Visit York’s Best Family Attraction 2025 – as voted for by thousands of parents in the Little Vikings Awards!
Celebrating its 50th birthday this year, families have been making memories together at the National Railway Museum since 1975. With free entry to the museum, you can explore a huge collection of trains, iconic rail vehicles, and a treasure trove of artefacts. New for February half term, Railway Firsts is an exhibition exploring innovations and unexpected ‘firsts’ that have shaped the railways and our lives.
For a day filled with hands-on science, we love Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery, filled with exhibits designed to unleash your child’s inner engineer. Play your way through the 18 different activities; step into the human wind tunnel, launch a rocket, plan routes to send balls through the ‘Great Machine’, design structures to withstand an earthquake and build big in Play Revolution. Staffed by wonderful science Explainers and with regular (explosive!) live science shows and demonstrations, Wonderlab is filled with fully interactive experiences and experiments. New to the demo area is Ultrasonic where staff explain how sound is used by railway engineers to keep trains running safely.
Experience Virtual Reality with Flying Scotsman
Celebrate 100 years of the world’s most famous steam locomotive with the immersive Flying Scotsman Virtual Reality Experience, perfect for ages 8+. Guided by a cast of historic figures you’ll journey back in time and around the world to explore key moments in its history. Feel the wind in your hair and the heat of the firebox as you race to 100mph!
Take the Road Train into Town
Linking up the museum with York Minster, the Road Train runs throughout the day and is by far the most fun way to travel as a family through York. Book on the day. Subject to availability.
With loads to explore, two cafés to choose from, space to roam and a Road Train to ride into town, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
Opening Hours: The museum is open seven days a week, 10.00 – 17.00. Wonderlab is open 10.00 –16.30, with last admission at 15.30. Flying Scotsman VR has timed tickets throughout the day.
Tickets: Entry to the main museum is free. Charges apply for tickets to Wonderlab, Flying Scotsman VR and the Road Train. Visit railwaymuseum.org.uk/whats-on for ticket prices and booking information.
This is a promotional feature in partnership with our friends at the National Railway Museum
