Markham Grange Steam Museum combines a garden center and nursery with a collection of steam engines. Steaming days offer a glimpse of these old-world machines in action. Chat with the friendly volunteers to learn about the marine engines, steam engines and pumps that changed the course of history.
Look closely at the range of engines in the privately owned collection. The pumps and mechanisms have been restored over the years to their previous working states. Examine the Agnes engine that helped power a nearby woolen mill.
See the marine engines, such as the Plenty & Son and the Fleming & Ferguson, which worked to operate boats. The latter was constructed for the Ministry of War Transport department in World War II. The 19th-century Thornewill &Wareham functioned in a brewery, while the twin-cylinder slide-valve engine Robey was part of a brickworks production line.
To see the countless pieces that make up the engines in operation, visit the museum on a Wednesday. These so-called Steaming Days make use of the same boiler that serves the adjoining Markham Grange Nurseries and Garden Centre.
Choose your favorites from the vast collection of plants at the nursery and consider making a purchase. Seeds, shrubs, compost and tools make up the display in this covered garden.
Get hot beverages and snacks from the garden’s café. Glance through the selections of items for sale in the stores adorning the plant nursery. Clothing, pets and furniture are among the specialties.
The museum, which is free to enter, opens daily from morning until late afternoon. Consider making a donation toward its maintenance.
Markham Grange Steam Museum stands between Pickburn and Woodlands in the northwestern outskirts of Doncaster. Drive from the city to the museum in about 15 minutes and stop off at such nearby highlights as Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, St. Michael and All Angels Church and Highfields Lake. Parking spaces are provided at the museum.
