Crossness Pumping Station — Attraction in London

This is such an historical gem and it really is so special to visit. The architecture and details are beautiful and so ornate- having a blend of restored and unrestored sections really shows you the work and time that went into creating this industrial icon. There are different types of open days from events day through to steaming days. I went on a steaming day to see it in action. They have timed entry slots so that it doesn't get too busy (hard hats are a must too!) and during your slot you can walk around the beam engine hall and take as many photos as you like. There are volunteers on hand too to answer any questions! Aside from that, the outside of the building is pretty impressive too and there are also smaller buildings you can pop into as well. We took the archive too which is now offered as part of your ticket price with limited spots. The first part is a look at the museum stores which is great- you'll never see a musical chamberpot anywhere else! The second part is a look at the "paper" stores and archives, we didn't get a chance to hear this part as we ran out of time but I'm sure was just an interesting! On steaming days, transport is provided via Route Master bus from Abbey Wood station. It's super easy, come out the station and go down the stairs and it'll be at street level. It's roughly a 10 minute drive and then you get to take the Narrow Gauge railway up to the pumping house. We loved the transport options and it made it super easy to get...

I had been told that the pumping station was made of beautiful cast iron, and of course I knew it is part of a fascinating episode in Victorian history. However, I wasn't expecting the actual tour to be so well put together. I thought it would be a bunch of loveable eccentrics talking about their hobby. In a sense it was, but they have made so much effort to engage visitors. There was a well made film, a demonstration of the principles of pumping using plastic bottles, reminscent of children's tv shows that I remember in the 70s, and then a full guided tour from a chap who knew a lot about the history of the station and the engineering. It was good he did, because quite a few people in the tour group had clearly worked in the field and were enthusiasts. Two of them had come from Australia. There was a lot of interesting discussion. I felt I had been taken back in time and also learned a bit about how pumps work. If you like tourist attractions that are off the beaten track, are interested in Victoriana, engineering, steam-punk, or 19th century medical theories then you will be grateful I recommended this to you. I haven't quite figured out if the people who run this museum are actually paid anything. If not they should all get MBEs. Or maybe they should get MBEs even if...

I visited here in 2016 after seeing a documentary about it on television. Being a frequent visitor to England I decided to visit on my next trip. I took a bus from central London where I was staying and ended up getting lost and walking down the middle of a freeway hahaha! Eventually I found my way back to the Thames which I followed until I finally found it. There were staff on premises who politely informed me that they were closed. Feeling a bit dejected I told them about my journey from the states/how I'd seen the documentary which fascinated me. Any window I can take a peek through to see Victorian London I am in. They took pity on me and a man by the name of Wally decided to give me my own private tour of the facility. It was amazing. After the tour ended I asked for directions to get me back to the train station. They told me I was quite far from the nearest one and a staff member gave me a ride in their personal vehicle to the train station where I was able to return to Bayswater. Thank you to the staff and namely Wally for everything they did for me that day. One of my favorite memories ever. Visit this place if you get a chance. It's very beautifully maintained. And maybe look up the hours they are open...