From spooky tales to hands-on family activities, there’s something for everyone this October half term at the National Railway Museum – mystery, history, and plenty of fun along the way!

Step inside our newly reopened and restored Station Hall to see Royal carriages and explore the stories of station life. Enjoy playful storytelling inspired by our collection, with a sprinkling of spooky fun as you explore the more curious sides of railway history (Monday to Friday). 

Unleash your inner engineer and get hands-on in Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery. Packed with experiments and activities, explore the science of rail from aerodynamics to fuels and friction. Step into a human wind tunnel, send your models flying, build big and plan routes through Great Machine. Discover science demos with a seasonal twist and join the ghost of railway pioneer George Stephenson for a hands-on storytelling adventure through railway history.  

Explore Great Hall and see authentic railway engineering in action, or settle down by the STEM Shed to explore light and shadows to create spooky puppet shows.

Great news for rail enthusiasts young and old, the Miniature Railway is back! So grab your tickets and climb aboard.

We’re also offering a unique musical experience on Saturday 1 November with Changing Gear: Sounds in Station Hall, a free performance of electronic music celebrating 200 years of rail in the historic atmosphere of Station Hall. 

Museum entry is free, including activities in Station Hall and Great Hall. Charges apply for Wonderlab and the Miniature Railway. Find out more and book tickets on the Railway Museum website. 

📍 National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
📅 Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025
🔗 Visit the National Railway Museum website

This is a sponsored article in partnership with our friends at the National Railway Museum. Find more details about what’s going on in York during October half-term here.