London Museum of Water & Steam
London Museum of Water & Steam, Brentford, TW8 0EN
Mon - Tue: Closed Wed - Sun: Open 10am - 4pm
Buses: 65, 237, 267, 391 Main Line Rail: Kew Bridge Tube: Gunnersbury; South Ealing
2 - 3 hours
All ages
Step free access and mostly accessible
From £4 / Children Under 4 FREE
About London Museum of Water & Steam
Step back into the golden age of engineering at West London’s most inspiring family-friendly museum. Explore the mighty steam pumping engines that powered the city’s growth and uncover the story of its public water supply through hands-on exhibits, interactive trails, and more. Outside, make a splash in the water play area, marvel at awe-inspiring machines, and ride a miniature steam train – this is the city’s quirkiest day out, rain or shine.
Top Tip from the KidRated Team:
Experience the sights, smells and sounds of Victorian engineering at their thrilling Steam Up events, when the museum’s giant engines come to life. Bring a change of clothes for the Splash Zone, and hop aboard the miniature steam locomotive Thomas Wicksteed – check their website for running days.
During school holidays, the museum comes alive with special activities – from Easter egg hunts and summer theatre, to ghost tours and visits from Father Christmas. Visit their website for the full programme.
Quick Inspiration
Yes. Under 10s love the Splash Zone and hands-on exhibits, while tweens and teens are fascinated by working engines and the stories behind London’s water supply. There’s something for every age, including history buffs and budding engineers.
It’s when the museum brings their mighty Victorian and Edwardian engines to life with huffing, puffing, and whooshing energy. Check the website for dates – it’s not to be missed!
Kids can pump, swirl, and splash their own “waterworks” – bring towels and a change of clothes. It’s an outdoor water play area designed for creative, messy fun.
Absolutely. The museum is step-free, with excellent baby change facilities, child-level bathrooms, nappies and spare clothes for emergencies, and a buggy-friendly layout.
Bring your own for the garden picnic area, or try the museum’s bright café. Many visitors combine both, especially with wriggly little ones in tow.
Most families stay 1.5–3 hours – longer on event days. With so many engines, trails, and outdoor play, it’s half a day well spent.
Yes! Stocked with science kits, pocket-money toys, and steam-powered souvenirs for little inventors.
Recommended, especially for weekends, holidays, and Steam Up days. Family tickets offer good value – check the museum’s website for current prices and opening hours.
Grandparents will enjoy seeing their unique collection of stationary steam engines – the largest collection in the world – many still in their original location, which pumped clean water into the homes of millions of Londoners between 1838 and 1944.
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