Waterworks Museum - Hereford: A Living History of Water Engineering
Explore Hereford’s historic Waterworks Museum with its working steam engines, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly water park in a Victorian landmark setting.
The Waterworks Museum in Hereford is a unique heritage site showcasing over 50 historic water-pumping machines, including the UK's oldest working triple expansion steam engine. Open every Tuesday and select Sundays, the museum offers interactive exhibits, steam engine demonstrations, and a family-friendly water park. Set in a Victorian landmark building on the banks of the River Wye, it celebrates the evolution of water supply technology in Herefordshire and beyond.
A brief summary to Waterworks Museum - Hereford
- Broomy Hill, Hereford, HR4 0LJ, GB
- +441432342192
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit on a Tuesday or select Steam Days (Sundays in spring to autumn) to see engines in operation.
- Enjoy the Noel Meeke Heritage Water Park for hands-on water pump activities, especially great for children.
- Take advantage of the onsite café offering freshly made cakes and hot drinks for a relaxing break.
- Check the museum’s website ahead for special events, group visit arrangements, and any maintenance closures.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
Driving to the Waterworks Museum from central Hereford takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Free onsite parking is available, but space is limited on busy Steam Days. SatNav postcode HR4 0LJ directs you precisely.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from Hereford Train Station to the museum covers about 3.2 km, typically taking 8-12 minutes. This is a convenient option as no direct bus routes serve the museum.
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Walking
For active visitors, walking from Hereford city center to the museum is a 40-50 minute stroll along mostly flat terrain, suitable for most fitness levels and accessible with some care.
Waterworks Museum - Hereford location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Waterworks Museum - Hereford
Historic Roots and Engineering Heritage
The Waterworks Museum in Hereford occupies a landmark Victorian pumping station building on Broomy Hill, adjacent to the River Wye. It preserves the rich industrial heritage of water supply in Herefordshire, with exhibits spanning from 1850 to 2000. Central to its collection is the oldest working triple expansion steam engine in the UK, dating from 1895, alongside a smaller duplex engine from 1906. These engines were once vital in pumping fresh water to Hereford and surrounding areas until mid-20th century electrification. The museum also features a wide range of beam, hot air, gas, and diesel engines, many of which are among the last remaining working examples of their kind in public display.Interactive Exhibits and Family Engagement
Visitors of all ages can engage with the museum’s hands-on exhibits, especially in the Noel Meeke Heritage Water Park. Here, children and adults alike can operate full-size historic water devices, learning about the challenges of water supply in the past by lifting, pumping, filtering, and squirting water in a safe and fun environment. The museum organizes themed fun days during school holidays, making it an educational and entertaining destination for families.Steam Days and Live Demonstrations
The museum comes alive on selected Sundays and bank holidays from March to October during its Steam Days. On these occasions, many of the engines and pumps are operated as they were originally designed, filling the space with the sights, sounds, and smells of working steam machinery. Dedicated volunteers maintain and demonstrate these engines, providing insights into their mechanics and historical significance. These operating days offer a rare opportunity to witness living industrial heritage in action.Visitor Amenities and Accessibility
The Waterworks Museum provides a welcoming visitor experience with free parking, accessible facilities including a disabled toilet, and an onsite café offering homemade cakes, scones, and a selection of hot and cold drinks. Dogs on short leads are allowed in the grounds and building (except in the café and water park areas). The museum also offers group visits, private hire options, and educational tours tailored for schools, colleges, and universities, often free of charge with donations appreciated.Community and Conservation Efforts
Run largely by volunteers, the museum relies on donations and community support to maintain its historic engines and Victorian building. Recent boiler repairs have been completed to enable safe operation of steam engines, ensuring the museum’s continued role as a living history site. The museum also houses a permanent exhibition on local life during World War II, adding cultural depth to the industrial narrative.Location and Surroundings
Situated on Broomy Hill in Hereford, the museum’s riverside location offers picturesque picnic areas and scenic views along the River Wye. The grounds provide a tranquil setting for visitors to relax after exploring the extensive collection of machinery and exhibits. The museum is a significant cultural landmark within Herefordshire, blending industrial history with community engagement and family-friendly activities.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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King Street Kitchen
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Hereford Museum and Art Gallery
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Hereford Cathedral
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The Hereford Labyrinth
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Old Market Hereford
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Castle Green
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Essential places to dine
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The Bookshop
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Cotto
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Bill's Kitchen Hereford
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The Rocket Cafe
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La Madeleine
1.4 km
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Miller & Carter Hereford
1.6 km
Contemporary steakhouse in Hereford’s Old Market serving expertly cooked prime cuts with attentive service in a modern, welcoming setting.
AMAZING ASIA BUFFET
1.6 km
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The Beefy Boys
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Simply Thai Kitchen
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Sensory & Rye
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The Bay Horse Inn
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Bunch of Carrots
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The Bell Inn
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Jack Wills
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Motherfudgecrackers
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Pritchards
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Cardzone
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View
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Cherry Savidge
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Philip Morris & Son
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Dunelm
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Educational
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Family Friendly
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
