National Railway Museum, York
The National Railway Museum, beside York station, is Britain's largest railway museum and free to enter. It holds around 100 locomotives and carriages, including Mallard, the world's fastest steam locomotive, and a Japanese bullet train you can step into. Allow at least half a day.
Photos
Stefan Keleshev
Great Hall
The former York North locomotive depot is now the Great Hall, built around a turntable. Here you will find Mallard, which set the steam speed record, and a 0 Series Shinkansen, one of only two shown outside Japan. Look out too for early engines such as Coppernob from 1846 and the streamlined Duchess of Hamilton. The model railway is another favourite with children.
Station Hall
This Grade II listed former goods station reopened in September 2025 after a major refurbishment. It recreates the bustle of a station and holds the royal carriages used by monarchs from Queen Victoria onwards, with their richly fitted saloons. Signage and displays explain how a busy station worked, from parcels to passengers.
Family extras and getting there
Wonderlab, a hands-on science and engineering gallery, and a Flying Scotsman virtual reality ride are ticketed separately. There are cafés, picnic space and a shop. The museum is a short walk from York station, and a road train runs from Duncombe Place near the Minster. It is a good choice for a rainy day, and it is the largest museum of its type in Britain. Opening time is 10am, and arriving early beats the school-holiday crowds.
Highlights
- Free entry
- Mallard, the fastest steam locomotive
- Japanese 0 Series bullet train
- Royal carriages in the reopened Station Hall
- Wonderlab hands-on gallery (ticketed)
Good to know
- Entry is free but booking online is recommended at busy times.
- Wonderlab and the Flying Scotsman VR ride need separate tickets.
- Paid parking on site; assistance dogs only.
- Step-free access with lifts and wheelchairs available.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: visityork.org · en.wikipedia.org