Visitor Information

Coronavirus / COVID-19

We are following Government guidance for visitor attractions to protect your safety, and that of our volunteers and staff. 

Main Gate

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.

Refreshments and Picnics

No refreshments are available to purchase on site. You are welcome to bring your own picnic and enjoy it in our extensive grounds, where new picnic tables have been installed. 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.

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.

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

The car park is closed when the site is closed.

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 during the Pumping Station opening hours only.

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.

Public Entrances

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.

Toilets

We have modern, accessible unisex visitor toilet facilities. 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.