Gods Own Junkyard in London – Visit Where Neon Never Dies
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God’s Own Junkyard is a place where neon never dies in London and an art gallery hidden away in Walthamstow.
This London hidden gem is one of the city’s quirkiest and most bizarre exhibits. It’s a neon museum you can visit with a café/bar.
As I headed to London for the day, I was determined to make my way over there and see this wonderland for myself.
Here’s a complete guide to visiting God’s Own Junkyard and why it needs to be on your UK bucket list.
What is God’s Own Junkyard?
God’s Own Junkyard is a labour of love and the result of over 40 years of hard work.
It’s one of the largest collections of neon signs in Europe and is home to many signs that would have fallen by the wayside.
Over the years, this warehouse has been featured in Vogue magazine, appeared in Hollywood movies, and fascinated countless people.
In addition to selling and renting signs, God’s Own Junkyard is an art gallery and neon museum with a café and shop.
The history of Gods Own Junkyard
Chris Bracey is known as the ‘Neon Man’ behind Gods Own Junkyard today. But it actually began with his father, Richard ‘Dick’ Bracey.
He was a Welsh coal miner from Monmouthshire (where my family are from, and my grampy was also a miner), but he got bored of working the mines.
So, he packed and moved to London. Being used to working in darkness, he eventually set up his own company ‘Electro Signs’ in 1952.
In addition to lighting up London, his signs were used all over the South-East of England for funfairs, cafés, and strip clubs.
His son Chris Bracey started out as a graphic designer in the 1970s, then took over his father’s business.
He started making signs for strip bars and brothels on the seedy side of Soho.
At the same time, he started collecting signs that were being thrown away. He then established his own neon museum in 1978.
It was called ‘God’s Own Junkyard: The Planned Deterioration of America’s Landscape’, after a book by Peter Blake that campaigns against capitalism.
He got his big break when he met Neil Patrick Jordan, who directed Mona Lisa starring Michael Caine.
His signs were then used in Hollywood movies like Eyes Wide Shut, Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Blade Runner.
He also provided sets for fashion icons like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.
Gods Own Junkyard today
Sadly, the “Master of Glow” passed away in 2014. But he left his family a neon legacy.
The multi-million-pound business now lives on through his two sons, Matthew and Marcus Bracey.
They still make and provide neon signs for Hollywood and lighting up places like Las Vegas.
His son Mathew Bracey is now a third-generation neon artist and has released a book, ‘Steel Dogs’, about his father and his life.
Gods Own Junkyard Facts
- The museum has over 1000 neon signs, but this is just 10% of the Bracey family collection.
- The electric bills at Gods Own Junkyard cost over £3,000 a month.
- They own many warehouses across London to store all the signs, with 40 staff members.
- The business dominates much of the neon sign industry worldwide.
- Approximately 1000 people visit Gods Own Junkyard each weekend.
- Vogue magazine did a photoshoot here plus many fashion brands like Urban Outfitters use this place to advertise their clothes.
Is Gods Own Junkyard a bar?
Yes and no. You can probably tell by now that this place is way more than just a bar. But there is a café on site where you can have drinks.
Their ‘Rolling Scones’ Café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with the option of an afternoon tea. It also serves beers, wines, and spirits.
The café is open until around 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 6 pm on Sundays, so it’s a great place to visit for the evening.
If you want to sample local gin distilled in the area, The Mother’s Ruin Gin Palace is next door and opens on weekends.
Is Gods Own Junkyard free to visit?
Yes, this neon museum is completely free to visit, which amazed me. But donations are always appreciated if you visit for photos.
There are many ways to support this family business without breaking the bank.
Buying a coffee, a beer, or even a postcard or pin badge from the gift shop can go a long way in preserving the museum.
Things to do at God’s Own Junkyard
So, what makes Gods Own Junkyard worth a visit?
Not only is it awesome, but there are plenty of things to do while you’re here too.
1. Explore a neon wonderland
This neon wonderland has so much to take in as you look around. Neon signs hang almost everywhere in this Aladdin’s cave. O
You can also find signs for strip clubs, quotes from The Doors, the Rolling Stones, and the Velvet Underground.
And it’s not just neon signs, there are all sorts of quirky statues like Jesus, horses from merry-go-round rides, jukeboxes, and even gramophones.
As you wander around, you’ll hear songs from Blondie, Joan Jett, the Rolling Stones, and even Elvis Presley.
Every corner you turn in this labyrinth leads to something new to discover.
2. Rolling Scones Café
Once you’re finished wandering around the museum, I recommend stopping by the Rolling Scones Café.
They have an awesome menu, including a Full English breakfast, or light lunches of soups, sandwiches, and slap-up meals too.
As I was here in the afternoon, I stopped for a pick-me-up coffee and tried one of their homemade cakes.
As before, they also have adult beverages if you fancy them, and you can sit indoors or out in their beer garden if the weather is nice.
3. Shop for Gods Own Junkyard souvenirs
If you want to take some of the magic home with you, the museum also has a gift shop.
They sell custom-made t-shirts, mugs, pens, badges, and even notebooks of Gods Own Junkyard.
They also have prints and postcards if you want to hang them on the wall.
They also have a selection of books, including Steel Dogs, which tells the story of Chris Bracey and this incredible labour of love.
4. Buy or rent neon signs
These neon signs aren’t just for photos. You can actually buy or rent one while you’re here.
Whether you have a wedding or an event coming up or just want to display one, you can enquire about buying or renting at the front desk.
I will warn you, renting these is an investment. So, come prepared.
5. Can you take pictures at Gods Own Junkyard?
Yes, since it’s become a social media superstar, lots of visitors want to take photos/videos inside Gods Own Junkyard.
You can use your mobile phones for social media or personal use, but the staff do not permit DSLR cameras.
Fortunately, phone camera quality is excellent these days. So, it shouldn’t be an issue for most.
Gods Own Junkyard opening times
Access to Gods Own Junkyard is only on the following days:
- Fridays: 11 am – 10 pm
- Saturdays: 11 am – 10 pm
- Sundays: 11 am – 6 pm
It’s completely closed from Monday to Thursday.
How to Visit Gods Own Junkyard in London
Gods Own Junkyard is in Walthamstow, a district in North East London. It’s tucked away inside Ravenswood Industrial Estate.
The nearest tube station to Gods Own Junkyard is Walthamstow Central, the Victoria Line terminus.
From Walthamstow Central, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the Ravenswood Industrial Estate. You’ll see a welcome sign when you arrive.
Gods Own Junkyard, Unit 12 Ravenswood Ind Estate, Shernhall Street, London, E17 9HQ. Click here for a Google Pin.
Places to visit near Gods Own Junkyard
Walthamstow Village has some amazing markets, coffee shops and diverse restaurants with global cuisine on the High Street.
You’ll find the Squires Alms Houses, founded in 1795, the Vestry Museum and the Tudor Ancient House.
This stands opposite the delightful St Mary’s Church, founded in the Norman Era. Also, the Old Town Hall was originally built in 1876.
Further on, you have the William Morris Gallery, a Georgian house with an Arts and Crafts gallery.
You can also head out to Walthamstow Wetlands to see London’s newest nature reserve.
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Save Gods Own Junkyard for later
OMG – this place is soooo cool! But why would anyone go in and not want to stop for a cuppa?! I couldn’t think of a more fascinating place for to go for a bite to eat/ afternoon tea! This has definitely been added to my London bucket list, though when I’ll ever get back there I have no idea right now. Covid has other ideas…!
Right? Honestly, it was a like a dream world and the music playing there was also fab! It’s a bit out of the way from the typical London sites but worth the journey for sure! I know, it’s a shame. I hope that next year we can start visiting places again without all the worry. Sophie x
I hate that there is nowhere online pic of the whole menu they have. I want to check prices.
Hi Nelly, do you mean for the café or the bar? The prices were pretty average for a coffee and cake around £6. Hope this helps. Sophie x