Crofton
Planning your visit
Address: Kennet & Avon Canal Trust car park (P&D) Crofton Beam Engines, Crofton, SN8 3DW View on Google map
Opening Times: See www.croftonbeamengines.org for opening times and prices
Toilets: For use of visitors to Crofton Beam Engines.
Water supply to the western end of the Kennet & Avon Canal was the main engineering challenge facing engineer John Rennie. Crofton Beam Engines at Crofton Locks Summit is a masterpiece, using two steam pumps to lift water from Wilton Water reservoir 40 feet to the canal. These engines, built in 1812 and 1846, are among the world's oldest working steam beam engines.
Crofton Pumping Station is owned by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, who run it day to day for both Non-Steaming opening and Steaming weekends.
The pretty village of Wilton is a half-mile footpath walk away from the Crofton Station. Here there is a pub and also the fully restored Wilton Windmill, which is open to the public and produces its own wholemeal flour. The area is a popular spot to ride your bike, take a walk or dangle a rod.
Things to do and see
Places to eat:
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Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics to enjoy on the grounds.
Picnic spot:
There are some benches dotted along the canal
Trails:
Wildlife spotting:
As well as our friends the swans, ducks and moorhens, you'll probably hear the delightful song thrushes. And if you're very lucky, catch a glimpse of Common Lizards or Slow Worms sunning themselves on the towpath. Find out what else with our free nature spotters' guide
Getting here
By car - there's a pay & display car park for visitors to Crofton Beam Engine
