Twyford Waterworks Spring Rally 2026

About

Join us at Twyford Waterworks on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th May for a chance to step back in time and explore how your drinking water has been supplied for the past 125 years 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 day much of the site will be brought to life with demonstrations, displays, and explanations from our knowledgeable volunteers. A highlight will be the Hathorn Davey triple expansion steam pumping engine running: see the boilers being stoked and watch this majestic machine in operation evoking the sights, sounds and smells of the Edwardian era.

Also running at various times will be the Ruston diesel pumping engines, now over 90 years old, 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.

Whatever the weather children of all ages will be able to enjoy some art using water colour paints, including painting a Twyford Waterworks image and designing a festive picture in the Discovery Zone

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 3rd and Monday 4th May 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:

- 1914 Hathorn Davey pumping engine and associated boiler in steam

- 90 year old Ruston diesel pumping engines running at various times during the day

- 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 (please note that we don't give rides)

- Visiting exhibits and displays.

The renowned Tea Room will be serving a variety of cake and light refreshments alongside a BBQ.

Adult (with Gift Aid): GBP 9.00,
Concession (with Gift Aid): GBP 8.00,
Under 16 (Free): GBP 0.00