# Papplewick Pumping Station, Nottingham — Reviews & Visitor Info > Step back in time at this beautifully preserved Victorian water pumping station in Ravenshead, featuring ornate Victorian engineering and historic steam engines that once supplied Nottingham's water. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/nottingham/attractions/papplewick-pumping-station (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Tourist Attraction # Papplewick Pumping Station Rigg Lane, Ravenshead [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=17619677099319275499&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Papplewick Pumping Station](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/118176418557932185192) **In short:** Papplewick Pumping Station is an attraction in Nottingham, rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1,155 Google reviews. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About Papplewick Pumping Station Step back in time at this beautifully preserved Victorian water pumping station in Ravenshead, featuring ornate Victorian engineering and historic steam engines that once supplied Nottingham's water. ## Good to know ### Parking - ✓Free car park - ✓Paid car park - ✓Free street ### Accessibility - ✓Accessible parking - ✓Accessible entrance - ✓Accessible toilet ### Payment - ✓Debit cards - ✓Contactless Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs. ## Photos Photos via Google ## What visitors say [Alan Amesbury](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109178447036300499879/reviews) ★★★★★ A very interesting place to visit, not a huge site but plenty to see in the pumping house itself which is steeped in history. There is a snack shop for coffee and nibbles but plenty of picnicking around the site if you bring your own food. There are video presentations which are very informative around the pump house and I would recommend watching them. Worth a short trip out and if you look on their website they have events planned throughout the year. Highly recommend. · via Google [Polly Wainwright](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/103273612925920935299/reviews) ★★★★★ Absolutely brilliant tour of this wonderful Pumping Station. Arranged for a history group, brilliant tour guides in Peter and Ashley. With Tractor driver, Roy, taking us to the underground reservoir. Steeped in history, in amazing architecture, and extraordinary movement of heavy machinery (made in Manchester in the 1800s) there's plenty to see and explore. There are 'in steam' weekends, themed for additional interest. The underground reservoir was stunning - holding one and half million gallons of water in its heyday. Parking - no height barrier - toilets etc. Refreshments are available on steam days. A brilliant visit to this remarkable building. · via Google [Carl Robert](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105257783664779200076/reviews) ★★★★★ Stopped here on the way back home on the off chance, and it turned out to be an event weekend so everything was running. No need to pre-book, we just paid on the door. You do have to buy an annual ticket, but that felt fair as they run a lot of events and the money clearly goes towards maintaining the site, which can’t be cheap given the amount of working machinery. We spent a good few hours here. The main pumping room is nothing short of fantastic. What we used to build compared to today is incredible, the skill and sheer power on display really stand out. The building itself is an absolute work of art. The Victorians really knew what they were doing. The boilers are equally impressive, and being able to get so close to everything is quite rare these days. I imagine it’s only a matter of time before more restrictions come in. A really impressive place from an engineering point of view. It would probably be a bit quieter on a non-running day, so it’s worth planning your visit around an event. · via Google [Jack Hill](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117235514074994614815/reviews) ★★★★★ We visited Papplewick Pumping Station as a family and had a really brilliant day out. It’s one of those places that’s far more interesting than you might expect and there was something for everyone to enjoy. The site itself is beautiful, with impressive Victorian buildings and well‑kept grounds that are great to wander around. Inside, the pumping station is fascinating, even if you’re not usually into engineering, the sheer scale of the machinery and the detail in the design really grabs your attention. Everything is well laid out and easy to follow, which made it enjoyable for both adults and children alike. What really stood out was how welcoming and knowledgeable the volunteers were. They were happy to answer questions and explain how everything works, which made the visit even more interesting and brought the history of the place to life. It’s a relaxed, educational day out that doesn’t feel rushed, and it’s ideal for families looking for something a bit different. We all came away having learned something new and feeling like we’d had a genuinely good day together. We’d definitely recommend Papplewick Pumping Station and would happily visit again. · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x4879bf15444152a9:0xf485aaf80202afeb!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Visitors say this pumping station offers a fascinating display of Victorian engineering, with working steam engines and an impressive underground reservoir tour. They also highlight the excellent value, as tickets often include a year of free re-entry and access to various special events. Guests mention the knowledgeable and friendly volunteers who enhance the educational and engaging atmosphere. Summary via Google ## At a glance **Address** Rigg Lane, Ravenshead, Nottingham, NG15 9AJ [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=53.0629122%2C-1.1316823) **Category** Sightseeing & Attractions **Guest rating** 4.8 / 5 (1,155 reviews) **Suitable for** All Ages **Setting** Indoor **Good for children** Yes **Toilets on site** Yes **Destination** Nottingham [More attractions in Nottingham](https://staycation.co.uk/nottingham/attractions) ★ 4.8 (1,155 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.papplewickpumpingstation.org.uk?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [0115 9632938](tel:01159632938) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Nottingham **Postcode** NG15 9AJ **Payment** Contactless **Plus Code** 9C5W3V79+58 [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x4879bf15444152a9:0xf485aaf80202afeb!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x4879bf15444152a9:0xf485aaf80202afeb!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x4879bf15444152a9:0xf485aaf80202afeb!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Nottingham Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DNottingham%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/nottingham/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/nottingham/camping) ## Quick answers ### Is Papplewick Pumping Station any good? Papplewick Pumping Station is rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1,155 Google reviews. ### Is Papplewick Pumping Station good for children? Yes, Papplewick Pumping Station is listed as good for children. ### Is Papplewick Pumping Station indoors or outdoors? Papplewick Pumping Station is indoors, so it works on a rainy day. ### What ages is Papplewick Pumping Station suitable for? Papplewick Pumping Station suits all ages. ### Is Papplewick Pumping Station wheelchair accessible? Papplewick Pumping Station has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet. ### Is there parking at Papplewick Pumping Station? Yes: free car park, paid car park and free street parking. ### How do I contact Papplewick Pumping Station? Call Papplewick Pumping Station on +44 115 963 2938. ## Stay near Papplewick Pumping Station [Holiday cottages nearby 36](https://staycation.co.uk/near/papplewick-pumping-station/cottages) [Campsites nearby 28](https://staycation.co.uk/near/papplewick-pumping-station/camping) ## More near Papplewick Pumping Station ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [The Bowman by Greene King Inns ★ 4.3 · 3.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/nottingham/hotels/the-bowman-by-greene-king-inns) - [Bestwood Lodge Hotel ★ 3.9 · 3.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/nottingham/hotels/bestwood-lodge-hotel) - [Premier Inn Nottingham North Daybrook ★ 4.0 · 4.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/nottingham/hotels/premier-inn-nottingham-north-daybrook) - [mour Hotel ★ 4.0 · 5.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/nottingham/hotels/mour-hotel) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [Ikkle Cottage 2.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/newark-and-sherwood/cottages/ikkle-cottage-uk13342) - [Carver's Rest 4.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/newark-and-sherwood/cottages/carvers-rest-syk1071403) - [Wrangler’s Den 5.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/newark-and-sherwood/cottages/wrangler-s-den-qu7147) - [Woodpit Cottage 6.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/giltbrook/cottages/woodpit-cottage-syk1073630) ### Campsites nearby - [Haywood Oaks ★ 4.6 · 2.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/nottingham/camping/haywood-oaks) - [Lurcher Farm Cottage ★ 4.6 · 3.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/nottinghamshire/camping/lurcher-farm-cottage) - [New Hall Farm Touring Park ★ 4.9 · 5.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/edingley/camping/new-hall-farm-touring-park) - [Bridleways Holiday Homes and Guest House ★ 4.9 · 6.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/nottinghamshire/camping/bridleways-holiday-homes-and-guest-house) ### Things to do nearby - [Mr Mulligan's Pirate Golf Nottingham ★ 4.4 · 1.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/calverton/attractions/mr-mulligan-s-pirate-golf-nottingham) - [Laser Days ★ 4.8 · 2.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/nottingham/attractions/laser-days) - [Newstead Abbey ★ 4.7 · 2.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/nottingham/attractions/newstead-abbey) - [Oceans of Fun Indoor Play Centre ★ 4.1 · 3.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/hucknall/attractions/oceans-of-fun-indoor-play-centre)