Historic characters will engage children with tales of the Victorian era alongside costumed characters including; Thomas Wicksteed, consultant engineer to the Grand Junction Waterworks Company whose vision shaped the museum as it is today; Elizabeth Harvey, is sister to George Banfield who was killed when the Maudslay engine was undergoing one of its overhauls; and an engine cleaner talking about the working life of the pumping station.

Elizabeth Harvey:
This character is centred in 1861, the year after her brother-in-law George Banfield died. She chats animatedly about the tragedy of his death, the pride she feels about her family and their role in the history of the steam engineering industry. She talks about the contributions they made through the building of the Cruquius engine and the work they did for the pumping station at Kew Bridge. Harvey of Hayle was the premier builder of Cornish pumping engines by this time and they did so much work in London that they had a London office. Two of the museum's surviving engines were built by Harvey & Co (including the 100 inch) and they also undertook maintenance work on two others, including the 90 inch engine.

Thomas Wicksteed:
This character is based around 1851 on the inauguration day of the completion of works on the Boulton & Watt and Maudslay engines. He briefly explains the major differences between the first engines, James Watt's engines and the Cornish style of pumping engines. He then explains the role he played in the history of the Boulton & Watt engine and why he advised that the company have the Grand Junction 90-inch engine built. In the afternoon he finishes with the Grand Junction 90-inch working. Wicksteed was a brilliant young engineer who was responsible for the commissioning of the 90.

The Engine Cleaner:
This character discusses the effect that a visit by an American engineer James Kirkwood, who visited the site in 1868 whilst investigating water supply around the world, had on him and he also talks about cholera. He discusses how the hot summer of 1867 affected the operation of the station, how the filterbeds were clogged with weed and the issues surrounding a constant supply of water, how London was behind other cities in this matter and his personal debate about whether or not he wishes to become an engine driver. Kew Bridge Steam Museum was the only London site he visited and which featured in his book.

Other Activities at the Museum:

• Free rides on the steam locomotive
• Water For Life Gallery
• Giant beam and rotative engines in steam at the weekends
• Museum cafe and shop
• Education facilities and group visits
• Partial wheelchair access and wheelchair accessible toilet
• Car park with extensive parking facilities