Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum

About the museum

The first pumping station at Westonzoyland dates from 1831, and it was the earliest steam-powered pumping station in Somerset. The Easton and Amos drainage machine was installed in 1861. It lifts 100 tons of water a minute with a centrifugal pump and is the only steam pump still in working order in its original position. A diesel unit replaced the steam pump in 1951, and Clifford Thyer is named as the last attendant.

After the station was abandoned it fell into disrepair for about 25 years. Members of the Somerset Industrial Archaeology Society began repairs, which led to the founding of the Westonzoyland Engine Trust. Trust members built a new exhibition hall in the 1980s, and the Trust bought the site from Wessex Water in 1990.

The museum presents itself as one of the largest collections of stationary steam engines and pumps in the UK and the largest in the south of England. As well as the beam engine, it has a forge, a Lancashire boiler, a Wills engine, a Lister diesel generating plant, and a 2 ft gauge railway with three locomotives. It is a registered charity run by unpaid volunteers.

Highlights

• Easton and Amos steam pumping engine of 1861
• Large collection of stationary steam engines and pumps
• Steaming days with running engines
• 2 ft narrow gauge railway
• Forge, Lancashire boiler and Lister diesel generating plant

Permanent exhibitions

• Easton and Amos pumping engine – The 1861 steam drainage machine in the main engine house, the only steam pump still working in its original position.
• Narrow gauge railway – A 2 ft gauge railway with three locomotives and a bogie coach, with rides included in admission.

Operated by

Westonzoyland Engine Trust (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Every Sunday 13:00–17:00 on non-steam days

The adult price of £12 applies on steaming days and special events, whose admission may differ. Rides on the narrow gauge railway are included in admission.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Disabled parking on hardstanding is near the entrance, and most buildings have level access. The Grade II* listed pumping station has some steps, which do not prevent viewing the exhibits. The passenger railway is not currently wheelchair accessible. The café has accessible toilets with baby-changing facilities, and volunteers help with access issues.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

A free kids’ trail is given out on entry, with a treat for finishing. Visitors can operate hand pumps, and on steaming days children can ask the stoker to sound the colliery whistle. Baby-changing is in the accessible toilet, and high chairs are available in the café. Visitors may bring their own food and drinks for children.

Getting there & parking

Sat nav postcode TA7 0LS.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

The volunteer-run Thyer Cafe serves light bites, homemade cakes and hot drinks during museum events. On non-steam Sundays it works on a self-service honesty system with hot drinks from a machine, soft drinks and snacks, so change is needed. Guest Wi-Fi is available, with the access code displayed at the entrance. A guide book is sold at the entrance and an online store is available.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The café can be hired privately, and the site can be used for filming. The pumping station also offers accommodation. Enquire through the contact page.

Plan your visit