We have stayed nearby many times in recent years and always wondered what it was like. We finally got around to finding out - and wished we hadn’t left it so long! A unique collection of automated instruments, with a guided tour included in the admission price. Tour was a must do as Clive our guide was extremely knowledgeable and we were able to see all of the instruments working which was fascinating. This has to be one of the best kept secrets in the country, so glad we went

Loved this strange place. I have not seen something like this beforehand. I had a guide who helped us and he was funny, entusiasta and interesting. Many beautiful instruments that played themselves and audience participated. Unusual and fun for all. It was good value for money .

I really enjoyed my visit - the tour showcased some examples of pianolas, player pianos, organs and other impressive instruments from eras gone by. You’re able to try them out, playing a vintage theremin was a highlight. Adrian the guide was very friendly and knowledgeable - although I was a solo guest, there was a young family present who had an equally enjoyable time! There’s a little spot for coffee and a snack on the first floor too, with a view of the river.

Fascinating visit and excellent guided tour. We arrived early so wandered around the exhibits before our tour. Clive, our tour guide had excellent knowledge of the exhibits and the ability to play some of the instruments. The hour and a quarter of the tour raced by and the finale was a true highlight with our being able to see and hear the Wurlitzer. After the tour we had refreshments in the museum cafe. The sandwiches were freshly made, beautifully presented with a small salad and tasted delicious. All members of staff that we met were friendly and helpful.

An absolutely fascinating collection of intricate instruments and machines. We happened to arrive just as a tour started and I would highly recommend planning your trip to include a tour, without the tour I suspect the experience would have been far less exciting. The guide was very passionate about the museum content, with some excellent knowledge and a few fantastic little musical numbers to add to the fun. Once the tour was finished we had plenty of fun inspecting the mechanics of the instruments in far greater detail, with all questions answered with enthusiasm by the helpful staff. Due to the nature and age of the instruments it appears that not all pieces are in operation at every visit so I will enjoy revisiting, when possible, to see what other wonders have been restored.

We went with out 8 year old. He’s generally got a very short attention span but he was engaged throughout the whole tour and really enjoyed the demonstrations of the various pianolas and organs. If you don’t catch a guided tour, it would be far less interesting as the stories behind the instruments are fascinating. My son even got to play on a Wurlizter :-)

It is definitely worth having a tour of this delightful museum. Our guide Adrian brought the instruments to life telling us the history of the pianola along with playing many of them . It was fascinating to hear music performed by original classical composers.

Very entertaining tour, nicely pitched and timed (just over an hour). Good knowledge from our guide and Wurlitzer man. Only negative was that cafe was closed when we finished, maybe they could stay open a bit later or tour (2.30) could start earlier.

Thoroughly excellent performance by Michael Wooldridge on the Wurlitzer today. Followed by a surprise session by a talented young organist showing his repertoire. Then a privileged peek behind the keyboards to see the Wurlitzer workings. A real treat and much more than we bargained - or paid for. Volunteer enthusiasts made us very welcome. We will definitely be back