Novelty Automation London
A quirky, free-entry arcade in London filled with unique, handmade, coin-operated art machines offering satire and fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more machines to yourself
Novelty Automation London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more machines to yourself
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quirky, free-entry arcade in London filled with unique, handmade, coin-operated art machines offering satire and fun.
"Absolutely fantastic find! This unique experience needs to be part of your London trip if it isn't already."
🎯 Free Entry, Pay to Play
Entry is free! Buy tokens to operate the wonderfully weird machines. Great value for London!
😂 Embrace the Humor
These machines are packed with British satire and wit. Be ready to laugh!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Expressive Photobooth
Inside the arcade
Capture hilarious and unexpected moments with this unique, interactive photobooth. Guaranteed laughs!
Coin-Operated Art Machines
Throughout the arcade
Experience a collection of satirical, handmade machines that offer a dose of British humor and social commentary.
The Small Hadron Collider
Inside the arcade
Engage with a playful, quantum physics-themed machine that offers a unique and thought-provoking experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quirky
Budget-Friendly Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry, Pay to Play
Entry is free! Buy tokens to operate the wonderfully weird machines. Great value for London!
😂 Embrace the Humor
These machines are packed with British satire and wit. Be ready to laugh!
⏱️ An Hour is Perfect
You don't need a full day. An hour is usually enough to try many machines and have a blast.
📍 Holborn Location
It's a short walk from Holborn tube station. Look for the distinctive entrance!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry, Pay to Play
Entry is free! Buy tokens to operate the wonderfully weird machines. Great value for London!
😂 Embrace the Humor
These machines are packed with British satire and wit. Be ready to laugh!
⏱️ An Hour is Perfect
You don't need a full day. An hour is usually enough to try many machines and have a blast.
📍 Holborn Location
It's a short walk from Holborn tube station. Look for the distinctive entrance!
🤖 Handmade & Quirky
Each machine is a unique, handmade creation by artist Tim Hunkin. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Novelty Automation as a 'fantastic find' and a 'little gem' offering a truly unique and fun experience. The handmade, satirical machines are a hit for their humor and creativity, providing laughs for all ages. While it's a bit of a hidden spot, the free entry and reasonable token prices make it excellent value for a memorable London outing.
"Such a fun place. Full of weird and wonderful machines with a twist. We've been to this one twice as well as their place in Southwold and recommend to everyone. If you like to go to places a little different and odd then this is the place for you."
Louise knight
"Absolutely fantastic find! This unique experience needs to be part of your London trip if it isn't already. It's like nothing I've seen before. All the machines are sure to bring a smile to your face. For a set price you can try everything which I think is quite reasonable for London. A tad hard to find if you don't know where you're going but definitely worth a visit!"
Tomas Thorpe
"Came here on a rainy day in London and what a little gem this place is! I loved the quirky machines. They brought a huge smile to my face. Highly recommend if you love games or off the beaten path discoveries."
Sarah Parsons
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Novelty Automation is conveniently located in Holborn, a short walk from Holborn tube station. Many visitors find it easy to access via the London Underground.
While it's a hidden gem, some visitors mention it can be a tad hard to find if you're not looking for it. Keep an eye out for its unique entrance!
The London Underground is a popular choice, with Holborn station being the closest. Buses also serve the area.
Street parking in central London can be challenging and expensive. Public transport is generally recommended for visiting Novelty Automation.
Absolutely! Its central location makes it accessible from all parts of London via public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Novelty Automation is completely free! You only pay for the tokens you use to operate the machines.
You'll need to purchase tokens to use the coin-operated art machines. These are available for purchase on-site.
While there are no entry fees, the cost of tokens is generally considered very reasonable for the unique experience offered, making it a wallet-friendly attraction.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. They are typically closed on Mondays.
As entry is free and it's a walk-in attraction, advance booking isn't necessary. Just show up during opening hours!
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a collection of handmade, coin-operated art machines that are satirical, humorous, and interactive. They range from the silly to the thought-provoking.
Yes, it's great for families! Children aged 9-11 and even younger have enjoyed the machines, which offer a mix of humor and surprises for all ages.
Most visitors find that an hour is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the machines and experience the quirky atmosphere.
It's a fun, quirky, and playful environment filled with laughter and unique interactive art. It's a great place to get silly and let loose.
The machines are designed to be intuitive and fun. Most operate with simple coin insertion and interaction, offering a straightforward yet engaging experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and encouraged! Many visitors love to capture the unique machines and their own reactions.
While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing any machines or pathways.
The Expressive Photobooth and machines with visually interesting mechanisms or humorous displays are popular subjects for photos.
The lighting can be atmospheric, so experiment with your camera settings. The unique nature of the machines makes for inherently interesting shots.
Short videos are common, especially for social media. Just be respectful of others enjoying the space. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great place to spark imagination and laughter. Kids often love the hands-on nature of the machines and the sheer novelty of them. An hour here can provide a memorable experience that's a refreshing break from more traditional tourist attractions. Just be prepared for some giggles and perhaps a few moments of delightful confusion!
👫 Couples & Quirky Dates
The quirky, satirical humor is a great conversation starter, and the free entry means you can focus your budget on tokens for the machines. It’s a relaxed, informal setting where you can easily spend an hour or two exploring the eccentric creations and discovering your favorite machine.
🚶 Solo Explorers & Art Lovers
It’s also a fantastic spot for photography enthusiasts looking for unusual subjects. The satirical nature and mechanical complexity of the machines offer endless creative possibilities. Plus, the friendly atmosphere means you might even strike up a conversation with other visitors who appreciate the quirky charm.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Genius of Tim Hunkin
+1Beyond the arcade, Tim Hunkin is also known for his educational series, 'The Secret Life of Machines,' where he demystifies everyday technology with wit and clarity. This background in making complex ideas accessible and entertaining is evident in every machine at Novelty Automation. The arcade serves as a physical manifestation of his philosophy: that art and engineering can be fun, thought-provoking, and deeply amusing.
Visitors often express admiration for the craftsmanship and creativity poured into each machine. They are not mass-produced; each one is a unique piece of art designed to elicit a reaction, whether it's a chuckle, a gasp, or a moment of contemplation. This personal touch is what sets Novelty Automation apart from typical entertainment venues.
+1Interactive Art and Social Commentary
Many of the machines are designed to be absurdly specific, addressing niche aspects of modern life or human foibles. For instance, the 'Is It Art?' machine humorously critiques the subjective nature of art appreciation, while others might tackle themes like divorce, alien probes, or even the mundane act of toasting a hot dog in a novel way. This cleverness ensures that both adults and children can find something to enjoy and relate to.
The playful and often unexpected outcomes of these machines are a major draw. Visitors are encouraged to try everything, comparing their experiences and favorite machines. This shared sense of discovery and amusement creates a lively and memorable atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a fun outing with friends or family.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit