
Claymills Victorian Pumping Station
Explore a restored Victorian sewage pumping station, home to magnificent steam engines and Britain's oldest working dynamo.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Engines in full operation!

Claymills Victorian Pumping Station
Best Time
Engines in full operation!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a restored Victorian sewage pumping station, home to magnificent steam engines and Britain's oldest working dynamo.
"A fantastic Victorian industrial masterpiece with knowledgeable volunteers and impressive engines."

🎯 Check Steaming Day Schedule
See the C & D engines run! Usually bank holidays. Essential for enthusiasts.
🗣️ Engage with Volunteers
They're super knowledgeable! Ask about the dynamo & history.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Woolf Comping Beam Engines
Engine Houses A, B, C, and D
Witness the magnificent 1885 Gimson engines, the heart of Victorian sewage pumping for Burton on Trent.

Oldest Working Dynamo
Machine Rooms
Discover Britain's oldest working dynamo, a testament to early electrical innovation.

Industrial Heritage
Entire Site
Immerse yourself in a restored Victorian sewage pumping station, a living museum of industrial history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Steaming Days
Volunteer-Led Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Steaming Day Schedule
See the C & D engines run! Usually bank holidays. Essential for enthusiasts.
🗣️ Engage with Volunteers
They're super knowledgeable! Ask about the dynamo & history.
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
Great spot for refreshments with friendly service.
🚶♀️ Explore the Site
Allow 3+ hours to see engines, machine rooms & bathrooms.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Steaming Day Schedule
See the C & D engines run! Usually bank holidays. Essential for enthusiasts.
🗣️ Engage with Volunteers
They're super knowledgeable! Ask about the dynamo & history.
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
Great spot for refreshments with friendly service.
🚶♀️ Explore the Site
Allow 3+ hours to see engines, machine rooms & bathrooms.
📸 Capture the Steam
Perfect for photographers, especially on steaming days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Claymills Victorian Pumping Station, highlighting the impressive operational steam engines and the dedication of the knowledgeable volunteers. Many describe it as a hidden gem and a fantastic day out for families and steam enthusiasts alike, with the cafe providing a pleasant spot to relax.
"Steaming days are always the best. First-time visitor at Claymills, and I wasn't disappointed. A great welcome from the volunteers. They sure know how to lay on a great day. The usual facilities onsite and the cafe was great.
It's amazing what the Victorian generation left us. A massive shout out and a round of applause to the volunteers that keep these amazing engines running.
The smell and smooth running are fabulous 👌 I could have sat all day watching them run.
For all steam engine enthusiasts, this is a must-see.
It was great seeing the old vehicles, too😊 A perfect day was had by the three of us."
Lynn Mills (scouse_mouse)
"Fantastic Victorian industrial masterpiece to visit for all the family. Friendly atmosphere with knowledgeable volunteer staff. Steaming & non steaming days & events throughout the year. Open from 10am until 5pm. Recommended"
John Smith
"Visited on a none steaming day in April 25 with my motorcycle club from (Tamworth & District Classic Motorcycle Club) Tamworth. Great venue and an impressive living museum. Nice cafe. Expert guides showed us round the various parts of the pumping station. Very enjoyable few hours had by all."
Ultimate Outdoors
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Claymills Victorian Pumping Station is located on the north side of Burton on Trent. It's accessible by car, with parking available on site. For public transport, check local bus routes that serve the Burton on Trent area.
Yes, there is parking available at the Claymills Victorian Pumping Station for visitors.
While driving is the most convenient, you can check local bus services to Burton on Trent and then potentially arrange a taxi or a longer walk to the station.
The station is well-signposted once you are in the vicinity of Burton on Trent. Look for signs directing you to the pumping station.
The nearest train station is Burton-on-Trent railway station. From there, you would need to arrange onward transport to the pumping station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Claymills is typically open from 10 am to 5 pm. However, it's best to check their official schedule for specific opening times, especially for steaming days and events.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for steaming days or special events, is recommended to secure your spot. Check their website for ticketing information.
Admission prices can vary, particularly for special events. It's advisable to check the official Claymills Victorian Pumping Station website for the most current ticket prices.
Often, steaming days may have a slightly different admission fee due to the increased operational activity. Always verify pricing on their official channels.
Yes, bank holidays are often designated as 'steaming days' and are popular times to visit. Ensure you check the schedule and book ahead if possible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the impressive Woolf comping beam pumping engines (C and D engines), Britain's oldest working dynamo, and explore the historic machine rooms and facilities.
Absolutely! The station is run by knowledgeable volunteers who offer guided tours, providing in-depth insights into the history and operation of the engines.
A steaming day is when the Victorian pumping engines are operational and running, offering a spectacular display of steam power. These are popular events.
Yes, Claymills is a fantastic destination for families, offering a unique educational experience and a glimpse into industrial history.
Photography is generally welcomed, especially on steaming days when the engines are in action. It's a great spot for industrial and historical photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that offers refreshments and snacks. It's a nice place to relax after exploring the station.
The cafe typically offers a selection of light meals, snacks, and beverages. It's a convenient option for visitors.
While there's a cafe, it's usually permissible to bring your own picnic to enjoy in designated areas, but it's always good to confirm on arrival.
Information on specific dietary options is best confirmed directly with the cafe on the day of your visit.
Burton on Trent has various dining options if you prefer to eat elsewhere before or after your visit to Claymills.
📸 📸 Photography
Steaming days offer the most dramatic photographic opportunities with the engines in action and steam. However, the industrial architecture is photogenic year-round.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Professional or commercial shoots might require prior permission.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the engines, while a telephoto lens can help with details. Tripods might be restricted during busy steaming days.
Yes, the dynamo is a key feature and a great subject for photography. Be sure to ask volunteers for the best angles and information.
The exterior architecture of the pumping station itself is also quite striking and offers good photographic potential, especially during different lighting conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Volunteers are often happy to explain things in a way that younger visitors can understand, making the experience more interactive. The site is a great place to spark an interest in history and engineering. Plus, the on-site cafe provides a convenient spot for a family break.
🚂 Steam Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to see Britain's oldest working dynamo as well. The knowledgeable volunteers are a treasure trove of information, eager to share the technical details and historical context of the engines and machinery.
📸 Photographers
Steaming days provide the most dynamic shots with the presence of steam and moving parts. However, even on non-steaming days, the static beauty of the engines and the historical setting are highly photogenic. Consider visiting during different times of the day to capture varied lighting conditions on the impressive structures.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvels of Claymills
Beyond the main pumping engines, Claymills also houses a significant piece of electrical history: Britain's oldest working dynamo. According to staff and volunteers, this dynamo might even be the oldest in Europe. This discovery adds another layer of historical importance to the site, highlighting its role in early technological advancements.
The site's restoration is a testament to the dedication of the Clay Mills Trust and its volunteers. They have worked tirelessly to preserve and operate these historical machines, ensuring that future generations can appreciate this vital piece of industrial heritage.
A Volunteer's Passion Project
Many visitors commend the volunteers for their welcoming nature and deep understanding of the machinery. They are the custodians of this industrial heritage, ensuring that the 'smell and smooth running' of the engines can still be experienced today. Their efforts have transformed the site from a state of disrepair into a vibrant living museum.
If you visit, make sure to engage with the volunteers. They can provide fascinating details, such as showing you the bathrooms or explaining the intricacies of the oldest working dynamo. Their stories bring the history of Claymills to life.
Experiencing a Steaming Day
Witnessing all four beam engines running together, as has happened on rare occasions, is a particularly special event. It offers a unique glimpse into the industrial might of the Victorian era and the sheer scale of the engineering involved in managing a town's infrastructure.
Steaming days are incredibly popular, so it's highly recommended to check the schedule in advance and consider booking tickets early to avoid disappointment. The atmosphere on these days is electric, with enthusiasts and families alike marveling at the operational heritage.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit