Reviews of Forncett Industrial Steam Museum. (Museum) in Norwich (Norfolk).

Forncett Industrial Steam Museum

62 Reviews

50 Comments

Museum

Kingsmuir, Forncett St Mary, Norwich NR16 1JJ, United Kingdom

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Description Map Open Hours Reviews Contact Photos

Description

Information of Forncett Industrial Steam Museum, Museum in Norwich (Norfolk)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of Forncett Industrial Steam Museum

Sunday

10am–4pm

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

10am–4pm

Thursday

Closed

Friday

Closed

Saturday

Closed

Reviews of Forncett Industrial Steam Museum

What an absolute delight to visit if you love industrial history. I visited expecting to be there for an hour, and was there for three. The first Sunday of the month the engines are in steam, and I mean that 9 or 10 of the steam engines were started, not just one or two like at other museums. Three of the engines are the size of a small house and three others nearly as large. Most of the large engines are historically significant in some way, and in particular the tower bridge steam engine. Toilets were modern and clean and there was a great cafe. All the volunteers were enthusiastic. The only thing that baffles me is why this museum isn't better known, maybe its because it is anonymously tucked away in a tiny Norfolk village rather than a big town? Highly recommended.

H. M.

Absolutely brilliant visit. They weren't actually open and were doing a volunteer day and they still gave us a personal tour. Very knowledgeable guide and lovely variety of engines.

An amazing visit, so lovely to see all the old engines running and to know the history behind each piece makes it so much more interesting.

M. W.

An amazing collection of restored steam engines salvaged from various industrial sources invluding Tower Bridge in London. Very knowledgeable owner.

J. G.

What a great little find this place is. Highly recommend the free guided tour, happened just after 11am when we visited on a Saturday in July.

L. P.

A great surprise in rural Norfolk featuring among other engines, the one that used to open tower bridge.

Small but very interesting museum.We had a guided tour from Rowan who started up this collection. Will definitely be going back on a steam day.

S. W.

Went for a steam day and model engineering show - highly recommended - excellent tea and homemade cakes - very friendly and helpful staff - very well organised . . . :) :)

M. P.

Worth the effort to find this excellent display. Down a series of country lanes, staff gave an interesting guided tour, sadly not in steam on that day, but still glad that we found it.

A very interesting museum with some fascinating exhibits. Well worth a visit.

M. S.

Brilliant day out, so much to see, friendly staff. We'll worth a visit.

J. d.

What a great place, a hidden gem of Norfolk. My Family thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

W. W.

Amazing steam museum. All working demonstrations and talks. Food and drink.

T. F.

Wonderful place, a real hidden gem, really great volunteer staff!

A. S.

Fascinating collection of historic steam engines run by an enthusiastic team of volunteers.

H. T.

Currently no steam days as they are having to replace their steam pipework. Founder Dr Francis showed us round and his enthusiasm for his collection of engines was immense, a thoroughly interesting gem. Will definitely visit again when they reopen fully

r. c.

Visit the website for details of the steam up days where they give talks and run the steam engines, very impressive to see them running.

M. R.

Brilliant day out, guided tours was superb

h. c.

Great day, very informative staff

C. J.

What a fantastic find, in a tiny Norfolk village preserved industrial steam engines from our industrial age immaculately restored to perfect working condition for our pleasure. Every engine has a story including one of the water pumping machines that was used to raise London Bridge. On steam days all engines can be seen running. The owners and volunteer staff are the most friendly and knowledgeable people who are totally devoted to the place. Excellent home made food including beautiful hot pork rolls made by the owner in the family's AGA cooker. An absolute must for any steam or engineering enthusiast, but all will find something of interest here from our near history.

I. F.

Excellent hosts excellent museum

P. T.

Great day out at the museum. Rowan, the owner, gave a very interesting tour around and we brought our own miniature Mamod engines to run.

G. S.

Each Steam Up in Forncett is a unique Festival of Steam. Enthusiasts invariably bring something distinctive to each event. Highlights have included everything from lovingly restored models to a classic steam roller. Inside, a small army of volunteers beaver away to stoke the boiler and showcase the stunning collection of engines - all in a highly interactive and engaging manner. Personal favourites include the near silent (and very efficient) operation of "Spruce" and of the Sleaford Engine... but also the mesmerising, percussive rattle of the Corliss Valve gear on the Hick Hargreaves Engine and the Watt Parallel Motion system on the Roall engine - both of which have a fascinating place in the history of steam. In operation, the size and majesty of the 85 ton Dover Engine defies written description. At the other end of the spectrum, the Jessop and Appleby Engine has a simplicity which is itself quite remarkable - though that's now eclipsed by the remarkable Pulsometer Pump. All of this should satisfy any enthusiast, but even these fine engines are eclipsed by the recently added Victorian Engineers' Workshop. This fully operational machine shop is powered by steam, through line shafts, and includes lathes, drills and much more. Whilst most of the engines have been in place for many years, the museum has come together as a whole with recent finishing touches at almost every turn. To cap everything, the cafe (upstairs) offers great cake... and the entire museum is located in the finest valley in all of Norfolk! Highly recommended - and having witnessed some extraordinary concerts and receptions upstairs, I can't recommend it enough as an event venue: hard to beat!

J. M.

Amazing collection of working stationary steam engines with a pasionate host, a must for anyone with even half an interest in steam. Includes one of Tower bridge engines, some interesting old engines and a huge tripple!