National Railway Museum York
National Railway Museum York things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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🚂 Quirky and fun places in the UK are truly free of charge - York
Gudrun PattersonGudrun Patterson
272
York Experience 🌟
Adriana RussellAdriana Russell
282
UK Travel 🇬🇧 Half-Day Itinerary for the National Railway Museum
Solveig BellSolveig Bell
371
We love the NRM and came for a visit before a large part is closed for refurbishment of the roof. Even now the museum is as fab as ever. I'm not a fan of the booking a free ticket idea with two toddlers on public transport hitting even a 30 min slot can be challenging so I end up booking a few slots and wasting some so the museum potentially loses out on that. Equally most turn up and enter people without tickets seem to be admitted - but that's not something you know of until you get there. Just seems pointless stress and a waste of money and resources for the musuem. That said there seems to be plenty of staff including someone stood outside telling people to go inside. I think a few could be more gainfully employed with a duster or air duster. Wandering around the museum is great, you can get up close with most things. Some platforms would be nice in the main hall. With children in particular it would be good if we could have more open cabs and coaches. Why not put a few cabs from scrapped engines and units along the wall like the class 800 mock up which seems to have been shoved out of the way and hidden at the moment. Make one of them a driving SIM or just play a cab ride video over some of the more interesting places and charge £3 for a go. Like the Mallard experience. The perennial let down at the NRM is the cafe/food, the food is grim and daft prices... £4.60 for a naff cheap sausage roll, £6.40 for a ham and cheese toastie. The quality is poor and we ended up leaving a bit earlier and going into York, a missed opportunity for the NRM. Kill off some of the horrible items add in stuff like jacket potatoes with a choice of salad and fillings £5. Freshly made sandwiches on decent bread with a few crisps and a bit of salad again £5 and so on. The numbers of cafe staff certainly already exist largely inefficiently standing about or faffing. Seriously NRM Have a look at Eureka's kids meal offers for sensible kids meals with a nod to being healthy. Sometimes, The NRM seems to forget what it is at heart and some precious space has been consumed with stuff like the Bramhall Gallery. While excellent it's should be at a branch of the science museum or Eureka. Seems to be used as a play centre by locals. The model railway section is perennially hugely popular, with young and old... Why not expand this? Off some exhibitions? Educational activities, model making for kids even if it is at an extra charge?
Tom BTom B
00
A Fascinating Journey Through Rail History Rating: 4.5/5 The Museum offers a captivating journey through the history of rail transportation. Upon entering, visitors are greeted with an impressive collection showcasing the vast array of locomotives and carriages. There is the opportunity to explore the fleet of trains on display, providing a hands-on experience for enthusiasts of all ages. Additionally, the availability of virtual reality for the Flying Scotsman adds an exciting dimension to the visit, particularly for those above the age of 8. There is also an impressive collection of train related artefacts from dining sets, to leather benches, to signs etc in the North Shed. Families will appreciate the ample space for children to roam and explore, as well as the soft play area catering to younger visitors. Moreover, the provision of locker space for luggage enhances the convenience of the visit. Accessibility is seamless with easy step-free access to the rail station, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the museum comfortably. While the cafe offers a good quality selection, the limited warm food options may leave some visitors wanting more variety. However, this minor drawback is overshadowed by the overall excellence of the museum experience. With so much to see and do, it's easy to lose track of time, as evidenced by our enjoyable three-hour visit, which exceeded our expectations. Additionally, the inclusion of Wonderlab within the museum further enriches the experience, offering additional opportunities for discovery and exploration. In conclusion, the National Railway Museum of York is a must-visit destination for both railway enthusiasts and families alike, offering a rich tapestry of history, interactive exhibits, and memorable experiences. We will surely be back!
Noelle NgNoelle Ng
00
The National Railway Museum in York is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in history, engineering, or simply looking for a unique and educational experience. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with an incredible collection of trains and locomotives that span the entire history of rail travel. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, offering fascinating insights into the development of railways and their impact on society. What makes this museum truly special is the way it engages visitors of all ages. Interactive displays and hands-on exhibits make learning about the railway’s past both fun and informative. The sheer size and grandeur of the locomotives on display are awe-inspiring, and it’s easy to spend hours exploring every nook and cranny of this expansive museum. The staff and volunteers are exceptionally knowledgeable and enthusiastic, always ready to share their passion for railways and answer any questions you might have. The museum also offers a variety of special events and exhibitions throughout the year, ensuring that there is always something new to discover. While the technical details of the locomotives might not be extensively covered in the exhibits, the overall experience is rich with historical context and visual splendor. The museum’s layout allows you to get up close and personal with many of the exhibits, giving a tangible sense of the size and complexity of these magnificent machines. In summary, the National Railway Museum in York is a captivating destination that brings the history of rail travel to life in a way that is accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast or just looking for a fascinating day out, this museum is sure to leave a lasting impression. Highly recommended!
Piotr LeszczynskiPiotr Leszczynski
00
Nearby Attractions Of National Railway Museum York
York Minster
Museum Gardens
The Milner York
York Art Gallery
Yorkshire Museum
York Theatre Royal
Barley Hall
Dean's Park
St Mary's Abbey
The Original Ghost Walk of York

York Minster
4.7
(8.6K)Click for details

Museum Gardens
4.7
(3.5K)Click for details

The Milner York
4.2
(1.4K)Click for details

York Art Gallery
4.3
(1K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of National Railway Museum York
Betty's Café Tea Rooms
Turtle Bay York
House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (The Original)
Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
The Punch Bowl - JD Wetherspoon
Yates York
Ye Olde Starre Inne
The Cut & Craft York
Lucia Restaurant
Bill's York Restaurant

Betty's Café Tea Rooms
4.6
(3.6K)$$$
Click for details

Turtle Bay York
4.8
(3.3K)Click for details

House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (The Original)
4.7
(2.1K)Click for details

Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
4.3
(2.1K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 330 058 0058
Call
Website
railwaymuseum.org.uk
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(11K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
accessibility
Description
The National Railway Museum is a museum in York forming part of the Science Museum Group. The museum tells the story of rail transport in Britain and its impact on society.
attractions: York Minster, Museum Gardens, The Milner York, York Art Gallery, Yorkshire Museum, York Theatre Royal, Barley Hall, Dean's Park, St Mary's Abbey, The Original Ghost Walk of York, restaurants: Betty's Café Tea Rooms, Turtle Bay York, House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (The Original), Slug & Lettuce York Riverside, The Punch Bowl - JD Wetherspoon, Yates York, Ye Olde Starre Inne, The Cut & Craft York, Lucia Restaurant, Bill's York Restaurant

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