See all
96 photos

Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret

History Museum and Museum

Bermondsey, London

Save

7.4^/10

ratings

"... small quirky museums. Climb up the creaky wooden staircase and step..."(3 Tips)
"Offbeat and quirky museum."(2 Tips)
"Don't book yourself in for surgery, the facilities are a bit old"(2 Tips)
"steep spiral staircase to the museum."(2 Tips)

23 Tips and reviews

Filter:

climb
hidden gem
theaters
museums
platforms

Sort:

Popular
Recent

Lauren KeithNovember 1, 2014
One of London's best small quirky museums. Climb up the creaky wooden staircase and step back into the 1820s, when students filled the platforms to watch the next amputation: http://bit.ly/1wmJzhY
Caroline ArvensisOctober 20, 2016
There is a tiny door to the left, which almost makes the place look closed. Open it and carefully navigate up the steep spiral staircase to the museum.
Fluying ✅June 28, 2019
Originally part of a larger hospital complex, the Old Operating Theatre was boarded up when the hospital relocated, lying untouched for 100 years until its chance discovery in 1956.
Antony MossAugust 20, 2012
Quirky, fascinating, nauseating! Includes operating theatre from days when it was a theatre, with drip tray to catch blood before it soaked through the floor onto the congregation of St Thomas' below!
SuziSeptember 21, 2011
You have to climb up a tiny spiral staircase to get in; if you don't break your leg doing so don't worry as there is lots of broken leg memorabilia inside!
USA TODAYJune 6, 2013
Climb the stairs to see what operations were like before the time of anesthetics—and if you're up for it, come during one of the surgical reenactments. Read more
HISTORY UKJanuary 17, 2011
The oldest operating theatre in the country was rediscovered by chance during building work in 1957. There is sand under the floorboards to stop blood dripping through into the rooms below.
Carl GriffinNovember 26, 2015
Fascinating museum. Check out the operating theatre. Must have been very grusome.
The TelegraphJuly 13, 2012
At this old operating theatre near London Bridge, occasional tours recount grisly tales of primitive medical treatments. Amputations without anaesthetic were common, painful deaths frequent.
Joanna TillmanApril 25, 2019
Exquisite hidden gem in London. Do not miss! A *must* for history buffs.
Nikki JojiOctober 11, 2012
They often hold very interesting talks by leaders of the medical profession - Harold Ellis was amazing!
Richard GregoryOctober 28, 2010
Recommended: During the holidays there is occasionally a re-creation of the gruesome 19th century surgery practices that once took place there. Very surreal, but well worth a watch! Read more
Aurelie SilvestreDecember 7, 2014
Quirky and well preserved place. A little gem in SE1. A must see!
Susan PriceJune 8, 2012
It's a bit dim, but worth squinting at all the cabinets with drugs, cures and herbs. The theatre itself doesn't disappoint.
Andrea MarlowDecember 18, 2009
A healthcare time capsule museum in the attic of St. Thomas', filled with great (if a bit macabre) medical devices and stories. Read more
Damien SaundersOctober 9, 2010
Been here 10+ times
take a photo of the skull as you walk in the entrance
Morgans Hotel GroupAugust 7, 2012
Part of the Guy's hospital buildings
Jordan RonronJanuary 6, 2012
Offbeat and quirky museum.
Luke 🍺 Murphy-WearmouthSeptember 16, 2010
Once home to Florence Nightingale, who some say still watches over what goes on here... #ldnghosthunt
Doug ShawSeptember 28, 2011
Don't book yourself in for surgery, the facilities are a bit old
Jonathan TurnerNovember 23, 2009
Have a look at a genuine Victorian operating table. Not a pretty sight. Read more
Damien SaundersOctober 9, 2010
Been here 10+ times
read Dr jekyll & Mr Hyde after your visit
FelipeSeptember 28, 2016
Se siente una sensación extraña entrar ahí pensando todo lo que se hacía en el pasado.

96 Photos

Planning a trip to London?

Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.

Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret

Related Searches

You might also like

Places people like to go after Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret

Appears on 118 lists

Top places in the area

Is this your business? Claim it now.