About

Situated on the Birmingham Main Line Canal, Galton Valley Pumping Station first opened in 1892 with the purpose of pumping water from the lower Birmingham New Main Line to the high Old Main Line Canal. This was to replace the water lost from the higher level when boats went through the Smethwick locks. However the station only had a short working life, closing in the mid 1920s due to reduced traffic on the canals. Apart from a short period during the Second World War the building sat empty until it was restored and opened as part of the Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre in the late 1980s.

Today this small museum gives an insight into some of the most important and historic civil engineering feats in the area, including the world famous Galton Bridge as well as a look at life and work on the canals. The building is largely staffed by volunteers -  the Friends of Galton Valley Pumping Station on behalf of Sandwell Museum Service.

You can now visit Galton Valley Pumping station via our 3D tour

Accessibility and facilities.

The museum is situated on the canal towpath off Brasshouse Lane Smethwick - there are a steep set of steps down from the street onto the towpath. There is a ramp access from the bridge on the other side of the road, you will need to access the towpath via the ramp and then walk back under the bridge towards the pumping station.

There are no toilet facilities onsite and the museum is only partly accessible.

Getting to us

Find out how to get to us on public transport

There is a small carpark next to the Albion Foundation building on Brasshouse Lane and some on road parking