Novelty Automation
Novelty Automation
4.5
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
About
A mad new collection of home made satyrical arcade machines. Practice Money Laundering; operate a nuclear reactor; meet an alien's mum; give yourself a full frisk, get divorced: and much much more. We've opened Novelty Automation because we ran out of space in our seaside arcade 'The Under The Pier show' - which is Trip Advisor's top rated attraction in Southwold, Suffolk.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Holborn
Inner London’s busiest streets crisscross quiet cobbled lanes for an effect that can be urbane or quaint – or an intriguing blend of both – depending on the particular corner you turn. Due to its especially convenient location, bustling Holborn hosts an excellent range of hotels, eateries, and shops to suit practically any taste or budget. With major attractions like the British Museum and Somerset House as well as popular areas such as Covent Garden and Soho all just a short walk away, Holborn is a smart base from which to explore London.
How to get there
- Holborn • 5 min walk
- Chancery Lane • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,803 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Josh7 contributionsA Truly Unique Experience Hidden In LondonThe small hidden away place is easily one of the most unique and interesting places to visit in London and I cannot recommend it enough. With amazingly fun and unique automaton machines, you can easily spend a good 90 minutes trying out everything they have to offer, and come away with a few cute keepsakes. I would say the photobooth, nuclear waste, and the particle physics machines were the highlights for me. Other fun and funny experiences also await. If you have any spare slot in your time or visit to london I heavily suggest a little visit. Price wise it costs (i think) £27 to do everything in there (total price, not each). But would generally be cheaper if you give some machines a miss or watch others use them. 10/10 experience.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 28, 2023
- Lindsay W3 contributionsFabulous FunWe held a private event last night at Novelty Automation and all had a huge amount of fun. Robson, our charming host, was brilliant - so helpful and friendly. The games are imaginative and quirky and I can’t recommend it enough. Well worth making a trip to play. Thank you for a brilliant evening!Visited January 2024Traveled with friendsWritten January 6, 2024
- Jehan MLondon, United Kingdom50 contributionsCute dateIt’s fun, it’s unique! If you’re looking for a cute date option, this is a great location to spend an hour or two. With quirky games and would make you wanna laugh and enjoy or even try them again, you can’t go wrong here. My favourite game here was the nuclear reactor! That is insanely fun!Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 5, 2024
- Charlotte EWales, United Kingdom53 contributionsA little piece of fun that shouldn’t be missed. Loved every second of the experience.A true delight. If you don’t find fun here then there’s no hope. Came across this wondrous place purely by accident and was the best find. Make sure you buy the tokens for all the machines, you really dont want to miss any. Will be visiting the other location in Southwold when in the areaVisited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 1, 2024
- DinFranceStroud, United Kingdom551 contributionsCracking timeSurprised to read the (very few) negative reviews. I do gather, though, that the opening hours can be a bit sporadic i.e. do not quite tally up with what is on the website. (Not sure if this is an old 'issue'?) But we were lucky and it was open. Seriously, such great fun and all ages of our family really enjoyed. Fair to say, the 'attractions' have that air of having been developed by a bunch of uni grads - after a few cans of beer (to 'aid' inspiration). Very much left of field - but absolutely cracking fun. So so good and clever. Was impressed. Only a small little place but sufficient to enjoy. Highly recommend.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 14, 2024
- Claire WPoole, United Kingdom119 contributionsRelease your inner child! Go there!When we arrived we thought it wasn't up to much, but how wrong we were!! Free entry but you need tokens for each game. We played a few games for the £9.00 x 10 tokens and it was worth every penny for the laughs. The machines are wacky and innovative. A lot of thought had gone into each one. We were laughing and smiling all the time. So was everyone else there. Great attraction and would definately recommend for all ages, if you are up for a laugh. Don't bother if you are sniffy and don't have a childish side to your sense of humour as you won't get it!Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 28, 2024
- Cfs1983160 contributionsSmall but perfectly planned for quirky funVisited this little hidden gem after seeing it on social media, it didn't disappoint. You would miss it if you weren't looking for it tucked away on a side street in an unassuming shop. Small but perfectly arranged for plenty of fun. No attraction fee but you pay for tokens to use the games! Lots of quirky and unusual concepts but all designed for fun and do make you laugh. Also lovely opportunity to win in expensive prices which act as a lovely momentum of your time there. Shop is small and can fill up quick and appear busy as all attractions are built for interaction, but it adds to the charm of the place! Would highly recommend for an unusual way to spend an hour or so in London!Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
207 reviews
Excellent
171
Very good
28
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
4
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Adam B
36 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Visited here after spotting it on Atlas Obscura, wasn't 100% certain what to expect. Its a small out of the way shop that was quiet upon opening at11am on Saturday meaning we had free range of the machines. 33 tokens (£23) gets you enough tokens to play each machine. They range from fun clockwork stories to games and novelties. Some are whimsical, others are whacky and others carry a subtle message about a sociopolitical situation we face as a society, all are excellent!
Several of the machines induced tears of laughter (The trip, frisk machine and chiropodist and photobooth) and still brings a smile to our faces now even hours later.
We spent around an hour here and couldn't recommend it highly enough!
Several of the machines induced tears of laughter (The trip, frisk machine and chiropodist and photobooth) and still brings a smile to our faces now even hours later.
We spent around an hour here and couldn't recommend it highly enough!
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
euroboyLuxembourg
Hesperange, Luxembourg181 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
A totally unique experience! Free to visit, and cheap to play. Great selection of bizarre novelty games, with some hilarious themes.
This place attracts a wide range of visitors and we spent a happy 30 min inside.
Well worth visiting!
This place attracts a wide range of visitors and we spent a happy 30 min inside.
Well worth visiting!
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WimHobbelink
Oranjewoud, The Netherlands3,924 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
A small, free, fun museum with unique slot machines. Made with a lot of imagination and sometimes wonderfully absurd. Nice to see how everyone is having fun, laughing, sometimes shocked, surprised, etc. The museum is free but you can buy coins to play with the machines. Definitely recommended to visit in London!
Written September 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
parabisiaque
Bristol, UK16 contributions
Jul 2021
Tucked away on a sidestreet in Holborn this is a unique satirical amusement arcade, with a range of crazy machines packed in. For a few pounds worth of tokens you can get a miniature holiday, a startling photo booth, a day in the life of a Hollywood paparazzo, or an encounter with alien life. Where else in London (or indeed the world) would you find that?
Written September 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben White
Northampton, UK3,228 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
An 8-10 minute walk from Holborn is this wonderfully, whacky arcade. It‘s only a small place but there’s plenty of games for you to explore and try. When we arrived it was very busy and a bit of a tight squeeze so I’d suggest either going on a weekday or when they first open or when they’re about to close, if you want to avoid the crowds.
It’s done on a token system and it’s £27 for you to try out every single game. As it’s was quite busy you’d have to wait a while before you can try the games but with a bit of patience, this wasn’t an issue.
What makes this place so unique is the fact that they’re all homemade and certainly different to anything you’ve ever seen before.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun attraction, off the beaten path then this is the place to go!
It’s done on a token system and it’s £27 for you to try out every single game. As it’s was quite busy you’d have to wait a while before you can try the games but with a bit of patience, this wasn’t an issue.
What makes this place so unique is the fact that they’re all homemade and certainly different to anything you’ve ever seen before.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun attraction, off the beaten path then this is the place to go!
Written September 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin B
Seaton Delaval, UK14 contributions
Feb 2023
Having found out about it by accident on YouTube, my 14 year old autistic daughter and I found the place easily with the aid of Citymapper app as it is close to the tube station.
The chap running it on the day we visited was warm and welcoming and helped my daughter enjoy her experience even more.
She particularly liked the nuclear fuel loading simulation. The pure creative genius and engineering of the machines was something to behold.
It was nice that we both enjoyed the machines making for a special father and daughter experience.
The token system worked well and gave flexibility to roam and try the machines.
The chap running it on the day we visited was warm and welcoming and helped my daughter enjoy her experience even more.
She particularly liked the nuclear fuel loading simulation. The pure creative genius and engineering of the machines was something to behold.
It was nice that we both enjoyed the machines making for a special father and daughter experience.
The token system worked well and gave flexibility to roam and try the machines.
Written February 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig D
Cardiff, UK9 contributions
Aug 2021
Outstanding place!
My wife and I visited London for a week and as a midweek time killer I thought it might be a bit of a giggle.
I can honestly say we haven't laughed so much in years. Some of the machines are a bit wacky, some are a bit silly, but without doubt, they are all very funny. Special mention to the bedbugs, alien probe, guard dog and my personal favourite, the photo booth.
Go with a friend or two and I promise, as long as your not a miserable, sour faced, lemon juice sucker, you will laugh long and hard. If not at your own reactions, then certainly at the reaction of the other people in the place.
We tried everything in the shop. (£27 for 33 tokens) and it was worth every penny. I'm even giggling, thinking back as I'm writing this.
It only takes an hour or so to go around, so it's not going to take up your entire day, but a visit here will probably make your entire day.
My wife and I visited London for a week and as a midweek time killer I thought it might be a bit of a giggle.
I can honestly say we haven't laughed so much in years. Some of the machines are a bit wacky, some are a bit silly, but without doubt, they are all very funny. Special mention to the bedbugs, alien probe, guard dog and my personal favourite, the photo booth.
Go with a friend or two and I promise, as long as your not a miserable, sour faced, lemon juice sucker, you will laugh long and hard. If not at your own reactions, then certainly at the reaction of the other people in the place.
We tried everything in the shop. (£27 for 33 tokens) and it was worth every penny. I'm even giggling, thinking back as I'm writing this.
It only takes an hour or so to go around, so it's not going to take up your entire day, but a visit here will probably make your entire day.
Written September 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire W
Poole, UK119 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
When we arrived we thought it wasn't up to much, but how wrong we were!! Free entry but you need tokens for each game. We played a few games for the £9.00 x 10 tokens and it was worth every penny for the laughs.
The machines are wacky and innovative. A lot of thought had gone into each one. We were laughing and smiling all the time. So was everyone else there.
Great attraction and would definately recommend for all ages, if you are up for a laugh.
Don't bother if you are sniffy and don't have a childish side to your sense of humour as you won't get it!
The machines are wacky and innovative. A lot of thought had gone into each one. We were laughing and smiling all the time. So was everyone else there.
Great attraction and would definately recommend for all ages, if you are up for a laugh.
Don't bother if you are sniffy and don't have a childish side to your sense of humour as you won't get it!
Written April 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DinFrance
Stroud, UK551 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Surprised to read the (very few) negative reviews. I do gather, though, that the opening hours can be a bit sporadic i.e. do not quite tally up with what is on the website. (Not sure if this is an old 'issue'?)
But we were lucky and it was open. Seriously, such great fun and all ages of our family really enjoyed. Fair to say, the 'attractions' have that air of having been developed by a bunch of uni grads - after a few cans of beer (to 'aid' inspiration). Very much left of field - but absolutely cracking fun. So so good and clever. Was impressed. Only a small little place but sufficient to enjoy. Highly recommend.
But we were lucky and it was open. Seriously, such great fun and all ages of our family really enjoyed. Fair to say, the 'attractions' have that air of having been developed by a bunch of uni grads - after a few cans of beer (to 'aid' inspiration). Very much left of field - but absolutely cracking fun. So so good and clever. Was impressed. Only a small little place but sufficient to enjoy. Highly recommend.
Written April 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick
Leicester, UK93 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
If you have a spare hour, £10 to spare and love novelty retro amuzment machines then go see. The attention to detail, thought and skill that has gone into some of the machines is amazing. I won a billion dollers on the tower crane machine!!
Written June 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Its free to enter but you need to buy tokens to operate the automata. Under £20 gives you tokens to work all.
Written January 29, 2016
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