Smethwick Pumping Station Open Day

Built in 1892 to pump water between the Birmingham Old Mainline and New Mainline canals – the building houses steam engines of the type that would have been used to pump the water up and down. The pumping station is usually closed to the public but holds an open day once a month.

We will take the West Midlands Metro tram to Winson Green station. From there, we will walk to the canal via Black Patch Park (approximately 15 minutes). The walk to the Pumping Station will take around 30 minutes. En route to the Pumping Station, Explorers will see the Engine Arm aqueduct which carried water from Edgbaston Reservoir to the canals. After our visit to the Pumping Station, Explorers will have a choice of taking a bus back to Birmingham from Smethwick High Street or the train from Rolfe Street station.

Costs:

CCC-B Members and children under 16 – FREE
Parents/guardians are responsible for their children at all times
Non-members £1

Please call CCC-B 0121 685 8510 to book your place. We will let you know the meeting point when you book.

Please note:

The walk is mostly flat. There may be some wet, muddy sections. Please wear appropriate footwear.
There are no toilets so you are advised to use facilities in Birmingham city centre before we start out.
There are several picnic tables outside the Pumping Station – we can’t guarantee they will be available so advise you to bring something to sit on the ground.
If it is raining at 9am, the walk will automatically be cancelled.