Twyford Waterworks Open Days

About

Discover how the drinking water that's piped to all our homes is pumped from deep within the Hampshire Downs for over the past 125 years!

Watch the machinery once used to do this in action and learn about its history.

Join us at Twyford Waterworks at its open day 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.

Throughout the event the site will be brought to life with demonstrations, displays, and explanations from our knowledgeable volunteers.

At the centre is the Hathorn Davey steam pumping engine and boilers - cutting edge technology from the beginning of the last century. Another highlight are the Ruston diesel pumping engines, now over 90 years old, with two planned to run at regular intervals, along with other pumping engines.

Visitors can also explore the Lime Kilns and Water Softening Works where original water-powered machinery still operates and where 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.

The 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.

• 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.