We are open on limited days and by pre-agreed arrangement
Please check our website before visiting
Visit Us
Why not leave the car at home and travel down to Crossness by public transport?
On steaming and special days, we run a vintage Routemaster shuttle bus between Abbey Wood Station and our narrow-gauge railway entrance on Bazalgette Way.
Depart Abbey Wood: 09:45 then every 30 mins until 14:45
Depart Crossness: 11:35 then every 30 mins until 14:35 then 15:00, 15:30, 16:00*, 16:30*
*does not operate in November and December.
The bus is a ROUTEMASTER RML and will be easy to recognise as it’s been painted in the traditional London Transport red. The driver and conductor will be dressed in period uniforms.
Please note that it a vintage bus and can only accomodate folding pushchairs or wheelchairs. However, the RANG train can handle pushchairs, buggies and wheelchairs; just inform the station master.
ULEZ
Please note that Crossness Pumping Station is located within the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). If your vehicle does not meet the emissions and safety standards you will need to pay the charge. Check your vehicle status here.
If your vehicle does not meet the standards we would recommend using public transport, the Elizabeth Line to Abbey Wood is excellent and can be cheaper than the ULEZ fee.
Steaming Days (Sundays)
Prince Consort will be steaming.
In addition you can
ride the Shuttle Bus from Abbeywood Station to the site entrance
then ride the RANG narrow-gauge railway to the Pumping Station
for free
Plan your visit by using the useful Programme of Events
Please note that all visits to the Pumping Station MUST be booked in advance
For Your Diary
Steaming Weekend (160th anniversary)
5th and 6th April 2025
3rd May – Southern Outfall
18th May 2025 – Steaming
8th June – Live History
22nd June – Steaming
20th July -Steaming
17th August – Steaming
21st September – Steaming
19th October – Steaming
160th Anniversary
CROSSNESS PUMPING STATION IS 160 YEARS OLD!
To kick off the celebrations this year, we have a special Steaming Weekend on 5th and 6th April which will feature:
Steaming the Prince Consort Beam Engine: One of the most exciting parts of this anniversary celebration will be the steaming of the Prince Consort Beam Engine – a magnificent piece of Victorian engineering. Watch as this historical machine comes to life, showcasing the power and innovation of the past.
Special Talks and Exhibitions: Throughout the weekend, we’ll be hosting informative talks that showcase Victorian life and the construction of London’s ground-breaking sewerage system.
Live Music: We will be joined by the Crystal Palace Brass Band on Saturday, 5th and the Belvedere Concert Band on Sunday, 6th April both of whom will be sharing music played during the original opening ceremony in 1865.
Pop-Up Bar by Bexley Brewery: For those who enjoy a refreshing drink, Bexley Brewery will be running a pop-up bar in the garden (weather permitting). Sip on some locally brewed beers – including the Pumphouse Porter – and relax in the beautiful surroundings of pumping station’s historic garden. It’s the perfect spot to unwind.
We will be running our vintage Routemaster shuttle bus from Abbey Wood Station and the RANG narrow gauge train will bring you up to the main buildings.
If you’re visiting Crossness, be sure to download our new on-line guide available on Bloomberg Connect. Click below for the app.
Crossness will also be hosting some very special and unique events throughout the year starting with:
Meet the team event with Thames Water (Bexley residents only fre event) on Thursday 24 April. Email Trudy Earl
The Southern Outfall: A celebration of Crossness and its volunteers. Saturday 3rd May. Book here
Live History – Crossness 1865. A mystery to solve on Sunday, 8th June. Book here
Tiffany C3 February 2025VerifiedFantastic complex of building! An incredible historical site, entirely operated by volunteers, featuring a working beam engine! We were transported back to the Victorian era on a fantastic Routemaster bus, with only steam-powered vehicles around. What a wonderful day out!Paul J19 December 2024VerifiedFascinating stuff Went on a steaming day when the restored pump was running. Had a great couple of hours. The route master transfer was a nice touch and made things very straightforward, lots of people there and really passionate and engaged volunteers. The story sitting behind the construction of Crossness is fascinating and you can only really marvel at the genius of the whole scheme. There’s nothing like a bit of Victorian splendour and imagination to brighten an overcast December day.Christine G16 December 2024VerifiedFamily day This is a wonderful day out for the family.small train takes you to the Pumping station.the pumping station is a wonderful example of Victorian engineering and craftsmanship.Every item is beautifully made and decorated. Plus this is all lovenly looked after by volunteers.bosol18 November 2024VerifiedGreat visit lots to see and read! What an interesting visit and so many dedicated volunteers willing to share the history of this great building.The train was fun.Jackie M17 November 2024VerifiedBrilliant day out This is a really fabulous and wonderful day out . The volunteers are so enthusiastic and interesting, I know so much about sewage now 😂 It starts with a trip on a routemaster bus with the conductor and driver all dressed up , you then take a short trip on the small railway. They were a lovely group on the train which made it a great experience. They have a great cafe and really reasonably priced served by lovely staff, honestly everyone was lovely . Special thanks to Jane who patiently explained how the beam engine worked to us 4 ladies who knew nothing ,then to the great character Bob all dressed up telling us how the sewage all arrived etcA great interesting day out , thank you .WendyCR221 October 2024VerifiedWorth a visit. Really informative and enjoyable visit on steaming day. We drove but it would have been easy enough to get the shuttle bus (old route master) from Abbey Wood. The little steam train ride was fun too. Worth the money, for sure. The restoration work was brilliant.Elizabeth A9 September 2024VerifiedAn historical gem One of the most interesting tours that I have been on . The fascinating history of London sewers.explained in an informative way by the tour guide.Patricia R8 September 2024VerifiedWhat an awesome place to visit. We had the most amazing visit to Crossness Pumping Station. What an historically awesome place it is. The Victorians certainly knew how to build beautiful buildings even ones to clear sewage.We were greeted by a lovely man called Colin who introduced us to Peter, our very interesting and knowledgable guide. What he didn’t know hasn’t been written yet. Everyone we met there was friendly and interesting. Rob met us and showed us the screening room with a superb film about Crossness that he had written and produced. If you’re in the area, do go, it’s well worth a visit. Thank you so much for such a memorable visit. Pat & Roger xianatcambridge26 August 2024VerifiedEnjoyable visit Steaming day is once per month and it was excellent and well worth the visit A very varied route to the pumping station. Elizabeth line to Abbey Wood. On arrival at the station we were directed to an old open top routemaster vintage bus for the journey to the site. Then joined a narrow gauge railway for a short trip to the pumping station.. There is a 30 minute talk, visit to the ornate pump engines, exhibitions and a very reasonably priced cafe. It is also possible to exit via the back of the site for a walk alongside the Thames. The site is open a number of days and bookings are via the websitequentinh68719 August 2024VerifiedVictorian Engineering feat that is well "Over the Top" for over decoration in an industrial setting NOTE: Only open on some Sundays - check in advance if it's "open" or "open with steam operating that day".Taking the Elizabeth line out to the end of that line (Abbey Wood station) it was either get the vintage double decker bus or walk - it was fine, so I walked (took about 20-30 minutes). Like most places in London, street signage is a bit lacking - so out with the moving maps on the phone - there's housing out there as much as the maps make it look like "just wasteland."Once you get there you can take the volunteer mini-train the 400 metres or walk on the pathway.I booked "on-line" in advance. They use some 3rd party firm so I had to sign up for that first. Nicer if they had their own "direct" booking system - but maybe that will happen in the future.The Victorian pump station is a delight. I would recommend a "Steam Day" when the huge beam engine is in operation. Remember, in the pump room it's put on the hard hat and safety glasses (supplied). Remember - "Sensible flat shoes" - even the floor is iron lace work so flat shoes are a must. You'll have a time slot for the pump room. I'd say the time given is more than enough. Bring your camera and be amazed at the totally over the top Victorian engineering of that era. To imagine they put iron lacework up in those days in a pump house - talk about over the top - and painted it too. Not all of the pumps have been renovated but I liked the contrast of what has been restored vs "how bad and rusty" it looked when they started is good. Thank goodness they built the pumps first and the building around them - the only thing which saved them from scrap metal - and the heritage industrial buildings. There's an onsite café ("Ness Café" - yes, totally a fun name due to the location of the pump) - so drinks and food are out there so from a snack and above, you won't starve. It's all run by the volunteers. Of course there's (clean) toilets on site.NOTE: As it's right next door to the present day sewage treatment plant, it can be a bit "Whiffy" if the wind is blowing off the ponds.I had a "quick trip" due to heading elsewhere in the afternoon - so give yourself 1.5—2 hours for a "quick trip". Those with children - they have plenty for them too - but it's the adults who will just find it MORE amazing.Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 142 reviews
Melissa Peacock22. February, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Fantastic tour. Rob was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The RANG was great fun. A beautiful part of our county’s history.adrian hitchcock11. February, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.We had a great visit. A fascinating place and very, very interesting.Phillip Walton8. February, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Open to the public 6th of April.Elder Adok5. February, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Thanks Team Crossness for a fabulous tour with so many working behind the scenes to maintain and improve an amazing part of our history.alex22. January, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Stunning place, not many open days. A few things for young kids to play with tooAvv Stanca Marcello16. January, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.La visita a questo museo della meccanica vi resterà impressa per i suoi colori e la sua architettura dell'800.Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 515 reviews
Online Exhibition
The Toilet Timeline
From a hole in the ground to the vacuum assisted toilet on the space station, the Toilet Timeline will illustrate the key developments in toilet design and technology – past present, and future.
This new exhibition tells a fascinating story of human ingenuity and innovation.
Donate
Much of the funding needed to conserve the Crossness Pumping Station comes from visitors to the site.
The pandemic, subsequent lockdowns and restrictions have meant our income for the last two years has been severely reduced.
Please consider making a donation to help us to maintain this unique and magnificent heritage site.