Claymills by Night

Claymills Victorian Pumping Station operated 24 hours a day from 1885 to 1970, pumping effluent from the Burton upon Trent beer industry. As one of the most complete and fully restored pumping stations in the UK, visitors are able to experience the grandeur of our four beam engines, the original boilers, and more than 30 engines, exactly as they were used on site. Most visitors only see Claymills during daylight hours, and for Heritage Open Days we are opening in the evening to give visitors an immersive experience of what it would have been like on the night shift - with very early (dim!) electric light. We have the oldest still-working engine and dynamo set in the country, installed in 1896.

The buildings were designed by James Mansergh and are superb examples of Victorian architecture which 'illustrate considerable attention to detail in its embellishment, the use of materials and the imaginative integration of the various pumping station components into a well-massed whole' (Historic England).

There will be an introductory talk on the background of the Pumping Station, followed by guided and self-guided tours that include our beam engines, and three unique exhibits - our engine and dynamo set, our Victorian bathroom, and our Pipe Drug. We will have sound and visual effects, but unfortunately can't be in steam for two evenings as it takes a full week to warm the boilers.

If you want to come back and see the site in steam, during the daytime, see the website for details.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

2000-2200

Saturday 20 September:

2000-2200

Location & directions

Meadow Lane, Stretton, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 0DA

Directions:

Two minutes drive from the A38 junction with the A5121

Contact on day:

John Freeman

Telephone number:

+447795153079

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Please email [email protected] with details of your group. The event is open to all. There is no entry or tour charge, though donations are always welcome! Please note that the site will not be in steam - for steaming dates, see claymills.org.uk Doors will open at 1930, with the talk at 2000. The Stokers' Rest Cafe will be open for light refreshments - if you'ld like to order cobs or sandwiches in advance, please do so by email - note, there will be a charge for refreshments.

Booking contact name:

John Freeman

Booking telephone number:

+441283509929

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

http://claymills.org.uk

Booking opens:

09 Jun 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

12 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

As an industrial site built in 1885 ... much of the site is not accessible with a wheelchair, and we have narrow and steep staircases. But we'll do our best to make everyone welcome! Guides will be present throughout. Please wear sensible footwear - no sandals or high heels!

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

25

Est. tour duration:

2 hour(s)

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