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All 1,676 London Attractions »

Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood

Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2 9PA, England
44 20 8983 5200
Ranked #118 of 821 attractions in London
4.0 of 5 stars 33 Reviews
Type: Children’s Museums, Speciality Museums
Description: Open since 1875, this museum showcases playthings and objects for the children in us all, including old toys, model soldiers and antique dollhouses.
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33 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    2
    3
    0
Date Rating
Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2012

As the title says, this museum will bring back memories of your own childlhood, while demonstrating the childhood of your parents and grandparents as well. bA free, special museum, that should be considered. More

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See 21 more reviews by Jerry H for London
London, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2012

This museum is my favourite and I've been to a lot of great museums. This place has pieces you wouldn't believe. Some so old, some so cultured, beautiful ad detailed and all the toys from before your childhood, during and after. Makes you return to a childlike state in a wonderful way :) More

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See 2 more reviews by MissDilini for London
Beijing, China
Top Contributor
64 reviews 64 reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2012

This is a great diversion if you have some time of a morning or afternoon to spare. You don't need to spend a lot of time here - it's quite compact despite occupying a large shed-like building - though there are activities, such as storytime, scheduled for certain times. Quite nice to show the kids what you had to play... More

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Ipswich
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2012

It is free to get in and its not far from the tube,The toys range from 1600 s to present day and brought back memories of my childhood as well as having interaction things for our grandkids to participate in.A great day out More

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See 5 more reviews by budgieIpswich for London
United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 April 2012

This is a free facility very close to Bethnal Green tube station. It's a reliable means of passing a few hours with children. The exhibits are interesting and varied. The building is beautiful and the museum has an open, roomy feel. The food in the cafe is delicious, and priced accordingly. The gift shop is terrible. It largely offers expensive... More

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Vienna, Austria
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 March 2012

Children would definitely love the freedom of running around and being able to play with the museum pieces. Although there are some which are behind glass windows, these would definitely be the fun for the adults. It was such a thrill to see toys from generations before and how they have evolved over the years. I loved the fact that... More

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See 2 more reviews by Joahnna1407 for London
Milton Keynes
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

As you would expect for any free attraction in London, it gets very busy and being about childhood it attracts lots of school parties. Putting that aside the museum is worth a visit. There are 2 main floors with a large amount of exhibition cases to look it with detailed information and also a few items to be interactive with.... More

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See 3 more reviews by DaveWMiltonKeynes for London
London, United Kingdom
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 February 2012

We visited during Half term holiday and it was understandably crowded. I personally expected more of a traditional museum. This one looks like a big warehouse with rows of toys on display. There is plenty for the children to do, but because it was overcrowded we couldn't do much. Collectors of toys will be impressed with the toys from different... More

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UK
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2012

Well designed museum - renovated in last few years. Interactive displays for children of all ages. Very busy cafe - don't bank on being able ot eat there. Also very busy in picnicing areas.... The special event that happen at certain times are well worth planning a visit around... Definitely worth a repeat visit. More

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See 3 more reviews by MarieBarnes_ for London
essex
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2012

I visited this museum with a friend yesterday, and we both loved it - pure nostalgia, light and airy, helpful staff, and very well laid out displays. However, on visiting the cafe for a coffee and a piece of cake, a small slab of cake was £2.05. Neither of us bought it on noticing the price, and just had the... More

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