Cambridge Museum of Technology

About

The Cambridge Museum of Technology, housed in the city’s former Victorian pumping station on Cheddars Lane, celebrates the ingenuity of local industry and engineering. Built in 1894 to pump sewage to Milton’s treatment works, the site is a rare surviving example of a combined pumping and waste destructor station, where household refuse was burned to power steam engines. Today, visitors can explore the original engine house with its towering chimney, see the impressive Hathorn Davey steam engines—one still operational on special steam days—and discover working machinery, printing presses, and early telecommunications equipment. Exhibits trace the evolution of power from steam to internal combustion and electricity, alongside displays on Cambridge’s “forgotten industries” and pioneering companies such as Pye and the Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company. Set beside the River Cam, the museum offers green spaces, hands-on activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it both a heritage landmark and a lively space for learning and discovery.

Cambridge United Kingdom

Location

The Cambridge Museum of Technology is located at The Old Pumping Station, Cheddars Lane, Cambridge CB5 8LD, situated on the banks of the River Cam. The museum is set within the city’s historic Victorian sewage pumping station, offering a unique industrial heritage setting. Nearby are green spaces such as Stourbridge Common and Midsummer Common, providing pleasant outdoor areas for picnics and walks. The museum is a short distance from Cambridge city centre, with easy access to local shops, cafes, and public transport routes. Parking is available nearby, including free street parking on Cheddars Lane and pay-and-display options on Riverside.