Museums & Galleries · London
Brunel Museum
📍 SE16 4LF
Photo: Original uploader was Mrbryanejones (Bryan Jones) at en.wiki (CC BY-SA 2.5), via Wikimedia Commons
- Grade II* listed Tunnel Shaft used to build the world's first tunnel
- Engine House exhibition with giant Thames Tunnel model
- See the hatch where Isambard Kingdom Brunel was rescued in 1827 flood
- Watch subtitled videos from the Thames Tunnel archive
- Browse a museum shop selling Brunel-themed gifts and books
The Brunel Museum tells the story of Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel and their pioneering Thames Tunnel, the world's first tunnel built through soft ground under a navigable river. You can explore the Engine House exhibition, see a giant Thames Tunnel model, watch archive videos, and visit the Grade II* listed Tunnel Shaft, including the hatch where Isambard Kingdom Brunel was rescued during the 1827 flood. It's a good fit for families and history enthusiasts, with baby changing facilities and a museum shop selling Brunel-themed gifts. The museum is in London, just 0.1 miles from Rotherhithe station, with The Serpentine at Hyde Park beach 5 miles away, and 384 bookable places to stay within 5 miles on BritStays for those planning an overnight visit.
Practical details
- Open
- Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, 10.30am–3.30pm
- Booking
- Booking recommended for Open House Festival events
- Accessibility
- Site has some accessibility restrictions; buggy viewing box available for the shaft
- Best for
- Families, with baby changing facilities available
From the attraction's own website on 20 Sep 2026 — check before you travel.
Facilities
- ✓ Gift Shop
- ✓ Guided Tours
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Make a proper break of it — these stays are all within 25 miles.
0.7 mi
0.7 mi
0.8 mi
0.9 mi
0.9 mi
0.9 mi
🎪 What's on near Brunel Museum
Events from
Skiddle
Fri 13 Nov · 12:00
Mega Mega: Romford's Suburban Sound Revolution
ATIK Romford, Romford · 11.3 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Fri 13 Nov · 12:00
Preston Audio Tour: Echoes of Faith and Heritage
St George's Shopping Centre, Gravesend · 18.5 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Fri 4 Dec · 12:00
Mega Mega: Romford's Suburban Sound Revolution
ATIK Romford, Romford · 11.3 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Sat 5 Dec · 12:00
Mega Mega: Romford's Suburban Sound Revolution
ATIK Romford, Romford · 11.3 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
🗓️ Make a break of it
Turn a visit to Brunel Museum into a proper getaway — ready-made plans, and the drive worked out with fuel, EV charging and the best stops.
A weekend in London: an accessible itinerary →
A weekend in London with the kids →
A weekend in London →
🗺️ Plan the drive to Brunel Museum
🚆 Or come by train
- Rotherhithe 0.1 miles
- Wapping 0.2 miles
- Canada Water 0.3 miles
Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page