National Railway Museum York

The National Railway Museum is located near the railway station in York. The museum tells the story of rail transport in Britain and its impact on society. There’s plenty to see and do and we always manage to spend a good few hours there.

What is there to do at the National Railway Museum?

It is a free, attraction although they have recently opened the new Wonderlab which is a charged attraction. The museum is currently going through a major revamp. The main hall with all the diesel and steam engines is still open, however, the exhibition area at the rear with the carriages is closed for repairs to the roof until autumn 2024 and there is a new hall being built which will open sometime in 2025. There is still plenty to see and do and we spent a few hours there the other day.

It is a little complicated at the moment in that you have to book a timed slot for Wonderlab and on the same booking you need to book a time slot to visit. When I tried to book there were no time slots for most of the morning to just visit the museum yet there were still tickets to Wonderlab.

Wonderlab isn’t cheap at £9 for an adult and £7.20 for a child aged 4-16. It is an excellent new space but my 10-year-old had had enough after 40 minutes. It was just too busy for him and he shies away from hectic situations.

There are loads of interactive exhibits (some similar to the Science & Media Museum and some similar to Magna). It’s a great space for children to learn how things work and our favourite was learning how best to make a piece of paper float. Simple but lots of fun. There are also some fun tubes to send balls through and also to send material through where changing the direction can send it elsewhere. It is worth noting that the miniature railway and play area won’t be open for some time if at all as that is part of the revamp.

Important Information National Railway Museum York

Is there food and drink available?

There are currently two cafes in the main hall.

What are the main things to do?

Large hall with diesel and steam trains, exhibitions and a new interactive Wonderlab for children. There are toilets on-site and cafes.

What are the ticket prices?

Free – there is a charge for Wonderlab
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online. Wonderlab costs £9 per adult without donation and £7.20 for children aged 4-16. Under 4s are free.