Formerly known as the Kew Bridge Steam Museum, the London Museum of Water and Steam is a captivating destination that celebrates the rich history and engineering marvels of the water supply in London. Located in Brentford, this unique museum houses the largest collection of pumping engines in the world, offering visitors a remarkable insight into the technological advancements that have shaped the city. From the grandeur of the massive steam engines to the intricate workings of smaller ancillary engines, you will be immersed in a world of impressive machinery and historical artifacts.

Beyond its informative exhibits, the London Museum of Water and Steam offers an engaging and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. Children can have a blast in the interactive Waterworks Gallery or the Splash Zone, where they can play and learn about the importance of water. Meanwhile, enthusiasts of steam engines and engineering marvels will be enthralled by the working demonstrations and intricate details of the preserved engines. No matter whether you are a history buff, an engineering enthusiast, or a curious visitor seeking a unique experience in London, the museum promises an unforgettable journey through the past, present, and future of water supply and the remarkable machines that made it all possible.

Collections at London Museum of Water and Steam

The Cornish Engines

The London Museum of Water and Steam houses an impressive collection of Cornish engines, which are renowned for their unique operating cycle. While some of these engines were manufactured in Cornwall, the term "Cornish" primarily refers to their operating mechanism. A distinctive feature of Cornish engines is their use of a falling weight to pump water, which occurs because an equilibrium valve opens, allowing steam to pass from above to below the piston. The cycle involves varying speeds of movement, making Cornish engines fascinating to observe and operate. In the entire world, the London Museum of Water and Steam has the largest collection of Cornish engines, including the massive working single-cylinder steam engine in the world and the only complete in-situ Bull engine.

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The Rotative Engines

The Steam Hall at the London Museum of Water and Steam showcases four impressive rotative steam pumping engines, along with several smaller ancillary engines. One notable feature of rotative engines is the inclusion of cranks and large flywheels. These components play a crucial role in balancing the varying thrusts and loads, ensuring that the engine operates steadily and smoothly. Through these engines, the museum effectively portrays the significant advancements in steam engine technology over time. In addition to these types of engines, the collection of the museum also encompasses examples of diesel, electric, water, and animal-powered pumping engines. These diverse exhibits provide a comprehensive display of the various technologies used throughout history to power pumps and facilitate water supply.

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Top Things for Families at London Museum of Water and Steam

For Babies

For Toddlers

For Kids

For Parents

For SEND Families

Enjoy water play and interactive experiences at Splash Zone.
Walk through buggy-friendly routes for easy navigation with strollers.
Enjoy fascinating displays of large, small, and old objects to facilitate visual stimulation in kids.
Keep your older siblings entertained while giving lots of cuddles to the baby.

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Let the toddlers explore the Wild Play Garden and play with mud cakes in a safe outdoor environment.
Run down the water-themed Fun Ramp and enjoy the interactive elements of water pipes and everyday water items.
Play with workbenches, kitchen sets, blocks, and more in different play areas.

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Learn how pumping engines work through interactive hands-on displays.
Find quirky details like the man doing a "poo" outside a miniature house.
Experiment with Archimedes Screws, hand pumps, and water manipulation in the outdoor Splash Zone.

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Enjoy the convenience at the museum through the spare box with essentials, such as nappies and clothes.
Soak in the delightful food options, toys for kids, and space for picnics.
Indulge in multigenerational activities at the museum.

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Feel comfortable in the inclusive environment of a welcoming museum.
Enjoy sensory exploration while seeing, smelling, and investigating at your own pace.
Relish the fresh air and a change of spaces in the open areas of the museum.

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Know Before You Visit London Museum of Water and Steam

Location: London Museum of Water and Steam, Green Dragon Lane, Brentford TW8 0EN London, United Kingdom.

Timing: 10 am to 4 pm (Thursday to Sunday)

How To Reach:

By Train- If you are traveling to the London Museum of Water and Steam by train, you can board the South West train from Waterloo that takes you through Clapham Junction. Then, drop off at Kew Bridge after traveling a distance of around 16 kilometers in 27 minutes, which is the nearest mainline train station to the attraction. From there, you can take a 5-minute walk to your ideal destination. Alternatively, you can use London Underground stations, such as Gunnersbury, Kew Gardens, and South Ealing, to reach the museum.
By Bus- There are various bus routes available to reach the London Museum of Water and Steam. Some of them include the 391 that starts from Richmond to Fulham, 267 from Fulwell to Hammersmith, 237 between Hounslow and White City, and 65 that operates from Ealing to Kingston. It will take you around 55 minutes to travel a distance of around 17.6 kilometers and reach your final destination.

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FAQs

What is the London Museum of Water and Steam so famous?

The London Museum of Water and Steam is famous for its impressive collection of Cornish cycle beam engines, including the enormous Grand Junction 90 inch engine. Standing over 40 feet tall and weighing around 250 tons, this working beam engine was used for almost a century to supply water to London.

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How much time do we need to explore the London Museum of Water and Steam?

You need a minimum of two hours and 30 minutes to explore the London Museum of Water and Steam completely. However, if you visit on special weekends or days when the engines are operational, it is advisable to allow for additional time to fully enjoy the steam-powered displays and activities.

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What to do at the London Museum of Water and Steam?

Explore the interactive Waterworks Gallery and learn about the fascinating story of water supply in London.
Experience the working historic engines and witness the hustle and bustle of a functioning water supply engine.
Hop aboard the only narrow gauge railway in London and enjoy a ride while taking in the local surroundings.
Engage in hands-on experiences, such as investigating old cogs and learning about the inner workings of historic engines.
Let your little ones have fun at the Splash Zone, where they can play with water, turn wheels, and operate pumps to create their own water supply.
Be amazed by the stationary steam pumps, which come to life every weekend, showcasing their power and beauty.

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Can we book London Museum of Water and Steam tickets online?

Yes, you can book tickets for the London Museum of Water and Steam online. By booking your tickets online, you can secure your entry without the need to wait in long queues at the ticket counter. Additionally, it often provides you the flexibility to book your tickets from the comfort of your own home, thereby saving much of your time.

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