No half term is complete without a visit to see the trains and rail vehicles in the huge halls of the National Railway Museum. Entry to the main museum remains free, so if you’re planning a visit, here are our top five things to see and do.
1. Explore HUGE vehicles!
As you enter Great Hall, you’ll be greeted by engines of all shapes and sizes. Step inside Shinkansen, the only bullet train outside Japan, hunt out Coppernob with its shining firebox and shrapnel damage from WW2, and check out the swooping art deco gold-leaf stripes of the Duchess of Hamilton.
2. Try the Flying Scotsman VR Experience
Put on your headsets for a fully immersive virtual reality experience with Flying Scotsman – the world’s most famous steam engine. You’ll explore the science behind steam power and join in with its 100mph record breaking run. There are some unexpected surprises in this multi-sensory experience!
3. Get hands-on in Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery
Step into a wind tunnel, make your models fly and launch a rocket as you explore the wonder of the science and engineering of the railways. Wonderlab is packed with experiments, activities and regular live shows and demonstrations – sometimes explosive!
4. Spot the Model Railway
There’s something enchanting about little trains, and the model railway captures imaginations young and old. Lovingly maintained by a group of volunteers, the trains run through tunnels, stations and pastoral scenes.
5. All aboard the Road Train!
Running between the museum and York Minster, the Road Train is a really fun way to arrive, especially for aspiring little train drivers. So check the clock on the board in Duncombe Place or outside the museum entrance and hop on board.
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
