Crofton Beam Engines

Cycling past and called in as it was open and I had time to spare. (normally with company or on a schedule) Fascinating place if you have any mechanical or historical interest. A grade 1 listed building and the oldest working beam engine in its original place, doing it's originally intended role. I was chatting with one of the volunteers and was told I could have a look around inside, there was a guided tour going on and I might be able to catch up with it, I did. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable chap taking the tour and he showed us all the major points. They steam the engines normally every last weekend of the month from April to September, (Sunday Monday on bank holidays) and for the last couple of years have been open late in September and had telescopes up with local astronomy buffs as it's wonderfully dark out there in the countryside. On Steaming days there is a small tea room without hot food I believe, picnic benches in the grounds, public toilets. There is a good size carpark and a local Pillbox just outside. Steaming days there is a small entrance fee but was no charge when I visited but a donation point. I will be contacting the team to enquire about volunteering my time as I am an engineer myself and would love to be involved in even a small way. Had an volunteering introduction day today and the team were wonderful and welcoming, I got involved and down into the depths of the site. Loved every minute and am looking forward to giving more of my time to be involved with the place.

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Visited on one of the days when this Grade 1 listed site's steam engine is running. Facinating place for anyone with an interest in historic engineering and the operating of the canals. The location also makes it just a a nice place to stop and see the canal and surrounding countryside. The volunteers were very welcoming, and always on hand to talk through and explain things. There is also a nice little tea room, and the ticket price covers a year's entrance which was an unexpected extra on the day.

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Went on a steaming weekend with everything working, really interesting to see machines over 200 years old still working and doing what they where built to do!

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Lovely working museum, heat to see a vital part of the Kennet and Avon canal in action. Friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. Nice little cafe. Small car park.

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