Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your visit

Where can I park?

If at all possible, we recommend coming to us without a car.

The museum car park will be closed on Brentford FC home match fixture dates and other dates throughout the year for private events. Pedestrian access is unaffected by the works.

Buses: We are well served by a number of major bus routes. 65 (Ealing to Kingston, 24hour), 237 (Hounslow to White City), 267 (Fulwell to Hammersmith), 391 (Richmond to Fulham). The number 65 also stops outside The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.

Main Line Rail: Kew Bridge (South West Trains from Waterloo via Clapham Junction).

Tube: Gunnersbury (District Line then 237 or 267 bus) or Kew Gardens (District Line then 391 bus from Sandycombe Road 2 mins walk from the station towards Kew Gardens ), South Ealing (Piccadilly Line then 65 bus to Kew Bridge)

Is the Steam Train running?

The train is run by a small team of volunteer train drivers. Generally the train will run one weekend a month and not on weekdays.

Train days are subject to weather conditions.

Head to What’s On to find the running dates for the Waterworks Railway. If you do not currently see one scheduled keep an eye on our socials for updates.

Are the engines in steam?

Head to What’s On to find Steam Up Dates!

Do you offer carer tickets?

Yes, we do.

Carer tickets are intended for those who care for persons with disabilities, including people with hidden disabilities. Please book your carer ticket at the front desk on the day of your visit. Carer tickets cannot be booked on the museum website. But don’t stress, same day tickets are always available at the desk.

Please bring proof of your disability as you may be asked to show this. Forms of proof include blue badges, DWP or DLA letter, Disabled Identification Card (DID), Disabled Bus Pass or a medical letter. This can be either printed or on an electronic device.

Do you have a membership program?

Yes! We offer Individual, Student, Joint, Family, and Lifetime memberships.

To support the museum and gain free admission to the museum and Steam Up events become a Kew Bridge Engine Trust Member. More information about membership can be found here. Purchase your membership here.

Is the museum accessible?

Full details about access at the Museum can be found on Plan Your Visit, including information for visitors who are wheelchair users or who’s mobility is limited, visitors who are blind or partially sighted and families.

Is there a place to leave buggies?

Yes, there is a small buggy park in our cafe seating area. You are also welcome to keep buggies with you.

Is there a toilet and baby change facilities?

We have baby changing facilities and potty training seats in all of our toilets: the accessible toilet by the café, and the ladies and gents toilets by the Babcock Room.

If you’re caught short we have spare nappies and wipes, as well as changes of clothes that you’re welcome to borrow. Just ask at the welcome desk.

Can I bring a picnic?

Yes, you’re welcome to picnic in the Museum’s garden or Splash Zone Courtyard. If the weather is too poor to enjoy your picnic outside, speak to one of our team who’ll find somewhere inside for you to eat.

Volunteering

When can I volunteer?

Our regular volunteering days are Thursday to Sunday, between 9:30-16:30. For most roles there is no need to commit to a particular day or amount of time. However, our Visitor Welcome Assistants do work on a shift basis, mornings 10:00-13:00 or afternoons 13:00-16:00.

Can I volunteer if I am under the age of 18?

Please email volunteer@waterandsteam.org.uk if you are under the age of 18 and interested in volunteering.

If you are age 13-17 and interested in engineering check out STEAM Explorers, a water engineering course for youth.

Do I need specific skills to volunteer at the museum?

No, we will provide training for any volunteering role undertaken at the museum.

Can I apply for multiple roles?

Yes, many of our volunteers work across multiple roles in the museum.

Group visits

Making a booking

How to book: To make an enquiry or book your visit please email us at museum@waterandsteam.org.uk.

Payment: Full payment is required either in advance or on the day of your visit. We accept cash, cheques, card, and bank transfer. We kindly ask that groups provide a single payment for their booking. If this is not possible, payment can be made individually on the day of the visit, but this must be organised by the group. Please note, promotional offers are not valid against group admission charges.

Cancellations: You can cancel your booking up to 14 calendar days prior to the date of your visit. However, cancellations after this period may incur a charge.

Filming & Photography

When can I film at the Museum?

Please be aware that the museum is open to the public Thursday to Sunday (10am-4pm), filming requests on an open day will incur additional costs and are not guaranteed. If you would like to film during Museum opening hours, please contact us for a bespoke quote.

Should I arrange a recce/site visit?

We recomend that you come and see the site before booking in any filming. Recce/Site visits can be booked through contacting museum@waterandsteam.org.uk

Can the engines be running?

It is possible for engines to be run for filming, there is an additional charge for this. Please include in your introduction email that you are interested in having the engines in steam for your filming.

My Question hasn't been Answered

What to do now?

If you can’t find the answers you are looking for, please email us and we’ll be happy to help you further.

For general enquiries please email us at museum@waterandsteam.org.uk.

If you are from a community group please email us at community@waterandsteam.org.uk.

If you are interested in bringing a school or nursery group to the Museum, please email us at learning@waterandsteam.org.uk.