Tees Cottage Pumping Station

From 1849 Tees Cottage Pumping Station revolutionised water supply in Darlington and Teesside by offering cleaner, piped water to inhabitants who had previously relied on wells and rainwater tubs. The engines at Tees Cottage pumped water from the River Tees, which was then filtered and supplied to the water company’s customers.

Tees Cottage has Lancashire Boilers from 1902, a 1904 steam powered Beam Engine and a 1914 Gas engine, all in operation and still pumping water from the River Tees (although no longer supplying the town’s water!) There is also a Blacksmith’s Shop, where demonstrations are usually given, and a Miniature Railway with rides provided by Cleveland Association of Model Engineers for a small additional charge. Refreshments are available in the Tea Room or you can bring a picnic to enjoy in our grounds.

Address

Coniscliffe Road Darlington DL3 8TF

Road Directions

By Road from the South Take A1/A1(M) past Scotch Corner junction, continue on A1(M). Go to Junction 57, sign Darlington, turn onto A66(M). Go down to roundabout at end of motorway, go straight up hill towards Darlington and after half a mile turn left at roundabout onto Carmel Road South. At next roundabout turn left onto A67 Coniscliffe Road, continue until 40 mph sign. In a further 300 yards turn left into Broken Scar Picnic site car park. Our entrance is the Victorian building immediately to your West. From the car park, walk to Coniscliffe Road and turn left. By Road from the North A1(M) down to Junction 58, signpost A 68, Darlington/Corbridge.(Do not take junction 59, signpost Darlington, as this will take you into the difficult town centre roads). At junction 58 go left towards Darlington. At first roundabout go straight, at second roundabout go straight, and continue through the village of Cockerton. At first mini roundabout go straight. At next mini roundabout (the first of a pair) go right and then immediately left at the second of that pair onto Carmel Road North. Pass a cemetery on your right, then at roundabout turn right onto A67 Coniscliffe Road. Continue until 40 mph sign. In a further 300 yards turn left into Broken Scar Picnic site car park. Our entrance is the Victorian building immediately to your West. From the car park, walk to Coniscliffe Road and turn left. By Road from the West Use any route to Scotch Corner, then follow instructions in ‘from the South’ above.

Public Transport Directions

By Train The main East Coast service stops at Darlington. From Darlington Station it is a ten-minute taxi ride to Tees Cottage. Tell the driver “Tees Cottage Pumping Station, Coniscliffe Road, just past the Broken Scar picnic area.” By Bus from Darlinton Town Centre Services between Darlington and Barnard Castle stop just outside Tees Cottage. The service provider is Arriva. For public transport information ring traveline on 0870 608 2 608 or visit Arriva’s website www.arriva.co.uk.