Museums & Galleries · London
Old Operating Theatre Museum
📍 SE1 9RY
Photo: oldoperatingtheatre.com
- See historic surgical instruments and anatomical specimens
- Visit Europe's oldest surviving operating theatre
- Explore the Herb Garret and herbal medicine history
- Learn about pre-anaesthetic surgical innovation
- Education programmes and workshops for schools and groups
The Old Operating Theatre Museum sits in the roof space of St Thomas' Church, and is Europe's oldest surviving operating theatre, built in 1703 and rediscovered decades later. Inside you'll find historic surgical instruments, anatomical specimens and preserved prosections, alongside the Herb Garret, where medicinal plants were once dried for hospital remedies. It suits visitors curious about the realities of surgery before anaesthesia, and schools or groups can book education programmes and workshops. Note that access is via a 52-step spiral staircase, though an accessible entrance can be arranged by request. The museum is in London, just 0.1 miles from London Bridge station, with 641 bookable places to stay within 5 miles for those planning a longer visit.
Practical details
- Open
- Thursday to Sunday, 10:30am–5:00pm, last admission 4:15pm
- Accessibility
- Reached via a 52-step spiral staircase; accessible entrance by request
- Booking
- Contact the museum in advance for accessible entrance requests
- Best for
- Schools, universities and professional groups via education programmes
From the attraction's own website on 20 Sep 2026 — check before you travel.
Facilities
- ✓ Disabled Access
- ✓ Gift Shop
Visitor reviews
No reviews yet — been here? Be the first to share what it's like.
Log in or create a free account to write a review.
Do you own or manage Old Operating Theatre Museum?
Claim this listing to respond to reviews and keep your information up to date. Verification is free — see why owners claim their listing.
Create a free account to claimPlaces to stay near Old Operating Theatre Museum
Make a proper break of it — these stays are all within 25 miles.
0.1 mi
0.2 mi
0.3 mi
0.3 mi
0.3 mi
0.3 mi
🎪 What's on near Old Operating Theatre Museum
Events from
Skiddle
Fri 13 Nov · 12:00
Mega Mega: Romford's Suburban Sound Revolution
ATIK Romford, Romford · 12.6 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Fri 13 Nov · 20:30
BULPHAN, ESSEX. Party for Over 35's-65's+ FRI 13 NOV
Ye Olde Plough House Hotel,, Upminster · 19.8 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Fri 4 Dec · 12:00
Mega Mega: Romford's Suburban Sound Revolution
ATIK Romford, Romford · 12.6 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Sat 5 Dec · 12:00
Mega Mega: Romford's Suburban Sound Revolution
ATIK Romford, Romford · 12.6 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
🗓️ Make a break of it
Turn a visit to Old Operating Theatre 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 Old Operating Theatre Mu...
🚆 Or come by train
- London Bridge 0.1 miles
- London Cannon Street 0.4 miles
- London Fenchurch Street 0.6 miles
Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page