Claymills Victorian Pumping Station

Claymills – visit a hidden gem in Burton upon Trent with outstanding Victorian engineering in wonderful buildings, just as it was when the pumping station was working!

Claymills was built in 1885 to deal with millions of gallons of effluent from the beer industry. Disused in 1970, a Trust was set up in 1993 to restore the pumping station to its former magnificence. Claymills now has four huge beam engines and more than 30 smaller engines, all originally used on site, and all working with steam from our original boilers. All the engines are now operational!

Claymills is located in stunning Grade II* listed buildings of national importance, and is an Accredited Museum.

Run entirely by volunteers, Claymills is open to the public from 1000 to 1600 every Thursday and Saturday, with tours by our enthusiastic volunteers, enabling visitors to get ‘up close and personal’ with our magnificent engineering, exactly as it was when the pumping station was operational.  Entry is free but do we ask for donations to help meet our running costs!

Claymills is in steam for two days, seven or eight times a year, mostly on Bank Holidays – full details on the website www.claymills.org.uk or contact us through enquiries@claymills.org.uk . Our telephone is 01283 50992, but leave a message, please, and bear with us as calls will only be responded to when we are open. Entry on steaming days is charged for, but children up to 18 go free.

Claymills has a special set of activities for children of all ages, a cafe offering drinks and snacks, disabled access and free parking.

Do come and meet Claymills’ volunteers who will show you all we have to offer (and, if you want, join our volunteer group – all welcome!). We also have activities for Young Engineers – just ask!