Museums & galleries

River Don Engine

Europe's most powerful working steam engine, fired up for visitors at Kelham Island.

Illustration of a giant industrial steam engine in a museum hall

Built in 1905 to drive an armour-plate rolling mill, the River Don Engine is a 12,000 horsepower three-cylinder steam engine and the most powerful working example in Europe.

It lives inside Kelham Island Museum and is run in steam on set days — an enormous, floor-shaking piece of machinery that is worth timing a visit around.

Highlights

  • 12,000 horsepower
  • Runs in steam on set days
  • Inside Kelham Island Museum

Nearby in Sheffield

Illustration of the great River Don steam engine inside Kelham Island Museum
Museums & galleries

Kelham Island Museum

Industrial museum on a man-made island, home to the thundering River Don Engine.

Illustration of restored industrial buildings converted into homes and courtyards
Landmarks

Little Kelham

A restored cluster of old works turned into low-energy homes, courtyards and small businesses.

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