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crofton beam engines

Crofton Beam Engines

Step into our industrial and social history from a time when steam was king

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Arial view of the Crofton site

Visitor Information

Site Entrances

Visitors can access the site through either the Main Gate opposite the car park, or from from the Lower Canal Entrance at Lock 60 on the canal below the Station.

Car Parking

There is a charge for parking on all open days.

There is a tarmacked and bay-marked chargeable Pay and Display car park at Crofton Beam Engines with 32 spaces for cars, 2 accessible spaces and a bay for motorcycles.

Please note: the car park is closed when the site is closed.

Tariffs

0-2 Hours£1.50
All Day (until closing)£3.00

All car park charges go directly to supporting the charitable work of the Kennet & Avon Trust and support our conservation and care for Crofton as a unique part of the nation’s industrial heritage.

No overnight parking is allowed in the car park except when there are special evening events.

On large steaming and other event days ample additional parking is available in the adjacent field, accessible via the short track to opposite the main gate. The grass surface of this parking area may not be suitable for all vehicles and use is at the driver’s discretion and risk.

Coach Parking: there is normally space for 1 x full size coach by prior arrangement for specific directions and assistance. Alternatively, for passenger drop offs, we can provide details of parking areas in the neighbouring area which again can be arranged in advance.

Opening Times

Non-Steaming10:30 to 16:30
Steaming10:00 to 17:00

Picnics and Refreshments

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.

Refreshments (Steaming Days Only)

We will be serving tea, coffee and a variety of soft drinks as well as cakes, biscuits and other delights to keep you sustained while visiting the engines and meeting our wonderful volunteers.

Open 10:30 to 16:00

All proceeds will be donated to Crofton, helping ensure it’s future.

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.

Smoking

No smoking inside the building.

Guidebooks

We have a selection of guidebooks available for visitors to purchase:

The Crofton Pumping Station Guide which is a 38-page visitor guide providing a succinct history and information about the site and the engines. £4 + postage and packaging.

The Crofton Story by Ian Broom is the definitive history and guide to Crofton Beam Engines providing a complete and authoritative history. £15 + postage and packaging.

Crofton in the 20s – information to follow. £3 + postage and packaging.

Crofton Families – information to follow. £4 + postage and packaging.

The Kennet and Avon Canal – information to follow. £10 + postage and packaging.

Guidebooks are on sale on summer open days, winter works open days, at special events and can also be purchased by mail order by contacting the Site Office.

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 or by leaving a Google review.

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working the crofton beam engine
Crofton Beam Engines
kids at crofton beam engines
The Crofton engine
Watching the water pump out
volunteers at crofton beam engines
Vintage cars as Crofton's Steam Gala
Ornate cylinder head
Crofton from Wilton Windmill
working on the engine
Phill Harding driving the engine
Crofton Pumping Station in the snow 2019

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Contact

Crofton Beam Engines, Crofton,
Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 3DW 
crofton@katrust.org.uk

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