Business Details
50+ Years
experience
The Waterworks Museum Hereford - Explore Water Engineering History
Established in 1974, our museum is housed in a historic Victorian water pumping station, Hereford's main water supply hub for over a century. Operated entirely by dedicated volunteers, we preserve and showcase over 150 years of water engineering history through interactive exhibits, including the UK's oldest working triple expansion steam engine and the award-winning Noel Meeke Heritage Water Park. Our team of engineers, historians, and educators delivers engaging experiences for all ages, from hands-on water experiments to WWII-era firefighting equipment displays. Accredited by the Arts Council of England, we combine educational outreach with heritage preservation, offering school programs in partnership with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water.The Grade II* listed building itself stands as a testament to Victorian engineering, with expansion phases spanning five decades. Our volunteer-led model enables unique visitor interactions, with experts on hand to explain machinery operations and historical context. We maintain accessibility features while acknowledging the challenges of preserving a historic site, ensuring both educational value and visitor enjoyment. Through donations, memberships, and admission fees, we sustain this living museum for future generations.
Services
Museum Exhibits
Educational Programs
Cafe Services
Gift Shop
Water Park Access
WWII Exhibitions
Volunteer Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We operate the UK's oldest working triple expansion steam engine.
- Our award-winning Water Park offers unique hands-on water experiments.
- Volunteer experts provide in-depth historical and technical insights.
- Accredited under Arts Council England's national museum standards scheme.
- We offer curriculum-linked educational programs for primary schools.
Associations and certifications
- Arts Council of England
What people say
Working machinery
Interactive water park
Expert volunteers
Family-friendly
Educational value
Services
Museum Exhibits
Explore over 50 historic water engineering machines, including the UK's oldest working triple expansion steam engine and Victorian-era water pumps. Our collection spans prehistoric water systems to modern treatment technologies, housed in a Grade II* listed Victorian pumping station. Interactive displays explain water supply evolution and public health advancements.
Educational Programs
Curriculum-linked workshops for Key Stages 1-2 cover science, geography, and history through water-themed activities. Students participate in water-filtering experiments, sustainability challenges, and pond-dipping at our outdoor education area. Programs developed in partnership with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and delivered by qualified educators.
Water Park Access
The Noel Meeke Heritage Water Park features full-size historic water devices for hands-on learning. Visitors operate lifting, pumping, and filtering equipment used across generations in a safe environment. Designed to demonstrate historical water challenges while providing family-friendly educational entertainment through interactive play.
WWII Exhibitions
Authentic WWII-era exhibits include a replica evacuee bedroom, 1940s kitchen, and firefighting equipment from Rotherwas Munitions. The collection demonstrates wartime water supply challenges and preservation of industrial heritage through restored horse-drawn fire engines and early extinguishers.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join our 180+ members in operating this volunteer-run museum. Opportunities include engineering restoration, visitor engagement, administration, and educational support. Volunteers gain hands-on experience with historic machinery while preserving industrial heritage for public benefit through regular Tuesday sessions and special events.
Questions
Are there disabled facilities at the museum?
We have a disabled toilet and wheelchair available. While the Victorian building presents some accessibility challenges, volunteers provide assistance. Detailed accessibility guides are available online.
Can I bring my dog to the museum?
Dogs on short leads are welcome in grounds and building except the Water Park and cafe serving area. Please follow signage for specific guidelines.
What are the museum's opening hours?
We're open every Tuesday 11am-4pm year-round, plus approximately 10 Sundays annually when operating steam machinery. Check our website for specific dates.
Is food available on site?
Our cafe offers hot/cold drinks and homemade cakes, scones, and savouries. The menu changes seasonally with locally sourced ingredients where possible.
How do I find the museum?
Set SatNav to HR4 0LJ (Broomy Hill, Hereford). We're 3.2km from Hereford Train Station or within walking/cycling distance of the city centre via Wye Valley Walk.
What educational resources are available?
We offer curriculum-linked primary school programs with hands-on science activities. Educational leaflets and guided tours explain water engineering history and public health significance.
Reviews (6)
Ted Bovis
Aug 17, 2021
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What a great place to visit, lots of interesting things to see and do and the children loved it also :)
Irene Heath
Sep 09, 2019
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An interesting museum, especially on steam days when the engines are working. There are a few interactive exhibits to play with. The only downside was the catering. There's a small cafe that serves drinks and light refreshments. The filled rolls and cakes were ok, but the coffee was awful.
Pam Rowley
Jul 31, 2019
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There was an extensive collection of working steam engines. Told the story of drinking water a real eye opener. Indoor and out door displays. I particularly liked the largeThree Cylinder engine. Would recommend for adults and children alike.
Mario Carvalho
Jun 28, 2019
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Very educational and interesting. The engineering parts are impressive. All the volunteers are to be congratulated.
Greg Nicholls
Jun 19, 2019
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Went to a "in steam" day. Great to see so many engines fired up. Plenty to read as you walk round the exhibit. Plenty of staff and a small outside area for kids to play.
Becky Dey
Aug 10, 2018
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Very interesting friendly place. Great for children with hands on exhibits and a great fun water park.
