Papplewick Pumping Station, situated in open agricultural land approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) by road from the Nottinghamshire village of Papplewick, was built by Nottingham Corporation Water Department between 1881 and 1884 to pump water from the Bunter sandstone to provide drinking water to the City of Nottingham, in England. Two beam engines, supplied with steam by six Lancashire boilers, were housed in Gothic Revival buildings. Apart from changes to the boiler grates, the equipment remained in its original form until the station was decommissioned in 1969, when it was replaced by four submersible electric pumps.
A Trust was formed in 1974 to conserve the site as a static museum, but the plans soon developed to include the refurbishment and regular steaming of the engines. One of the beam engines was operated in 1975, using the only boiler that was certified to be safe at the time. Since then, the second engine has been reconditioned, and both are steamed several times a year. New visitor facilities were built in 1991, and a major restoration of the structures was completed in 2005, following a grant of £1.6 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund. As well as the beam engines, the site houses several other engines, which are also demonstrated on steaming days.
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | Closed |
Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
Thursday | Closed |
Friday | Closed |
Saturday | Closed |
Sunday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
tamra butler | Feb 1, 2018
Amazing place. A very enjoyable visit. To see the Pump working was a rare treat nowadays. The history and heritage just goes to prove that with inspiration and hard work anything is achieve able. Car park attendant was pleasent and smiling all day. A lovely sunny day when we visited...made the experience more nicer. A must for enthusiasts who enjoy anything to do with Nottingham....The model boats on the lake were so detailed and the people friendly. They were eager to talk about their little water crafts with knowledge and enthusiasm 😊 a very memorable day out.
69woodburner | Feb 22, 2018
Particularly for someone interested in engineering, this is a palace dedicated to steam. The architecture, tiling, glass and wrought iron are all spectacular without the two magnificent pumping beam engines. Even the cooling water pond is a work of art. The boiler house still houses all the boilers and the tour of the underground storage reservoir is well worth doing.
Lady Beverley Cresswell | Jan 31, 2018
Most excellent! Wonderful day out, not an hour! They are helpful too.
Nicholas Durant | Nov 5, 2017
A stunning example of Victorian engineering brought back to life. Not to expensive to visit but the cafe was expensive for what they were selling. A great day out and well worth a visit.
Millwood Timber | Jan 5, 2018
Really good day out on one of their event. The tour was very interesting.
Peter Sims | Mar 17, 2018
It's an amazing place to visit. All credit to the volunteers hard work the quality of preservation has to be admired . Its good to see more and more events being added to the calendar each year. As a venue it's very comfortable not to big not too small.
anthony treacy | Apr 19, 2018
Awesome place. Loved it. Lots to see. Brilliant day out. I went to a teslathon there in March 18. Fantastic
Maria Teale | Mar 24, 2018
Historic and quite a building. Go and have a look inside on one of their open days - you won't be disappointed.
Mike Farrant | May 7, 2018
What a wonderful little gem of a place! Beautifully maintained by the wonderful volunteers. I was a bit sceptical before going and didn't thing they'd be enough to keep the kids entertained but there was plenty to see and do and we all enjoyed our visit! To all the staff, keep up the wonderful work you do! 👍🏼
Karin | May 8, 2018
We went on a Steam day when classic cars where on display. It's a lovely place to visit if you are in to steam pumps and appreciate old Victorian buildings. There is also a beautiful build underground water reservoir.
Viv Boylan | May 28, 2018
Papplewick is an amazing place to visit, especially when they have a steam day and all the machinery is actually working. The people who work there are very friendly and welcoming. If you want a trip out this is the place to go.
Franklin | Jul 17, 2018
Very interesting place and lovelingly looked after. Friendly staff, well worth a visit. For me, my visit was in conjunction with the steampunk event. Was a fantastic two days! 🎩
Net tor | Jun 22, 2018
What a place. Well worth the trip to see it - especially when they have everything going and working (About 6 weekends a year). Some fantastic things to see and watching everything in motion makes it!
edward peter howard | Jun 27, 2018
Beautiful Victorian steam powered pumping station set in picturesque grounds. Excellent place for a wedding. Visit on steam days
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