Crofton Beam Engines

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About

Crofton Pumping Station was built in 1807-9 to supply water to the highest point of the Kennet & Avon canal which links London and Bristol. It is a rare survivor of the technology which enabled British engineers to drain mines and supply towns and cities with water throughout the world, and has recently undergone Heritage Lottery Fund supported conservation and visitor facility improvement work. Rebuilt and modernised several times during its long working life, one of the two original engines survives and ran until 1958 despite the canal becoming derelict after WWII, as water was still needed for farm and railway locomotive supply. The survival and subsequent restoration of the canal is one of the triumphs of the Volunteer Preservation movement, spearheaded by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust. The Trust bought the redundant pumping station for preservation in 1968, at a time when England's Industrial Heritage was fast disappearing, and by 1971 both engines had been restored to full working order. Since then they have been regularly demonstrated to the public at certain weekends during the summer months by enthusiastic volunteers and can also be visited in static mode six days per week in the summer season.

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Guide Prices

Ticket Type	Ticket Tariff
Adult (Non-Steaming Days) - Adult	£4.50 per ticket
Also available as:
Adult (Non-Steaming Days) Gift Aid - Adult	£5.00 per ticket
Adult (Steam Day) - Adult	£7.20 per ticket
Also available as:
Adult (Steam Day) Gift Aid - Adult	£8.00 per ticket
Concession (Non-Steaming Days) - Concession	£4.00 per ticket
Also available as:
Concession (Non-Steaming Days) Gift Aid - Concession	£4.50 per ticket
Concession (Steam Day) - Concession	£6.20 per ticket
Also available as:
Concession (Steam Day) Gift Aid - Concession	£7.00 per person per day
Group 10+ Adults, no concessions (Non-Steaming Days) - Ticket	£3.50 per ticket
Group 10+ Adults, no concessions (Steam Day) - Ticket	£6.50 per ticket

Concession (60+ & Students with ID)
All accompanied children (Under 16) FREE
Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Members FREE
Carers accompanying full-paying adult FREE

Special Event Days
There are a small number of special events each year which have separate, event-specific prices. These include special themed steamings, musical and performances, evening talks and lectures and similar types of events.
Special Events are published on this website, on marketing literature and on-site signage.
These prices are published on event publicity.
In addition, the ticketing / pay point may be at the gates, reflecting the amount of activities in the grounds in addition to the Engine and Boiler Houses. On these occasions, access to the Café and Shop will require a ticket.

Map & Directions

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Road Directions

Crofton Beam Engines are situated about 5 km (3 miles) south of the A4 between Hungerford and Marlborough. Follow the brown “Beam Engines” signs from that stretch of the A4, the A338 at East Grafton or the A346 at Burbage. For Satnav users, the post code is SN8 3DW.

Public Transport Directions

The nearest rail station is Bedwyn on the Paddington to Exeter line. Walk to the canal, which is adjacent to the station, and take the towpath in a westerly direction for about 3 km (2 miles) and you will see the pumping station on your right by lock 60. Cross the canal here and take the tunnel under the railway and the stairs up to the engine house.

Facilities

Accessibility

Guide Dogs Permitted

Catering

On-Site cafe/restaurant/catering - Engineman’s Rest Café serving delicious homemade hot and cold food.
Picnic area - Tables provided in outside area.

Establishment Features

Dogs Accepted - Well-behaved dogs welcome within grounds, recognised Assistance Dogs welcome throughout.
Gift shop
Toilets
Wireless internet (WiFi) connection available

Key Features

In countryside - Views over the Kennet & Avon Canal
Of historic, literary or architectural interest

Parking & Transport

Parking (charge)

Payment Methods

Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook. Prior arrangement essential, minimum of 7 days notice.
MasterCard accepted
Open by appointment outside normal opening times - Private steamings also arranged with minimum of one month’s notice.
Special group rates
Visa accepted
Visa Debit accepted

Target Markets

Marketed Towards Families
Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
Marketed Towards Students / Youth

Tours and Demonstrations

Demonstrations Given - By prior arrangement.
Educational Visits Accepted - By prior arrangement.
Guided Tours Available for Groups - By prior arrangement. Maximum group size 50.
Guided Tours Available for Individuals - By prior appointment. (Extra charge may apply)

Opening Times

2020 (4 Apr 2020 - 4 Oct 2020)
Day	Times
Monday	Closed*
Tuesday - Sunday	10:30	- 16:30*

* Café and gift shop open every day except Mondays
Engine House tours (Non-Steaming Days) between 11.00am and 3.30pm every day except Mondays
Please see our website for dates of Non-Steaming Days and Steaming Days during the summer open season and for information on Open Maintenance Days during our Winter period.

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change