1 / 2Pollock's Toy Museum Croydon
📍 Croydon, Greater London
Pop-up branch of London's oldest toy museum inside Croydon's Whitgift Centre, open Saturdays. Displays bears, dolls, toy theatres, and dynamic mechanical toys alongside interactive mini theatre performances with audience participation.
A real hidden gem! Enchanting toy museum packed full of childhood wonders. A real treat for kids, and anyone who enjoys a trip down memory lane. Loved the enthusiastic mini theatre performance of Cinderella with audience participation! The volunteers running the museum are happy to share their extensive knowledge about the toys and clearly have a passion for the subject. Not the easiest place to find but well worth seeking this museum out. It is located on the Wellesley Road side of the Whitgift Centre, on the ground floor next to the entrance to the old subway.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families who enjoy discovering genuinely hidden cultural gems and want something quieter than a mainstream attraction. The toy theatre performances with audience participation are the highlight for children, and the passionate volunteer guides make the visit more engaging than a standard display museum.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →11 Google reviews
Swiss Mole
4 weeks ago
“A real hidden gem! Enchanting toy museum packed full of childhood wonders. A real treat for kids, and anyone who enjoys a trip down memory lane. Loved the enthusiastic mini theatre performance of Cinderella with audience participation! The volunteers running the museum are happy to share their extensive knowledge about the toys and clearly have a passion for the subject. Not the easiest place to find but well worth seeking this museum out. It is located on the Wellesley Road side of the Whitgift Centre, on the ground floor next to the entrance to the old subway.”
Anthony Huynh
5 months ago
“Stumbled upon this hidden place by accident. Absolutely worth a visit! Catch a performance of the toy theatre whilst you're there!! Very entertaining and very friendly staff!”
Isobel McIntosh
7 months ago
“Hidden gem tucked away in Whitgift shopping centre. Well worth a visit if you’re around.”
Bryan Joseph O'Sullivan
6 months ago
“I’m glad this spot exists.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Pollock's Toy Museum Croydon sits on the ground floor of the Whitgift Centre and shows highlights from the original London collection — bears, dolls, card theatres, games, and dynamic toys that move using natural forces. Saturday toy theatre performances include audience participation and cover productions like Cinderella. A museum shop sells traditional toys and cut-out card theatres. Volunteers run the space and are enthusiastic about sharing collection history.
