London Museum of Water & Steam — Attraction in London

Grossly overpriced and not much fun for a child.

Myself, my wife, and toddler, went to the museum today on the back of a host of recent good reviews on google. In particular the picture from the recent “Elliot Davis” review of a table top train setup was a big draw as my son currently has a love of all things train.

The museum was expensive at £12.50 per adult, but we are usually happy to support amenities such as these, and a few hours of entertainment, plus a learning experience for your child is priceless.

However on arrival the staff were not friendly (that can be overlooked to a point), but after exploring the minimalist “water” exhibits, the steam section was a massive letdown as nothing was in operation.

There were some staff members pottering around but they did not engage with us to tell us what they were doing, and there was nothing interactive for a child. Only one mustered the enthusiasm to say hello to a friendly toddler.

Outside the water tables were not switched off and the train was not running (fair enough this may only run at weekends) A stationary working, or model, train would have sufficied for some form of fun. To add to this there was also no train set to be found anywhere (as per the picture).

£12.50 entrance price for this museum fully functioning is steep, however £12.50 to watch some hobbyists tinker with their toys but not tell you what they are doing, plus no functioning exhibits is outrageous. There needs to be a weekday rate and a weekend rate if the experiences are so vastly different!

We politely gave some feedback to the manage, who was quite frankly arrogant and dismissive claiming “this was the only negative feedback I have ever had, and I find that very strange”. Whatever he was insinuating, I hope other people learn from our mistake and will save their money and visit one of the plethora of excellent paid for (or free) museums that London has to offer. I take no pleasure in running a place down, however we were insulted and ripped off so I feel no remorse.

We are members at the London Transport Museum, the Science museum Wonder Lab, and London Zoo. I can recommend your money is better spent at any of these superior attractions, which are both more fun and...

Assuming not all that much has changed since I was a lad (just mobile phones, the Internet, Black Eyed Peas – small stuff) kids love steam trains. Thomas the tank engine is much to blame for this.

Now whilst this isn’t really a steam train museum, it does have London’s only working steam railway (which runs on Sundays). Housed within Georgian and Italianate buildings, you’ll find the world’s finest collection of stationary steam pumping machines no less. Not to mention the diesel, water-powered, electric, and animal-powered engines (poor Lassie) that date back to Victorian times. Its big claim to fame? It houses the world’s largest beam engine. How do you like them apples?

The Kew Bridge Pumping Station was originally opened in 1838 to pump London’s water supply. It became a museum in 1973 and is now a special location for all sorts of events, not least of which as a backdrop in Eastenders and The Bill, God rest its soul. There’s also an interactive 'Water for life' gallery that explores the 2000-year history of London's water, from the time of the Roman occupation. On certain glorious days, you can also climb the water tower for stunning views over West London.

Admission £9.50 for adults, £3.50 for children 5-15. Tickets are valid for a year meaning that all visitors can come back as often...

What a fantastic place! Whilst visiting my brother in London from we decided to visit the LMWS on their steam up day. As a past volunteer of a steam museum in Hereford and a Victorian industry enthusiast it was a marvellous day out. The volunteers and staff are a great team, very friendly & informative. Richard went out of his way to make sure we’d not missed anything! Not only can a place like this really make you appreciate the great minds of the Victorian age but also the effort and dedication the volunteers here put in to maintaining & running all the exhibits plus all the administrative work that goes with running a building like this. For their age the engines are in superb condition from beam to rotary, water wheel to electric there was plenty to see and learn it was nice to re-experience the sights,sounds & smells of steam again :) It was a great value day out 🙂 On top of all this you can spend £1 (yes £1) for a ride on a carriage pulled around the site by a lovely little loco operated by few entertaining volunteers whether you’re a little kid or a big kid like me 🙂🚂 I would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting from near or afar it would definitely fill a day! It would also be a great volunteering opportunity for anyone living locally I know I would if I didn’t...