Crossness Pumping Station

Crossness is a Victorian pumping station built to lift London's sewage towards the Thames, and it is often called the Cathedral of Sewage because of its ornate cast ironwork and coloured brick arches. Volunteers have restored one of the great beam engines, so on Steaming Days families can watch it running under steam and wander through the Beam Engine House. Guided tours, special themed events and a vintage bus from the station add to the variety, and school and group visits are catered for. The site is a historic industrial one, so some upper floors and outdoor paths are uneven, but most of the main visit can be reached step-free. The site opens on selected dates only, so check the calendar before setting out. It suits children interested in engines, history and how the city's drains worked, and it makes a good indoor outing on a wet day.