Welcome to Tinkers Park, home of the Claude Jessett Collection in the heart of the Sussex Wealden countryside, England, next to the historic village of Hadlow Down.
Hadlow Down is well known for its association with steam engines similar to those being used in the local rural farming industries many years ago.
Claude bought his first steam engine ‘The Tinker’ in 1942 and he used it on his farm at Tinkers Park.
By the 1950’s Claude and his wife Joyce had become interested in the embryonic steam rally scene and, by the early 60’s, their collection of steam engines had grown and they were branching out into collecting fairground organs, farming equipment and narrow gauge railways.
The first of the famous annual Tinkers Park steam engine rallies was held in 1966 in aid of Cancer Research and, in the ensuing years, it has raised over £150,000 for that charity.
At Tinkers Park a band of dedicated volunteers is working hard to restore the collection in order to feed your senses with the sights, sounds and smells of Britain’s rural industrial past. Take a ride around Tinkers Park on the Great Bush Railway, hear the mechanical musical fair organs and meet the mighty steam engines.
Come and visit us on one of our open days to experience the delights for yourselves.
There are often visiting exhibits alongside the resident collection to broaden the interest on your visit.
If you belong to a club or a group that may be interested in exclusive access to what Tinkers Park has to offer, why not charter Tinkers Park for the day?
We look forward to seeing you.
