Crofton Beam Engines - Early May Bank Holiday Steaming

In steam for two days, Sunday the 3rd and Monday the 4th of May, Crofton Beam Engines are a remarkable feat of engineering from the early nineteenth century. Our oldest Beam Engine is the oldest in the world still in its original location still doing its original job. First in operation the same year that Napoleon retreated from Moscow, both our massive beam engines rise and fall seemly effortlessly powered by steam and in almost complete silence. See our boiler managers stoke our huge Lancashire boiler, feeding it with coal to raise the steam for our engines. Meet our dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers who can tell you so much about not just our engines but there beautiful buildings designed by one of the greatest architects of his day, John Renne.

Fun for all the family:

As well as seeing our magnificent engines at work there will be plenty of acivitites for family members to take part in.

Our famous Duck Race will start at 12:15. Watch your chosen duck race along our artificial stream (Leat) from the giant pump to the bridge. A prize for the first and last duck.

A special springtime trail will be available for children to complete and receive a prize for correct entries.

Have fun in our self-guided crafting area where we provide the material for children and adults to paint, colour in, and make pictures.

All three activities are charged at £1 each. In our beautiful grounds, children can also play on a seesaw and imagine what it is like to be a beam engine. They can play with our miniature lock system, pump water from the top to the bottom and raise the lock gates to see the water flow downhill.

Visit our Smithy tea room for hot and cold drinks delicious cakes and more.

Bring a picnic and enjoy the wonderful views of the Kennet and Avon Canal, Wilton Water and beyond.