THE annual Spring Rally at a Victorian waterworks near Winchester attracted scores of people keen to explore the site's heritage and nature on its first day.
The Twyford Waterworks opened on Sunday, April 30, with visitors able to wander around much of the site, as well as see the machinery in operation.
The rally was also due to take place on bank holiday Monday, May 1, with the Friends of King Alfred Buses running a service of vintage buses from Winchester.
Matthew Feldwick, chair of the trust behind the site's restoration, said: "It is an absolutely fantastic opportunity for people to discover how water has been pumped into homes across Hampshire for hundreds of years.
"It is a great value day out for the entire family, you can stay here for the whole day, there is so much to do.
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"There has been a good turnout today and it is wonderful to see so many people coming along and enjoying themselves, even people who have been before have come back as they have enjoyed it so much."
There were talks explaining how drinking water has been piped into homes across the county from deep within the Hampshire Downs for more than 120 years.
As well as the educational activities, there was a chance to get closer to nature on its nature trail, as well as pond dipping.
The Butler family from Basingstoke enjoyed learning about nature at the pond, with sisters Rosie, six, and Maisie, 11, trying their hand at pond dipping - and inspecting hundreds of tadpoles.
Mum Sam said: "It's been a really good day out, we have never been before and it's been great."
The industrial railway was also in action, as was the popular tea room and barbecue.
Friends Ed Carpenter, Andrew Veck and Harry Symes, enjoyed tucking into the burgers.
Harry, from Shedfield, said: "It's a great day, shame about the odd spot of rain, and it's certainly good food."
Vintage cars were on show, including a fire engine, as well as model trains.
Phil Pond, 66, from Shedfield, was proudly showcasing his vehicles, with Vic Estell, from Wickham, 94, who owns two Auto Union DKW Mungas.
Phil said: "We come here two or three times a year and always enjoy it."
Attendees were able to see a Hathorn Davey steam pumping engine at work utilising steam from the Babcock & Wilcox boiler, a large Ruston diesel pumping engine, with one running at various times during the day, and an 1895 Crossley gas engine, with other smaller pumps in operation.
For more information, visit twyfordwaterworks.co.uk.
The open day runs from 11am until 4pm. Admission price £8 adults, £7 concessions. Under 16s free.
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