News & Blog

Arts Award Discover At Crofton Beam Engines we recently broadened our Learning Offer to include Arts Award Discover for children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Year 5 class at Great Bedwyn C of E Primary School took part in this offer back in April and were a delight to host. The children …

To celebrate the tremendous achievements of the Trust, we will welcome Hannah, one of the Trusts accessibility boats to Crofton. Hannah will be with us all day on Saturday the 20th and for the morning of the 21st of June. She is carrying a fascinating exhibition about the Trust’s history, present and future. Step aboard …

75th anniversary of the creation of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of the creation of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, which led the fight to save this remarkable waterway from oblivion. Crofton Beam Engines is a branch of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and we will be …

The Jet Pioneer Crofton Beam Engines in conjunction with the Kennet Valley Hall is very pleased to have the opportunity invite you to an evening talk to hear about the pioneering engineer Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the modern jet engine. We all take it for granted that flying in jet aircraft for a holiday …

During the winter months, Crofton volunteers undertake essential maintenance repairs to our Grade One listed industrial heritage site. Unfortunately the guttering on the corner of the Engine House had been loosened by recent high winds. Scaffolding to get to the guttering has to be very high, this is not a job for the faint hearted! …

Side Boiler House Wall Renovations Winter works this week at Crofton Beam Engines saw the removal of panelling that was covering the back wall of the side boiler house. This revealed the original brick work. The aim is to restore these walls back to their original period look. However the first task will be to …

Crofton Beam Engines Heritage Open Day September 14th 2025 Free entry to Crofton Beam Engines to celebrate Heritage Open Day. Our engines will be resting but you can join one of our guided tours to learn more about them and this fascinating site, the history of Crofton and its importance for the Kennet and Avon …

Crofton Beam Engines – Trials an alternative to coal. For over 200 years Crofton Beam Engines has always burnt coal as the fuel for heating water in the boiler to produce steam to drive the beam engines. Crofton Beam Engines did another steam test earlier this year using a bio fuel made from rape seed …

Annual Teddy Bears Picnic on Sunday 8th June. Crofton Beam Engines will be hosting their annual Teddy Bears Picnic on Sunday 8th June. Bring a picnic lunch, your favourite stuffed animal and the family to Crofton for lawn games, stories, a teddy bear trail and crafts. Join one of our two 20-minute Story Sessions in …

The ladies have control. During our recent Early May Steaming Weekend. Two of our Crofton lady volunteers had control of the driving platform on the Harveys of Hale 1846 beam engine. They both Demonstrated their driving skills with great confidence, and had fun at the same time. If you missed them, they will be back …

Crofton Beam Engines and the renovation of “The Smithy” The Trust purchased a small stone and brick-built building that sits on the Crofton site in November 2023. The building was almost certainly the old Smith’s shop during most of Crofton’s life and has obviously been used as a workshop for a very long time. When …

The clock is ticking down to our first public steaming of the 2025 summer season. Crofton Beam Engines will be open and in Steam to celebrate Easter and our great industrial heritage. Come along to see our steam engines working as they have done since 1813. There is plenty to entertain everyone, adults and children …