The 1940's Steam Event + Underground Reservoir Tour - Papplewick Pumping Station
Overview
Papplewick is the most spectacular preserved water Pumping Station in the British Isles
This beautiful place was designed in the early 1880s to pump millions of gallons of clean fresh water every day to the rapidly increasing population of Industrial Nottingham. Today, thanks to the endeavours of The Papplewick Pumping Station Trust, a Registered Charity dedicated to the preservation of the pumping station, and to the enthusiasm of the volunteer members, you can still experience the most spectacular, preserved water pumping station in the British Isles.
Now protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, the highest preservation order that can be bestowed upon a site in England, the pumping station holds regular steaming events throughout the year, wedding ceremonies and education visits enabling the Trust to continue the essential preservation of this important site for future generations.
Today we can see an array of military and civilian re-enactors plus encampment displays along with period vehicles, trade stalls, plus popular Cooling Pond re- enactment battle at 2pm.
This particular steam event is in its 17th year This year it features:
- An array of military and civilian re-enactors
- Displays and encampments.
- Period vehicles.
- Trade stalls.
- Plus the popular Cooling Pond live action skirmish each day at 2pm.
- Live entertainment from Jayne Darling & Kevin Mac (Saturday) and Johnny Victory & Lula May (Sunday).
- Lincoln Green brewery
We also get to enjoy
- The James Watt Beam engines in operation
- Galloway boiler in full steam
- Underground reservoir. (Tours available to book on the day additional charge of £4.00 applies)
- The Linby Colliery Winding engine in steam
- Miniature steam railway (additional charge applies)
- Plant and Bric a Brac sales
- RC boats sailing on the cooling pond
- Resident blacksmith running the forge
- Café with food selections include pasties, freshly made sandwiches to snacks and ice cream. We have gluten free and vegan options available to choose from and we also sell a wide range of hot and cold drinks
- Dogs are welcome on short leads
- Free parking in our car park opposite the main gates
Note: All admission tickets are entitled to a 12 month annual pass - pay once and attend all subsequent steam events for no extra cost. Your annual pass is collected and validated on the day of your visit. It is not issued ahead of your visit
Please note that this is not a Spice exclusive event.
Includes
- Entrance to the site to see the pumping station in action
- An array of military and civilian re-enactors
- Displays and encampments.
- Period vehicles.
- Trade stalls.
- Plus the popular Cooling Pond live action skirmish each day at 2pm.
- Live entertainment from Jayne Darling & Kevin Mac
- Lincoln Green brewery
- Note: All admission tickets are entitled to a 12 month annual pass - pay once and attend all subsequent steam events for no extra cost. Your annual pass is collected and validated on the day of your visit. It is not issued ahead of your visit.
- Your Spice Voluntary Coordinator.
Extras
Please note that the underground tour can be booked and paid for on the day at a cost of £4.00.
The pumping station has a Café with food selections including pasties, freshly made sandwiches to snacks and ice cream. Gluten free and vegan options are available to choose from and a wide range of hot and cold drinks.
There will also be trade stalls at this event and the Lincoln Green Brewery.
Location & Itinerary
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.
Be aware that you must be moderately fit to go on the underground reservoir tour.
The journey to the reservoir is via a converted trailer and there are two flights of stairs into and out of the reservoir.
There is a free in site car park.
Gallery
