God's Own Junkyard; Complete Guide to the Hidden Neon Playground
A neon maze of old movie signs starring alongside some of the most famous celebrities, artwork made famous from the Soho sex industry, old fairground and circus lighting, religious statues, disco balls and the Rolling Scones Cafe. Here’s our guide to God’s Own Junkyard; one of the most unique places to visit in London for free!
God’s Own Junkyard is a kaleidoscope display of everything neon and spending an hour or so here is one of the most fun things to do in Walthamstow.
In this guide, we’ll tell you all about the museum including what it is and its history, and then everything you need to know for your visit including how to get there, opening hours, where to stay and much more.
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About God's Own Junkyard
If you’re looking for something to do to brighten up your weekend, God’s Own Junkyard is the perfect spot.
Packed full of handmade neon signs and artwork, God’s Own Junkyard is one of the most fun things to do in Walthamstow and one of the most unusual places to visit in London for free.
The artist behind God’s Own Junkyard is the late Chris Bracey who began his career as a graphic designer in the early 1970s before joining his father in the family neon business.
He then went on to design provocative and alluring signage for Soho with 99% of brothels and strip clubs in London’s West End having signs created by Chris.
It wasn’t long before Hollywood spotted Chris’s talents and he was commissioned to create signs for films including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory starring Johnny Depp, Eyes Wide Shut with Tom Cruise and Batman with Jack Nicholson.
Chris was known as the “Neon Man” and was well-known in fashion circles. He also created catwalk and in-store displays for some of the UK’s biggest labels and department stores.
Sadly, in 2014, Chris passed away at the age of 59 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. God’s Own Junkyard is now in the hands of Chris’s three sons who are continuing the museum in the way Chris had planned and wanted.
Chris kept the signs and movie backdrops in the warehouse in Walthamstow alongside other artwork he collected and salvaged and this has become the God’s Own Junkyard that you can visit today.
You can spend hours meandering around the vibrant maze of paths never knowing what you’re going to discover.
In addition to the movie signs and fashion displays, you’ll stumble upon reclaimed neon signs, neon art made from found objects, retrieved and renewed waste and lights, fairground and circus lighting, architectural signs, religious statues, disco balls and much more.
There’s also a cafe called The Rolling Scones which serves lunch, snacks, soft drinks and alcohol and there are tables and chairs you can sit at surrounded by neon art, sofas in the main museum and even a quaint garden out the back if it’s sunny.
God’s Own Junkyard can be rented out for private events including weddings and photoshoots and the signs can even be bought or rented.
How to Get to God's Own Junkyard
God’s Own Junkyard is located at Unit 12 Ravenswood Ind Estate, Shernhall Street, E17 9HQ.
From Walthamstow Central (Victoria Line and Overground) it’s about a 15-minute walk, Walthamstow Queen’s Road (Overground) a 21-minute walk and a 10-minute walk from Wood Street (Overground).
When you reach the Ravenswood Industrial Estate, follow the road round to the right and God’s Own Junkyard is on your right through an unassuming and rather surprising entrance into a garage behind a cow.
If driving, we’d recommend finding a side street that doesn’t require a permit at weekends. Parking in the industrial estate can be tricky.
Opening Hours
God’s Own Junkyard is open on Fridays and Saturdays between 11am and 10pm and Sundays between 11am – 6pm.
It sometimes closes for private events either for a whole day or part day so we’d recommend checking what dates it’s closed on the website.
Everything Else You Need to Know
Is God’s Own Junkyard dog friendly?
Yes, although it can sometimes get quite busy and there’s not a huge amount of space.
Where to stay
There are so many fun things to do in Walthamstow that it’s a great base in London if you want to be out of the hustle and bustle. Walthamstow also has one of London’s best foodie scenes!
There are some lovely cosy apartments, budget hotels and homely guest houses depending on what you’re after and they tend to be a lot cheaper than staying centrally.
Alternatively, if you’re only in London for a weekend and want to stay in Central London, you can reach God’s Own Junkyard in around half an hour on the Victoria Line then a short walk.
Is there a cost?
No, God’s Own Junkyard is one of the best places to visit in London for free. Donations are encouraged but by no means compulsory.
What else is around God’s Own Junkyard?
The Ravenswood Industrial Estate is home to the Ravenswood Collective; a community of independent businesses who spend the week manufacturing and creating and open their doors from Friday to Sunday to welcome everybody in.
One of the best things to do in Walthamstow is to spend an afternoon here where you’ll find breweries, taprooms, fitness studios, a cocktail bar, outdoor seating, street food, charity fundraisers, live music and much more.
The museum is also only a 5-minute walk to Walthamstow Village where you’ll find independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs lining the pedestrianised street with chairs and tables spilling out of the buildings.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our guide to God’s Own Junkyard; this really is one of the best and most unusual places to visit in London for free and hands-down one of the most fun things to do in Walthamstow.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or get in contact.