Carshalton Water Tower & Historic Garden Trust

"Carshalton water tower is a very interesting and unique Grade II listed early 18th century garden building sited in the grounds of Carshalton House in Surrey. One of the main purposes was to supply water to Carshalton House and the fountains in its garden by water-powered pump. Also you can see some rooms there such as the Saloon and the Orangery and an early 18th century bathroom with a tile lined plunge bath. Apparently, the first inside bath exsisted at that time. Don't forget to visit Hermitage and Folly Bridge too! Admission to the Tower is £2. Children -free. Open every Sunday from April to September."

"Fascinating slice of history, you can explore the suite of entertaining rooms, including the orangery, saloon, pump room and plunge bath. The garden space surrounding the building features an impressive hermitage grotto and "sham bridge", either end of what was originally a boating pond at the Western springhead of the River Wandle. The Water Tower is a unique Grade II listed early 18th century garden building sited in the grounds of Carshalton House in South London, built when the area was in the Surrey countryside, full of large houses owned by wealthy families. "As the name suggests, this contained a water-powered pump, which supplied water to Carshalton House and the fountains in its garden. However, the building was and is much more than this as it contains a suite of rooms such as the Saloon, the Orangery and a splendid early 18th century bathroom with a tile lined plunge bath. Aside from the Water Tower, there is the surrounding garden including the Hermitage and Folly Bridge. ​ All this is managed voluntarily by the Friends of Water Tower & The Historic Garden Trust.""

"If you are in the area when it is actually open, this is a great way to spend 60-90 minutes if you are interested in local history. Phone in advance to ensure that the Hermitage is available. Cost for adults was £2 for the water tower, £2 for the hermitage and included genuinely free tour (no pumping for tips afterwards though donations are gratefully received). It is only open for a few hours on Sunday during the summer months though so once again, phone before you come. It is cash only but there are plenty of cash machines in Carshalton nearby."