Visit Crofton this Bank Holiday on Sunday the 25th and Monday the 26h to see our boiler being fired up and our Beam Engines in steam and working lifting water for the Kennet and Avon canal.
Our Grade I listed Georgian Engine House was built completed in 1809 and with its 80 foot high chimney forms a fascinating Industrial Heritage site. Our oldest Beam Engine was installed in 1812 (the year Napoleon retreated from Moscow) it is the oldest Beam Engine in the World, in its original location, still capable of doing its original job.
Meet our knowledgeable volunteers as they keep the boiler stoked, drive the engines and look after our small engines. Marvel at the quiet way each engine lifts a tonne of water a stroke.
There is plenty to do on our site.
We have a Nature Trail for children to follow the clues to find out which animals and birds come to visit Crofton.
Our Smithy Tea Rooms will be open for you to enjoy tea, coffee, cake and more. Picnic in our beautiful grounds and enjoy the views of the canal, the railway and the romantic Wilton Water. Or bring a picnic.
The site has toilets, bike racks, dogs on leads are welcome on site although cannot come into the boiler or engine house.