Visitor Information

Coronavirus / COVID-19

We are following Government guidance for visitor attractions to protect your safety, and that of our volunteers and staff.  This includes providing hand sanitiser around the site, control of entry to the site and to the engines to enable social distancing to be maintained, and enhanced cleaning regimes for the toilets. 

Café

The Engineman’s Rest Café is closed until further notice.

Dogs Policy

We welcome Assistance Dogs throughout the site without restriction. We welcome all dogs on leads in the grounds, but not inside the Boiler and Engine Houses. There is a designated area to tether dogs outside the Boiler House and water bowls are provided.

First Aid

First Aid is available from staff and volunteers who will call for emergency services assistance if required. Additional first aid support is on site on the major event days. Any visitors receiving first aid will be asked to provide relevant information for the Accident Book.

Guidebooks

We have two guidebooks: The Crofton Pumping Station Guide which is a 38-page visitor guide providing a succinct history and information about the site and the engines. The Crofton Story by Ian Broom is the definitive history and guide to Crofton Beam Engines providing a complete and authoritative history. Both are perfect companions to a visit. They are on sale in the shop and with tickets, and can also be purchased by mail order by contacting the Site Office.

Parking

We have a 32 space on-site tarmac car park which is available for a small charge on a pay and display basis. All car parking charges support the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, a registered charity, and in using the car park visitors help to support our charity. There are two accessible spaces, a motorcycle area and also, with prior arrangement, the car park can accommodate one full-sized coach. Our Pay and Display car park is open for visitors during the Pumping Station opening hours (Saturday and Sunday 10:15am – 4.00pm).  The car park gates will be locked at 4.30pm on non-steaming days.

On Steaming and Special Event Days we also have additional overspill grass surface parking in the neighbouring field. This can accommodate several hundred vehicles up to the size of a transit van. Access to this parking area is via the short track immediately opposite the main gates, which is signposted.

Cycles may be parked on site and a designated cycle parking area is scheduled for completion in 2020.

Picnics and Outdoor Seating

Visitors are welcome to bring picnics. There is a small picnic area and a range of outdoor benches and table seating in the grounds.

Public Entrances

We have two entrances, the main entrance from the road and car parks at the top of the site, and the lower canal entrance which provides direct access to the canal towpath, Lock 60 and Engine Pound moorings.  Please note that the canal entrance will be closed in 2021.

Toilets

We have modern, accessible unisex toilet facilities which were opened in 2018. There are five unisex cubicles and one fully accessible cubicle for wheelchair users and people with other access needs. There is a baby changing table and nappy bin within the accessible facility.

Visitor Feedback

We welcome visitor feedback. Visitors may provide feedback online using our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and TripAdvisor . Visitors are invited to complete a survey form.

Wheelchairs

We have a manual wheelchair for loan whilst the visitor is on site. Please ask staff if you wish to borrow the manual wheelchair.