Visit to Claymills Victorian Pumping Station

The site is rich in artefacts and history – described by English Heritage as "The most complete site of its kind in the UK". Brief History: Step inside one of the most complete surviving Victorian pumping stations in the UK and discover an extraordinary collection of steam-powered machinery, workshops and original engineering. Claymills Victorian Pumping Station was built in the 1880s to tackle Burton upon Trent's growing sewage problem, caused in part by the huge expansion of the town's brewing industry. Today the Grade II* listed site is preserved and operated entirely by volunteers, who are restoring its buildings and machinery to working order. During your visit you can explore the site's impressive engine houses and see its four enormous Victorian beam engines, including the two 1885 Gimson engines in the Engine House. Visitors can climb through the different levels of the engine house to see the machinery from above. You'll also be able to explore the Boiler House with its five Lancashire boilers, the original Victorian workshop and blacksmith's shop, historic steam engines and pumps, the joiner's shop and displays telling the story of the pumping station and its restoration. The Dynamo House contains steam-driven electrical generating equipment dating from 1889, described in the visitor guide as the oldest working equipment of its kind in the country. The route will go through the Visitor Centre, engine houses, Boiler House, workshops, Blacksmith's Shop and Dynamo House before returning to Stoker's Rest, refreshments available for purchase. Please note: this is a historic industrial site and parts of the visit involve stairs, including access to the upper levels of the engine houses. There are alternative stairs in the Engine House for anyone who would prefer not to use the spiral staircase. Parking: Parking available in the Pumping Station car park, which is on the left after crossing the level crossing. Meeting place: All to meet in the '130 house' before 2pm.