Engine in the world, still capable of carrying out its original task in its original location.

Visitors have the opportunity to join a one-hour tour throughout the Station, led by dedicated knowledgeable volunteers, to learn the fascinating history and engineering of the site. Of particular interest this year will be the fascinating Everyday Histories of the Crofton Families who have lived and worked at the Pumping Station.

Smithy Tea Room open

Our refreshment offer in the Smithy Tea Room will be open for the day serving a mix of hot and cold drinks and light refreshments. We also encourage visitors to make use of our picnic benches in the grounds to enjoy a picnic or just sit and soak up the atmosphere (no alcohol is allowed on site please).

Timings:- Car Park: 1030 to 1630 / Site: 1030 to 1600 / Station Tours: 1100, 1200, 1400 and 1500 / Smithy Tea Room 1030 to 1600.
working the crofton beam engine
Crofton Beam Engines
kids at crofton beam engines
The Crofton engine
Watching the water pump out
volunteers at crofton beam engines
Vintage cars as Crofton's Steam Gala
Ornate cylinder head
Crofton from Wilton Windmill
working on the engine
Phill Harding driving the engine
Crofton Pumping Station in the snow 2019

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Contact

Crofton Beam Engines, Crofton,
Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 3DW 
crofton@katrust.org.uk

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