Twyford Waterworks

Discover the history of water supply at Twyford Waterworks in the Hampshire countryside. With nature trails, artefacts, and themed open days, Twyford is great for all the family.

Facilities & access

Tea rooms
Picnic area
Free parking
Toilet facilities
Disabled access
Gift shop

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Twyford Waterworks

100 years of history

Twyford Waterworks is an Edwardian pumping station with a unique array of buildings and machinery.

The site retains nearly all its original equipment. This includes five large lime kilns, a water-powered narrow gauge incline railway and the entire water-softening process. These artefacts help to tell the story of water extraction, softening, and supply.

The site has been carefully restored and is managed by the Twyford Waterworks Trust volunteers. In 1973, Twyford was given the status of a Scheduled Ancient Monument and English Heritage describes it as ‘exceptional’.

"A rare ‘time capsule’ Edwardian waterworks... exciting opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in the heritage on their doorstep."

Stuart McLeod, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for South East England

The heart of the waterworks

Twyford Waterworks is still operational and supplies five million gallons of water every day. Constructed between 1898 and 1935, the site features three main buildings:

The Engine House. This contains the large 1914 Hathorn Davy triple expansion steam pumping engine. This heritage steam engine is capable of pumping to the Water Softening Plant and the service reservoirs.
The Boiler House. In this house, you can find three Babcock and Wilcox boilers dating from 1906, 1903 and 1916. Today, they are the last surviving complete set of water tube boilers in the country.
The Diesel House. The pumping station was modernised in the 1930s with three modern diesel engines from Rustons. Two of the engines are in working order and run on open days. The third is undergoing long-term restoration.

History in motion

A 2ft gauge railway to transport materials around the site was laid soon after the site opened. Skip wagons were used for all operations, pushed by hand on the level sections and pulled by rope up the inclines.

Much of this railway remains in place today along with a new track. Visitors can enjoy demonstrations of typical small locomotives shunting a variety of wagons.

Explore nature at Twyford

Twyford is surrounded by 2 acres of land which has been carefully cultivated into a small but diverse protected area.

Along the trail, display boards will tell you more about the 200 species of plants and the many animals, insects, and birds that live there.

Please be aware that the pathway is steep in some places and has quite a few steps.

Facilities Getting to Twyford

The tea room is situated in the main building and is open on every Open Day from 10.45am. It serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, home made cakes, sandwiches, soup, snacks and confectionery.

Sit outside and relax or enjoy locally sourced burgers & hot dogs from the BBQ.

Toilet facilities, including accessible toilets, are available inside the main building.

The site is on two levels, and there is full disabled access to the main buildings and displays. Access for wheelchair users and for anyone requiring assistance to the higher level Lime Kilns and water softening plant can be organised with advanced notice.

A range of gifts, books, toys, stationery and greetings cards are available from the kiosk.

In 2024, open days will be on the first Sunday of the month from May to October inclusive. Please check Twyford's website for admission prices.

Twyford Waterworks is about one mile from Junction 11 of the M3. Follow the B3335 for Twyford. Turn left from the village centre onto Hazeley Road and look for signs and stewards.

Twyford Waterworks is about a 30-minute walk from Shawford station, which is just outside of Winchester.

There are regular buses available from Winchester. Hop off at Northfields and Twyford is about a 20-minute walk away. Some open days also offer a free bus service from Winchester.

Ample free parking is available on open days, which for 2024 will be the first Sunday of every month from May–October.

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