Crossness Engines 2026

Built in 1865 by Sir Joseph Bazalgette as part of Victorian London’s sewerage system, Crossness Pumping Station is a Grade I Listed industrial heritage site and a masterpiece of 19th century engineering, architecture, and design, with four giant rotative beam engines and remarkable ornamental ironwork. The engines are 'Prince Consort', 'Victoria', 'Albert Edward' and 'Alexandra'. 'Prince Consort' has been fully restored. 'Victoria' is under restoration. Crossness Engines celebrated their 160th Anniversary in 2025.

Contacts

Operator: The Crossness Engines Trust

Address: The Old Works, Thames Water STW Bazalgette Way, Abbey Wood London Greater London SE2 9AQ

Telephone: 020 8311 3711
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: View website

Social Media Profiles

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Open Days & Times

In Steam: Sun 29 Mar; 19 Apr; 17 May; 28 Jun. 1000-1600. Visit website or facebook for later dates for the season with advance booking being essential to avoid disappointment.

Travel

By Bus: various
By Rail: Abbey Wood / 1.5 miles

Facilities

Parking
Refreshments
Souvenir Shop
Part disabled access

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The Crossness Pumping Station, aka the “Cathedral of Sewage”, is undeniably one of London’s best hidden gems. Shockingly, it was very nearly lost to us: dismantled, forgotten and left to rust, but thankfully was saved by an unbelievably dedicated group of volunteers.

Now the central area of the pumping room, known as ‘the Octagon’, is the most spectacular part of the pumping station. The ironwork is intricate, painted in bright colours and the initials of the Metropolitan Board of Works (MBW) can be seen all over it.