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Abbey Pumping Station

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Riverside, Urban

Walking, Cycling, Photography, Wildlife Watching, Fishing, Picnicking, Birdwatching

Spring to Autumn

Photo: Ashley Dace via Geograph.org.uk

Abbey Pumping Station is a Victorian sewage pumping station of 1891 on the River Soar in Leicester, next to the National Space Centre, now the city's museum of science and technology. Its centrepiece is four large beam engines, built by a local firm, that once pumped the city's sewage, with tall fly...

10

Parking nearby

3

Food Spots nearby

1

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

3 day, 7 overnight

Amaravathi South Indian Restaurant, Royal Bites Leicester​, Bobby's Restaurant​

Felicity's House

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Abbey Pumping Station?
Leicestershire hosts this industrial heritage site right along the banks of the local river network. Anyone exploring the city's outer northern districts can easily spot the impressive Victorian brick chimney rising above the nearby tree line.

What type of place is Abbey Pumping Station?
Abbey Pumping Station is a science and technology museum in Leicester.

When is the best time to visit Abbey Pumping Station?
Spring through to autumn offers ideal conditions for walking around the outdoor exhibits and exploring the grounds. Checking the museum calendar beforehand allows you to coordinate your trip with their famous public steam days.

What can you do at Abbey Pumping Station?
Stepping inside the main engine house allows you to stand directly before four colossal restored beam engines. People also enjoy tracking waste through a unique interactive display or wandering outside to view the vintage steam shovel.

How long should I spend at Abbey Pumping Station?
Allocating roughly two hours provides plenty of time to enjoy the indoor galleries and read about local public health history. Families might want to stay longer so children can test the technology-themed play area in the gardens.

Where do I park at Abbey Pumping Station?
Vehicles can occupy ten spaces nearby, providing a mix of three day and seven overnight spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Abbey Pumping Station?
Amaravathi South Indian Restaurant, Royal Bites Leicester, and Bobby's Restaurant offer three places to get a meal in the area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Abbey Pumping Station?
Felicity's House provides a nearby place to stay for the night. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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