Steam engines and stargazing are coming to Wiltshire this September

Zoe Gater

Crofton Beam Engines is hosting its final steaming weekend of 2026, followed by a special evening of steam and stargazing on Saturday.

Crofton Beam Engines near Marlborough is gearing up for its final steaming weekend of 2026, with two separate celebratory events.

On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, visitors can see Crofton’s historic beam engines in action, including the 1812 Boulton & Watt engine – the oldest working beam engine in the world still in its original location.

The weekend will also feature a visit from showman’s engine Verity, alongside children’s trails, crafts and a miniature canal and lock system. The Old Smithy Tea Room will be open for drinks and cake.

The daytime steaming event runs from 10am to 4.30pm, with the Engine House open from 10.30am.

Then, on Saturday evening, Crofton will host a separate Evening Steaming and Stargazing event, running from 6.30pm to 10pm.

The beam engines will run into the evening, with reduced lighting in the Engine House creating an atmospheric glimpse of Crofton during its Georgian heyday.

Local astronomers will also have telescopes available, weather permitting, while astronomer Richard Fleet will give two presentations exploring our journey through the Galaxy and beyond.

Tickets for the evening event cost £10 for adults, with under-16s going free. Annual steaming passes are not valid for this special event.

Find out more at croftonbeamengines.org.

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