Twyford Waterworks Open Day
Sunday, July 6, 2025, 1100 - 1600
Join us at Twyford Waterworks on Sunday 6th July for a chance to step back in time and explore how your drinking water has been supplied for the past 125 years. The Open Day invites visitors to enjoy a day out at arguably the best-preserved Edwardian pumping station in the country.
Located on the edge of the South Downs, Twyford Waterworks is a Scheduled Ancient Monument set within five acres of chalk downland that is carefully managed to support a wide variety of wildlife.
This year we are celebrating 125 years of water supply to the local area. The wells were dug in 1898, the reservoir completed in 1899, and in 1900 the Waterworks began pumping fresh, clean water – a process Southern Water continues today using modern technology.
Throughout the day much of the site will be brought to life with demonstrations, displays, and explanations from our knowledgeable volunteers. A highlight are the Ruston diesel pumping engines, now 90 years old, with two planned to run at regular intervals.
Also on display is our impressive Hathorn Davey steam pumping engine. While it won’t be in steam on this occasion, volunteers will be on hand to explain how it works. You’ll also see the 1895 Crossley gas engine in action, alongside several smaller pumps that keep the water flowing.
No visit would be complete without exploring the Lime Kilns and Water Softening Works where original water-powered machinery still operates and you can discover how lime was once used to soften hard water.
Twyford Waterworks isn’t just about industrial history – it’s also a haven for wildlife. Our nature trail winds through rare unimproved chalk grassland, past a pond and hide, offering the chance to spot birds, insects and wildflowers that thrive in this rare habitat.
When you're ready for a break, visit the renowned Tea Room, which will be serving homemade cakes, drinks and light refreshments. A BBQ will also be available on site, offering something more substantial to fuel your visit.
Our volunteers – many of whom help restore and operate the machinery – will be on hand throughout the day to answer questions and share stories. Whether you're a returning visitor or here for the first time, you'll receive a warm welcome.
The Open Day takes place on Sunday 6th July, and we recommend allowing at least two to three hours to explore everything on offer. Ample free car
parking is available. Please note that due to the steep natural slope of the site, while the main buildings are level, the kilns, industrial railway and nature trail are accessed by a number of steps.
It is planned that the following will be available for visitors to see:
- Large 90 year old Ruston diesel pumping engines running at various times during the day
- Hathorn Davey steam pumping engine on display (not running this time) with volunteers to explain how it all worked
- 1895 Crossley gas engine and other smaller pumps in operation
- Lime Kilns and water softening works, including the hydraulic (water powered) engines working
- Nature trail with pond and hide
- Guided tours
- Children's trail
- Industrial railway being demonstrated
- Visiting exhibits and displays.
The renowned Tea Room will be serving a variety of cake and light refreshments alongside a BBQ.
For further information visit www.twyfordwaterworks.co.uk
URL:
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/3121222-2?pid=2874
Category: Community | History
Prices:
Adult (with Gift Aid): GBP 8.00,
Concession (with Gift Aid): GBP 7.00,
Under 16 (Free): GBP 0.00
Located on the edge of the South Downs, Twyford Waterworks is a Scheduled Ancient Monument set within five acres of chalk downland that is carefully managed to support a wide variety of wildlife.
This year we are celebrating 125 years of water supply to the local area. The wells were dug in 1898, the reservoir completed in 1899, and in 1900 the Waterworks began pumping fresh, clean water – a process Southern Water continues today using modern technology.
Throughout the day much of the site will be brought to life with demonstrations, displays, and explanations from our knowledgeable volunteers. A highlight are the Ruston diesel pumping engines, now 90 years old, with two planned to run at regular intervals.
Also on display is our impressive Hathorn Davey steam pumping engine. While it won’t be in steam on this occasion, volunteers will be on hand to explain how it works. You’ll also see the 1895 Crossley gas engine in action, alongside several smaller pumps that keep the water flowing.
No visit would be complete without exploring the Lime Kilns and Water Softening Works where original water-powered machinery still operates and you can discover how lime was once used to soften hard water.
Twyford Waterworks isn’t just about industrial history – it’s also a haven for wildlife. Our nature trail winds through rare unimproved chalk grassland, past a pond and hide, offering the chance to spot birds, insects and wildflowers that thrive in this rare habitat.
When you're ready for a break, visit the renowned Tea Room, which will be serving homemade cakes, drinks and light refreshments. A BBQ will also be available on site, offering something more substantial to fuel your visit.
Our volunteers – many of whom help restore and operate the machinery – will be on hand throughout the day to answer questions and share stories. Whether you're a returning visitor or here for the first time, you'll receive a warm welcome.
The Open Day takes place on Sunday 6th July, and we recommend allowing at least two to three hours to explore everything on offer. Ample free car
parking is available. Please note that due to the steep natural slope of the site, while the main buildings are level, the kilns, industrial railway and nature trail are accessed by a number of steps.
It is planned that the following will be available for visitors to see:
- Large 90 year old Ruston diesel pumping engines running at various times during the day
- Hathorn Davey steam pumping engine on display (not running this time) with volunteers to explain how it all worked
- 1895 Crossley gas engine and other smaller pumps in operation
- Lime Kilns and water softening works, including the hydraulic (water powered) engines working
- Nature trail with pond and hide
- Guided tours
- Children's trail
- Industrial railway being demonstrated
- Visiting exhibits and displays.
The renowned Tea Room will be serving a variety of cake and light refreshments alongside a BBQ.
For further information visit www.twyfordwaterworks.co.uk
URL:
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/3121222-2?pid=2874
Category: Community | History
Prices:
Adult (with Gift Aid): GBP 8.00,
Concession (with Gift Aid): GBP 7.00,
Under 16 (Free): GBP 0.00
Starting Price Per Person
Free
Other Information
Where
Twyford Waterworks
Hazeley Road
Twyford England SO21 1QA
United Kingdom
( Museum - Historical )
Hazeley Road
Twyford England SO21 1QA
United Kingdom
( Museum - Historical )
Event Organizer Contact
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Event ID: 253753
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