A historic monument owned by Northumbrian Water, is expecting to welcome thousands of people through its doors this weekend to celebrate reaching a special milestone.
Tees Cottage Pumping Station in Darlington is celebrating its 170th anniversary and is offering visitors the rare chance to see everything this Victorian water works has to offer.
Built in 1849, the volunteer-run museum which is full of engineering history, once supplied drinking water to Darlington and the surrounding areas.
Heidi Mottram, Chief Executive Officer at Northumbrian Water, said: "Tees Cottage Pumping Station opens to the public to visit around five times a year and is a wonderful example of heritage right here in our region.
“We’re immensely proud of this historic landmark and the special milestone achieved. I would like to thank the volunteers and partners who work exceptionally hard helping us to preserve this special site.”
This opening of the site will offer visitors the rare chance to see behind the scenes, from watching the giant water pumps in action, seeing the miniature railway, admiring the iron work in the smithy to relaxing in the tea room.
Phil Doran, Director of Operations at Tees Cottage Pumping Station, said; "We're looking forward to opening the doors to the public this weekend to celebrate 170 years in the making and welcoming visitors to this unique historic site.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to see behind the scenes of this wonderful Scheduled Ancient Monument - there is so much to see and do!”
Tees Cottage Pumping Station still has two original pumping engines with one being the largest preserved example in Europe and are superb examples of Victorian architecture.
Lucy Chapman, Partnership Manager Groundwork NE, said: “We’re a proud partner of Tees Cottage Pumping Station and it’s a privilege to support this wonderful historic site.
“Through the River Tees Rediscovered Landscape Partnership, we’ve been able to provide support for over four years, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players and awarded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund.”
Tees Cottage Pumping Station is open to the public from Saturday, 11 to Sunday, 12 May 2019 between 11am to 5pm with last entry at 4pm. The site is located next to the River Tees on Coniscliffe Road, Darlington DL3 8FT.
There is a small entrance charge of £5.00 for adults, £4.00 for concessions and children under 16s go free when accompanied by an adult. All money raised during opening days is invested into the continued improvements to this ancient monument.
For more information about Tees Cottage Pumping Station please visit > www.teescottage.co.uk or follow them on Facebook @TeesCottage Cottage Pumping Station or on Twitter @TeesCottage