Heath Robinson Museum
What Visitors Say
Yes, the museum is fairly small, but it's worth visiting if you are in the area. I'd already been here before and seen the Heath Robinson quirky drawings/paintings, etc, which form the permanent exhibition . Today I concentrated on a small (additional, temporary) art exhibition (with about twenty works, some contemporary, by various artists - and you will have your own opinions on one or two!) There was a new (2025) small model of some train carriages, which I found intriguing. In the next room (which I think is more intended for children) there was an interactive machine. Because I remembered my times tables (spoiler alert) the duck moved and I earned a sweet. (One of the helpful and friendly volunteers explained how the machine worked.) The adult ticket was (I think) £8, but don't quote me on that. By the way. if you live in the area, the museum occasionally runs art/craft courses, some for adults, some for children, but I haven't experienced these yet.
For those in the area who are curious about the history of Heath Robinson (an illustrator with an eye for satire, the absurd and the surreal) this museum comes with a high recommendation. There is a small, but very interesting museum with a chronological history and examples of his work. Adjacent to this is a small gallery which, on the day I visited, contained examples of Heath Robinson's water colours (his true passion) complimented by landscape art by other contemporary artists. In addition to the above there is very good cafe, a gift shop and easy on-site parking. It's difficult to resist the pun that: 'there is nothing Heath Robinson' about the way this delightful venue is organised and managed. Highly recommended.
We're lifelong fans of Heath Robinson and my wife has wanted to see this for a long time. Today we made a special trip, but were a bit disappointed. The museum is very small and the cafe you see in the pictures is larger. There's a nice book shop as part of it and a special exhibition as well. But doubt we would if we had known beforehand.
Brilliant little museum. w.Heath Robinson was ahead of his time. Tickets are reasonable and there is so much to discover but not too much that it overwhelms. I love the little makeshift computer-chocolate dispenser ! Model of the building is ahead of his time.
We went for open house weekend and it was an interesting visit. The pictures and automita were great although you had to really concentrate to get the full value. It was good to hear from the architect how they had designed the building to reflect Heath Robinson's character.
Highlights
Permanent ‘Machines & Mischief’
Shows the wit, social commentary and technical imagination behind the famous contraptions.Laugh first, then spot the engineering logic hidden in the joke.
Core gallery
Rotating Illustration Shows
Themes (e.g., Rabelais illustrations) can be darker or more literary—expect variety.Beyond gadgets: Robinson the illustrator and storyteller.
Second gallery
Interactive Corner
Digital archive and playful ‘Heath-Robinson-style computer’ bring kids (and tinkerers) in.Push buttons, invent solutions no one asked for.
Museum floor
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
It’s small—plan 30–60 minutes—but set in a lovely park next to a larger café.
Easy access from Pinner station with nearby car parks; friendly volunteers and good shop.
