London Sewing Machine Museum

The woman who runs the tour, Lauren, really makes this place worth a visit. She knows so much about the history and is clearly passionate about it. The museum is cool by itself; I don't even really sew and still found the old sewing machines fascinating. The info given on the tour has all the most interesting bits, including random stuff like the last working barrel organ in London. Go visit!

I mean this really deserves more stars but personally I was just less interested than I expected to be... Not enough inspiration for me to quite go from 'it's ok' to 'I liked it'. Subjectively, I don't think it's lacking in anything that you might expect other than more space. The audience were mostly older than myself, mostly female, but the staff were equally welcoming to me. The use of space is fair but it's tight, there is a minor leak from near a skylight. The story about the sewing machines is interesting and the cabinets and sets are all very well lit. There were modern bottles left on one of the sets which kind of ruined a picture opportunity. The carpet is tidy and the staff very helpful. There is also a video that plays if you really like this sort of thing. Really it's down to just personal taste but I think if you're reading this it probably means that you have a particular interest in things of this nature and if so I think you'll really like it here. I thought there might be more examples or seeing things in action and it would be great if you could use one of the machines... I think that would open up interest to a larger audience. Also it's free which obviously means it's incredibly great value for money. Should you go there with only a medium level of interest like myself? Maybe if you are nearby. It's open on the first Saturday of each month.

A very interesting museum for anyone interested in sewing machines or mechanical devices generally, with an amazing collection of many hundreds of sewing machines from the very earliest up to the early 1960s, many ornately decorated.

This is the only one of its kind in London. Sewing machines of all different shapes and sizes dating as far back as the 1840s. It is only open on the first Saturday of each month but it's worth going to see this dazzling private collection. You get a guided tour thrown in. Best to go in the warmer seasons as otherwise you'll need thermals - it was freezing in January! The haberdashers store next door is amazing! Really friendly, helpful staff and lots of choice.

Quirky but brilliant place - the guide was engaging and gave a brilliant talk. It's not your average museum so don't expect detail description on every piece of exhibit. But if you are into sewing machines or just fancy something different I would highly recommend it. The location isnt the most convenient to get to so would suggest a grand day out - get your haberdashery supplies next door, have a meal at the more upmarket area of Balham (15mins walk up north) or the hustle and bustle area of Tooting Bec/Broadway south - plenty of eatery choices!

Open the 1st Saturday of the month 2-5, this museum is well worth visiting.

Odd museum only open one day a month. More sewing machines than I've ever seen before including the first model ever sold. There is a fun guided tour. Free (although donations to a charity welcome) Quirky and enjoyable.

I love these small niche museums. We came for my husband's birthday, and while it was a challenge getting up the stairs (there is no lift and the whole museum is on the first floor), we made it and had a fantastic time.The tour guide was really interesting, enthusiastic, and had an infectious energy. As someone with barely a passing interest in sewing machines, I left eager to text all of my friends facts about Thimonnier and the history of Wimbledon Sewing Machines. My husband, who has quite an encyclopedic knowledge of sewing machines, also still managed to learn a lot and was very excited to see just how huge and varied the collection was.There was a lot of standing though, and it would have been nice to have had some more (non historically significant) places to sit while we were up there, especially for guests with mobility issues.But aside from that, it was an absolutely excellent afternoon. I've recommended it to everyone I know!

A fab quirky museum. Only open one afternoon a month normally the first Saturday afternoon. Amazing collection of sewing machines. Get there just after 2pm so you get the introductory talk.... that is great.

A great hidden gem of London! Museum is free but only open for 3 hours once a month, so check the opening dates and times online before visiting. Highlight of the visit is definitely the member of staff who led the hourly talk - she has a great sense of humour and her passion for sewing machines is absolutely contagious! I went into the museum knowing virtually nothing but left with a newfound appreciation for them!