A Visitor's Introduction to The National Railway Museum

Why Visit the National Railway Museum?

The National Railway Museum offers a unique and comprehensive look at the history of rail travel, focusing on how trains have shaped industrial, economic, and social life in Britain and around the world. It provides an engaging experience for visitors of all ages, with interactive exhibits, a vast collection of locomotives, and fascinating artifacts. Visitors can explore everything from the earliest steam engines to luxurious royal carriages, gaining insights into both the technical innovations and human stories behind the railways.

The museum is free to enter, making it an accessible and educational attraction for individuals, families, and school groups. Its location, close to York city centre, also makes it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing in the historic city.

National Railway Museum Highlights

1. The Great Hall: The heart of the National Railway Museum, the Great Hall is an expansive space that houses many of the museum’s most famous locomotives. Here, visitors can see iconic trains such as the Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive, which set a world speed record of 126 mph in 1938. The Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet Train), which revolutionised rail travel in Japan, is another highlight, showcasing the global impact of rail innovation. The hall also includes Eurostar and InterCity 125 trains, representing more modern advancements in rail technology.

2. The Royal Trains: The museum’s collection includes several opulent royal carriages used by British monarchs, giving visitors a glimpse into how the royal family traveled by train in luxury and style. Highlights include Queen Victoria’s lavishly decorated saloon from 1869 and the carriages used by King Edward VII and Queen Elizabeth II. The exhibit explores the long-standing relationship between the monarchy and the railways, as well as the craftsmanship that went into these unique carriages.

3. The Station Hall: Housed in a former goods depot, the Station Hall provides a more atmospheric glimpse into railway history. The hall recreates the experience of a Victorian railway station, complete with platforms, vintage signs, and restored passenger carriages from different eras. Visitors can walk through the carriages, learning about the changing nature of rail travel, from the introduction of third-class tickets for the working class to the more refined carriages of first-class passengers.

4. The Warehouse: For those interested in the smaller, often overlooked details of railway history, the Warehouse is a treasure trove of railway-related objects. This open storage area contains thousands of artifacts, from railway signs and models to clocks, uniforms, and equipment. Visitors can explore the shelves to see how railways influenced everyday life and discover quirky and unexpected pieces of railway memorabilia.

5. Interactive Exhibits and Learning Zones: The museum offers several interactive areas, making it a fantastic experience for children and families. The Workshop, an interactive learning space, allows visitors to try their hand at railway-related tasks and learn about engineering and the science behind trains. Miniature railway rides and turntable demonstrations provide a hands-on experience of how the railways work, while the Road Train takes visitors between York city centre and the museum.

6. The Collection Store: This behind-the-scenes area offers visitors a chance to see the conservation and maintenance work that goes into preserving the museum’s collection. The Collection Store is home to numerous engines, carriages, and parts that are not currently on display, giving railway enthusiasts an opportunity to see rare items up close.

National Railway Museum Facilities and Visitor Information

The National Railway Museum provides a wide range of visitor amenities. Guided tours are available for those who want more in-depth insights into the exhibits, and audio guides are offered to help visitors navigate the museum at their own pace. For families, there are family trails and educational activities designed to engage children with the history of railways.

The museum has several dining options, including the Dining Car Restaurant, where visitors can enjoy meals in a recreated railway dining car setting. The Mallard Café offers light snacks and drinks, perfect for a break during a visit. For souvenirs, the museum’s gift shop sells railway-themed gifts, books, models, and toys.

The museum is fully accessible, with ramps and lifts throughout the exhibits. There are also accessible restrooms, and wheelchairs are available for loan. The museum offers free admission, though donations are encouraged to help with its ongoing conservation work.

Nearby Attractions

The National Railway Museum is located near York’s historic city centre, making it easy to combine a visit with other nearby attractions. York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, is just a short walk away, offering stunning architecture and centuries of history. The Shambles, a narrow, medieval street with timber-framed buildings, is another popular destination close by, known for its charming shops and cafes.

York’s city walls, which date back to Roman times, are also nearby and offer a scenic walk with views of the city and the Minster. For those interested in the region’s Viking heritage, the Jorvik Viking Centre provides an immersive experience of York’s Viking past, complete with reconstructed Viking streets and artifacts.

Practical Advice for Visitors

The museum is open daily, but hours may vary, so it’s a good idea to check the official website for up-to-date information on opening times and any special events or exhibitions. While entry to the museum is free, some special events or experiences, such as rides on the miniature railway, may require a small fee.

The museum is large, so visitors should plan to spend at least two to three hours exploring its exhibits. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as there’s plenty to see across the museum’s different halls. If you’re interested in attending a turntable demonstration or a behind-the-scenes tour, it’s worth checking the schedule upon arrival to plan your visit.

York railway station is just a short walk from the museum, making it easy to reach by train. For those driving, there is parking available on-site, though spaces can fill up quickly during peak times.