A historic monument owned by Northumbrian Water is expecting to welcome hundreds of people through its doors this bank holiday Easter weekend for its first public steaming event this year.
Tees Cottage Pumping Station in Darlington is a wonderful example of local heritage and is offering visitors the rare chance to see everything this Victorian water works has to offer.
The museum, built in 1849 to make a dramatic impact on public health, provided clean drinking water to Darlington and the surrounding areas of Teesside until it was converted into a museum in 1980.
The site re-opening will give visitors a look behind the scenes - where they can see first-hand the giant engines and water pumps in action, watch iron work demonstrations in the smithy, see a small number of vintage vehicles on display, take a ride on the miniature railway, or relax in the tearoom with a cake and a cuppa.
The volunteer-run museum still has two original pumping engines, with one being the largest preserved engine of its kind in Europe, and are superb examples of Victorian architecture.
Ross Smith, Partnerships Manager at Northumbrian Water, said: "Tees Cottage Pumping Station is a fantastic example of heritage right here in on our doorstep, which opens to the public to visit around five times a year.
“We’re immensely proud of this historic monument and of the longstanding partnership we have with the volunteers of Tees Cottage Pumping Station, who work exceptionally hard helping us to preserve it for generations to come.”
Chairman and Operations Director David Smart, who has been volunteering at Tees Cottage Pumping Station for the last nine years, said: "The team of volunteers are working hard to get everything ready for the first opening of 2022 and we are excited to welcome visitors through the doors.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to see behind the scenes of this unique heritage site and there is so much to see and do for everyone.”
Tees Cottage Pumping Station is open to the public on Sunday 17th and Monday 18th April 2022 between 11am and 5pm - with last entry at 4pm. The site is located next to the River Tees on Coniscliffe Road, Darlington DL3 8FT.
For more information about Tees Cottage Pumping Station visit, www.teescottage.co.uk
There is a small entrance charge of £5.00 for adults, £4.00 for concessions and children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult. All money raised during opening days is invested into the continued improvements to this historic monument. There is a small charge for train rides on the miniature railway operated by Tees Cottage Miniature Railway / Cleveland Association of Model Engineers.