The Narrow Gauge Railway is a short 2 foot gauge railway running around the grounds of the pumping station. Manned by volunteers, the railway gives rides to the public on special event days. It will be running until August 20th 2024. Admission to the Museum site is free. Car Parking is not available on site however visitors can park at the Space Centre car park which is next door. The parking at The National Space Centre is currently £4 for the day.
The Abbey Pumping Station is a museum of science and technology in Leicester, England, on Corporation Road, next to The National Space Centre. With four working steam-powered beam engines from its time as a sewage pumping station, it also houses exhibits for transport, public health, light and optics, toys and civil engineering.
Even though we have been to the Space Centre a couple of times over the last couple of years, we have never been to the pumping station. They have a lovely children’s play area which is great for kids to burn off some energy! There’s also several picnic tables available next to the children’s play area. We will definitely be bringing a picnic next time!
The trains were advertised to start at 11:30am. We headed to the area for 11:20am to get the first train, however the train was already full and set off early. We only had to wait 10 minutes before the train came back.
The ride costs 50p per adult and children over 3 years old. Any children under 3 are free. All ages are welcome. It is cash only at the station, however you can pay by card at the reception of the museum and they will be able to provide you with a train ticket.
We were first on the next train. The train is quite small so I would recommend going early before the queue time increases. Many families, including ourselves, left the buggies in the park next to where the train goes. They were not secured however it never felt unsafe to leave them as there are volunteers around the area. It was filled up with several families after about 5 minutes and we were nearly ready to go. One of the volunteers did a quick safety briefing to advise everyone to remain seated and not to stick arms out of the carriages.
Off we go! The train only takes a small journey, around the park area and past the cafe building. We got some lovely views of The National Space Centre! The train will then turn around and go back to the starting point.
The train is perfect for anyone with small children. All of the kids had a great time! At 50p as well, it’s an inexpensive day out.
After our train ride, we headed to the cafe, which is located opposite the station. The cafe is cash only. They sold cold drinks and cakes. Prices were reasonable. We only spent £2.60 for drinks for the three of us. Accessible access is available around the back of the building.
Ted loves The National Space Centre and we will definitely be going to the pumping station as well everytime now.
Throughout the year, the pumping station holds various events, such as emergency services day and christmas events. We will definitely be keeping a look out for future events. All events and opening times can be found on the Abbey Pumping Station Website: https://www.abbeypumpingstation.org/
You can also reach the Abbey Pumping Station from Leicester City Centre. It is around a 30 minute walk from St Margarets Bus Station. Alternatively you can also take the skylink bus or first bus 54 from The Bus Station to reach The Pumping Station.
We had a great couple of hours at the Abbey Pumping Station and we will definitely be back!
Address: The Abbey Pumping Station, Corporation Rd, Leicester LE4 5PX https://www.abbeypumpingstation.org Email: enquiries@abbeypumpingstation.org
Wonderful article and a very good day out for the kids!