EXPERIENCE PAPPLEWICK PUMPING STATION

There’s always something exciting happening at Papplewick Pumping Station!

Steam Events

Eight weekends a year, Papplewick Pumping Station fires up the Lancashire boilers. The original twin beam engines, built by James Watt & Co, can be seen in all their glory.

Reservoir Tours

This architectural marvel, built by the celebrated engineer Thomas Hawksley in 1879, once stored the water that the mighty beam engines pumped to the surface.

Experience Steam

Learn the art of stoking an 1883 Lancashire boiler and acquire the skills to run one of our original James Watt beam engine on one of our limited ‘Experience Steam’ days

Static Openings

Between April 2nd and October 29th, when not in steam, we are open every Wednesday & Sunday, 11am – 3pm. Entry is free to the grounds. We have one guided tour of the Engine and Boiler House per day at 11.45am for a small fee. Self-guided tours will also be available to purchase. There is also the opportunity to visit the Linby Colliery Winding Engine shed on these days.

Our café is open between 11am & 2pm, selling a wide range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice-cream. There is a variety of seating both inside our newly renovated café and outside in our beautifully maintained grounds.

Parking is free, just drive through the main gates and up to the top of the drive.
Dogs are welcome on short leads.

(Please note: Guided tours not available on steam events)

**Please Note**

Please be aware that the pumping station is not open to the public at other times except for pre-booked groups (of 15 or more people), site hires and wedding ceremonies.

lots to see and do!

The station is full of areas to explore, as part of a guided tour or individually.

  • 1
    Visitor Car Park
  • 2
    Visitor Entrance Gates
  • 3
    Superintendent’s House & Visitor Reception (steam days ONLY)
  • 4
    Main Drive
  • 5
    Superintendent’s Garden
  • 6
    Underground Reservoir Tours. Ticket booth & tour start point (steam days ONLY)
  • 7
    Top Lawn
  • 8
    Par Terre Main Lawn
  • 9
    Cooling Pond
  • 10
    Engine House (Porch entrance)
  • 11
    Boiler House entrance
  • 12
    Coal Shed
  • 13
    Forge & Stables
  • 14
    Chimney
  • 15
    Cafe & Toilets
  • 16
    Cafe Kiosk
  • 17
    Greenhouse & Plant Sales (steam days ONLY)
  • 18
    Miniature Steam Railway (steam days ONLY)
  • 19
    Linby Colliery Winding Engine
  • 20
    Children’s Play Area
  • 21
    Deputy Superintendent’s House (out of bounds)
  • 22
    Severn Trent Pump Unit (out of bounds)
  • 23
    Severn Trent UV & Chlorination Unit (out of bounds)
  • 24
    Emergency Assembly Point

discount arrangements

discount arrangements

Severn Trent Water employees are entitled to free entry to steam events. Please present your ID at the till upon arrival.

Unpaid carers who need to accompany the person they care for when they visit the pumping station are entitled to free entry on presentation of a Carer Passports, Carer Emergency Cards, Carers Discount Cards or an NHS letter confirming you are the person’s official carer. Please note that the person you care for will need to pay admission.

access arrangements

access arrangements

The majority of the site is accessible for all but due to the historical nature of the Engine House access is via a small flight of steps leading to the porch and main door; there are also internal stairs for reaching the upper floors.

code of practice

code of practice

The Pumping Station abides by Visit Britain’s National Code of Practice for Visitor Attractions.

make a donation

support the pumping station’s ongoing maintenance with a donation