STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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STEAM-punked: Rolling into Hilarity at Swindon's Loco-Mirth Museum! Hold onto your whistle, because our trip to STEAM in Swindon was a one-way ticket to the funniest station in town! Picture this: a Christmas market in an old train yard, stalls more tempting than a buffet cart at midnight, and laughter echoing louder than a runaway locomotive. All aboard the hilarity express! Navigating the museum was like riding the comedy caboose through time. The Truro-namentally fantastic train had us in stitches – I've never seen a locomotive wear a Santa hat with such panache. It was festive enough to make the North Pole jealous. Now, going under a train? It's not your typical Sunday stroll, but at STEAM, it's like doing the limbo with locomotives. I went from "Mind the Gap" to "Mind the Undercarriage!" Forget tightropes; this is a real balancing act. The old GWR posters were a blast from the past, urging us to embrace the charm of yesteryear. They were so convincing; I almost expected a telegram from Queen Victoria inviting us for afternoon tea on the Royal Train. Spoiler alert: no royal invitations arrived. Speaking of royals, we ventured into a royal train carriage – it was so posh, even the upholstery looked down on my jokes. If those plush seats could talk, they'd probably be sharing tea-time gossip about the good old days when trains were more steamy romance than steam engines. Our journey to Swindon by train, however, was less glamour, more grumble. The train of yester-year would scoff at our modern ride – no dining cars, no chandeliers, just a faint smell of microwaved sandwiches and a toddler's temper tantrum. Bring back the golden age of travel, where even the ticket inspector had charisma! And let's not forget the end-of-the-line amusement games – a funfair for railway enthusiasts! Picture train-themed games so pun-tastic, they had us laughing harder than a locomotive with a good joke. Who knew you could have so much fun without leaving the tracks? In conclusion, STEAM in Swindon is a first-class ticket to historical wonder and laughter that chugs along like a tipsy train. The museum, far from a comedy caboose, offers a splendid journey through time and an abundance of chuckles. If you're ready for an entertaining ride into the rich history of trains, STEAM is the station to be – next stop, the junction of Knowledge and Hilarity! 🚂🎭
Daniel MurphyDaniel Murphy
00
We really enjoyed our trip to the Steam museum, especially my four year-old who loves trains. I liked that the museum gives you the background to the railway works at Swindon as well as the train exhibits. I really appreciated this as my Grandad used to work here many years ago. I like the way that you can interact with the exhibits. So the walkway underneath a steam train, it helps you to appreciate the engineering and the work involved in making a steam train. I also enjoyed the signalling shed where you can get guided through signalling to switch points for two trains to pass. There’s also a children’s set of signals too. The steam train driving simulator was great fun. There’s a few different coaches too that you can step inside. An old royal coach, used by Queen Victoria, a buffet coach (it was like a glimpse into another world, it even had the smell of cigarette smoke) and a guard’s van. There’s a recreated station, with an old ticket hall. It also celebrates some of the women who were pioneers in the rail industry, which is great. Most of the museum is level. There’s some raised areas, and they’re accessible by both ramps and stairs. There’s a lift and stairs up to the gallery of names of people employed at Swindon works. The only section that’s accessible only by stairs is the walkway under the steam train. There’s plenty of baby changing. As well as a dedicated baby changing room, there’s baby changing in both the men’s and women’s toilets (everywhere should have this!). Also a cafe and a gift shop. All in all, this was an enjoyable visit and I’m happy to recommend to others.
Victoria SVictoria S
20
Attended the comic convention at the steam museum and I have to admit it was a weird experience compared to other conventions if been to, it was sat alongside the railway museum so it was a little tight and unclear what was really going on, there also was not much direction so you had to wander and hope to find all the various parts of the convention yourself some area poorly lit so you weren't sure if you were even supposed to be in there. The convention itself was to my mind rather weak offering more of a pay to come shop here than a real convention, no speaker, no real shows or anything beyond a costume competition which was not till the afternoon and due to being packed in there was little space for those in costume to move around and no real area to change or rest if you did go from the opening at 10am and wait 5 hours to take part or watch. There was a offering from safvr to try their vr kit and the local makers showing off their space, beyond that it was all stalls to buy from a couple of old TV personalities selling autographs and chatting with the fans if they queued up for the chance. There were some nice props so I'll add my pictures of them and that about it.
IDEDonlineIDEDonline
00
Not a working museum, in the sense that you can see any engines in steam, but more of an experience which shows you how life in the railway workshops and engine sheds of the pre nationalisation great western railway company would have been. At least, in the imagination of the museum creators! I suspect life was hard and living conditions poor, but even if the reconstructions show a sanitised version of life as a foundry worker or railway worker, what certainly comes across clearly is the pride in, and scope of, British railway engineering in that era. A complete history of engine construction from forging every part right up to the final production of working steam locks, carriages and paraphernalia. (And housed in part of the old railway construction workshops!) For any railway enthusiast or historian this will be a treat. For anyone with a passibgbinterest in social history, it will be fascinating. And for young and old alike, it is an amazing insight into a world that has been lost for ever.
Rod BRod B
00
5-star STEAM AHEAD! Swindon Steam Museum, officially known as the STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway, is a captivating and immersive experience that transports visitors back in time to the golden age of steam-powered locomotion. Located in the heart of Swindon, the museum boasts a well-curated collection of beautifully restored locomotives, interactive exhibits, and engaging multimedia presentations, offering a comprehensive and informative insight into the rich history and engineering marvels of the Great Western Railway. The dedicated staff and knowledgeable volunteers are always eager to share their passion and expertise, ensuring that visitors of all ages leave with a deeper appreciation for the innovation, craftsmanship, and human stories that defined this pivotal era in Britain's industrial heritage.
SLART ARTISTSLART ARTIST
20
A fantastic museum covering the great GWR and history of the locomotive works that were once there. We didn't know what to expect but we're pleasantly surprised by both the quality of the exhibits and the information supplied on screens(just long enough and informative). My one and only criticism, was the on the Bell given to locomotive 6000 King George V on a vist to USA it would have been nice to read the inscription on that bell(printed placard with inscription on would suffice) My wife(not a rail buff) did enjoy her time inside museum and we were both surprised how 2hours flew by. Following on from the museum a wander through the shopping outlet next door continued the engine workshops theme with a very sympathetic use of both old and modern on display throughout. Well done Swindon.
Colin CrannessColin Cranness
10
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(1K reviews)
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+44 1793 466646
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Website
steam-museum.org.uk
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