Welcome to the most spectacular 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.

In addition to our advertised events, the pumping station and grounds are open on Wednesdays and Sundays, 11am-3pm between the start of April and end of October.

Things to do at Papplewick Pumping Station!

Static Openings

Between the 2nd April and the 29th October, Papplewick Pumping Station is open every Wednesday & Sunday, 11am to 3pm. Entry is free on these days.

steam events

Eight weekends a year Papplewick Pumping Station fires up the Lancashire boilers. The original twin beam engines, built by James Watt & Co, can be seen in all their glory.

weddings

Set in tranquil countryside, Papplewick Pumping Station is a shining example of Victorian engineering and architecture that will provide a unique and spectacular setting for your special day.

Experience Steam

Learn the art of stoking an 1883 Lancashire boiler and acquire the skills to run one of our original James Watt beam engine on one of our limited ‘Experience Steam’ days.

lots to see and do!

The station is full of areas to explore, as part of a guided tour or individually.

  • 1
    Visitor Car Park
  • 2
    Visitor Entrance Gates
  • 3
    Superintendent’s House & Visitor Reception (steam days ONLY)
  • 4
    Main Drive
  • 5
    Superintendent’s Garden
  • 6
    Underground Reservoir Tours. Ticket booth & tour start point (steam days ONLY)
  • 7
    Top Lawn
  • 8
    Par Terre Main Lawn
  • 9
    Cooling Pond
  • 10
    Engine House (Porch entrance)
  • 11
    Boiler House entrance
  • 12
    Coal Shed
  • 13
    Forge & Stables
  • 14
    Chimney
  • 15
    Cafe & Toilets
  • 16
    Cafe Kiosk
  • 17
    Greenhouse & Plant Sales (steam days ONLY)
  • 18
    Miniature Steam Railway (steam days ONLY)
  • 19
    Linby Colliery Winding Engine
  • 20
    Children’s Play Area
  • 21
    Deputy Superintendent’s House (out of bounds)
  • 22
    Severn Trent Pump Unit (out of bounds)
  • 23
    Severn Trent UV & Chlorination Unit (out of bounds)
  • 24
    Emergency Assembly Point

make a donation

support the pumping station’s ongoing maintenance with a donation