Brockwell Park Miniature Railway 2025
Greater London
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.
Operator: The Crossness Engines Trust
Address: The Old Works, Thames Water STW Bazalgette Way, Abbey Wood London Greater London SE2 9AQ
Guided Tours: 14, 26, 28 Jan; 11, 23, 25 Feb; 11, 25, 30 Mar. 1100-1400. In Steam: Visit website or facebook for later updates for the season with advance booking essential.
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.