November 2023 by Gary Read
Free to visit but book tickets online beforehand. We used their car park opposite which was £10 all day. You have to pay in the museum, you get given a ticket with a code on it so you can get out. We spent a couple of hours in the museum then walked into York Centre which was about a 15 minute walk depending on how fast you walk. Get in the car park as early as you can as there are very limited spaces.
November 2023 by Mark Rasing
The museum boasts an impressive collection of locomotives and other rolling material. Not just the quantity, but even more the quality and the diversity. The collection is a show of craftmanship on many levels. Maybe the best collection in the world on this topic.However, the display of the exhibits is empty and without enthusiasm. There's little context or history displayed with the exhibits. Let alone a storyline or how they should be seen together in history. The museum feels like a big hangar filled with outstanding trains, that happen to be exquisitely restored, but just came together randomly. It's impressively sad. For example, there's a fantastic worked open steam locomotive but it fails to explain in a simple way how a steam engine works. There's also not sufficient lighting to properly light out the exhibits. It is missed opportunity after missed opportunity.Now maybe this is because the museum is undergoing reconstruction, maybe things will be better in the future. For now this is not a place to be proud of, but still a must see for the train enthusiast and still interesting for the average person. Especially since a visit is free of charge.
November 2023 by M Hurst
Loved this museum. Flying Scotsman, Mallard and many more famous trains displayed in their glory. Amazingly it's free entry. Great for all ages. Good food courts too. Only gripe is that in the main hall it is too dark to see inside the drivers cab footplates and passenger carriages, despite stairs up to them.
October 2023 by Rachel Percival
Great place, full of wonderful railway memorabilia. From full size, real trains to tiny models. The museum is free entry, and you could easily spend a few hours walking around, looking, and reading the information. Cafe on site, but also picnic benches available inside if you bring your own. Little gift shop have some lovely items for all ages. If you use the park and rise, from Rawcliffe, route 2, it stops right out the front of the museum, so really handy, and stress free.
October 2023 by Martin Fenn
Excellent 3hrs well spent, have not been for years...enjoyed every minute.Good for all the family especially if you like trains and their history.Plenty of memorabilia to see, goes from the start of the railway to today.A good display of Flying Scotsman's history.Possibly 3hrs is not enough to take it all in.
September 2023 by Glen Faulkner
If you like trains this is a must if you are in York. If you aren't bothered go anyway it's free! The Mallard is impressive, they have the last steam train built for British Railways and the largest train ever built in Britain. They have a good kids play area for toddlers but the Discovery centre was closed the week we went.Biggest dissapointment is the cafe, not much choice, quite expensive and nothing for kids but packed lunches. The crisps were the only thing my boy would have eaten but I couldn't purchase those separately.
September 2023 by Andy 500
A nice way to spend a couple of hours while in York. Straight through the station followed by a short sign posted walk to the museum. Free entry with donations welcome. Lots to look at with some interactions. Coffee shop and places to eat. Worth the visit :)
September 2023 by Rohit Patange
It's one of the best Railway Museum I have ever seen. I visited the same museum last year November month and last week this year and to my surprise the whole museum is totally changed. Before it was direct entry but now free entry via a time slot which can be Pre booked on the website. Now the Museum is divided in to multiple parts. It is having very good collection of so many types of Railway engines. Now it is having multiple washrooms, multiple cafes with variety of food items. Good place for kids to spend time in so many toys & mini railway models. It is now have multiple souvenir coin machines also installed. It will take couple of hours to complete the museum now. A very good place to know the full history of Railways.
September 2023 by Gary Napper
Visited as part of a road trip and was really looking forward to taking the family there. It is still a wonderful place but unfortunately most of it was closed. The large shed is under renovation for some time and the outside area is completely closed off. We still had a good time there but recommend avoiding the cafe and restaurant as the food is very expensive for what it is and the coffee is awful! Super friendly staff and the £10 all day parking is great.
September 2023 by Manoj S
We had a good time at the National Railway Museum in York! It's a fantastic place to explore the history of rail travel and engineering marvels. The diverse collection of rail engines and model trains provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of locomotives. The presence of a cafeteria is also convenient for a quick bite. Overall, it's a must-visit for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
September 2023 by Mollie Maynard
This is absolutely one of the best museums I've ever been too. Free entry via a time slot pre booked on the website. Currently undergoing work inside so looks different to how I remember. Gift shop reasonably over priced and something for everyone. Parking opposite available but this was full on arrival. Lockers available but these cost.
August 2023 by Abdulrabi Alawi Abdulla
I recently had the absolute pleasure of visiting the National Railway Museum in York, and it was an experience that completely exceeded my expectations. As a history enthusiast, I was already captivated by the incredible charm of the city of York itself, but the museum took my appreciation of this historical gem to a whole new level!From the moment I walked through the doors, I was struck by the grandeur of the museum. The vast collection of old trains and its rich history effortlessly transported me back in time, igniting a deep fascination for the world of railways. The museum's ability to connect visitors with the past is truly remarkable.The displays were meticulously curated, and I was in awe of the range and variety of locomotives showcased. The attention to detail and the preservation of these beautifully restored trains made it evident that the museum's staff and curators are passionate about their work. It was truly a visual feast!One of the highlights of my visit was the chance to explore the famous Flying Scotsman locomotive. The awe-inspiring size and elegance of this iconic train left me standing in awe. Being able to marvel at its craftsmanship up close was an extraordinary experience that I will cherish for a lifetime.Moreover, the museum did an exceptional job of incorporating interactive exhibits that engaged visitors of all ages. From simulators that allowed me to experience the thrill of being in the driver's seat to informative and entertaining presentations, there was never a dull moment during my visit. It was educational and enthralling, catering to both enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.The National Railway Museum not only serves as a hub for train aficionados but also as a comprehensive educational resource. The museum's commitment to preserving the rail heritage and sharing knowledge with visitors is truly commendable.Beyond the museum's impressive content, its location in the historically rich city of York adds an extra layer of charm and allure. Exploring the vibrant city before or after the museum visit enriches the overall experience and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the fascinating history that permeates every cobblestone and building.I highly recommend the National Railway Museum in York to anyone seeking a captivating, educational, and memorable experience. Whether you're a railway enthusiast, a history lover, or simply someone looking for a unique and adventurous outing, this is an absolute must-visit destination. Trust me; you won't be disappointed!Thank you, National Railway Museum York, for the outstanding journey through time. My visit was truly unforgettable, and I can't wait to return for another incredible adventure!
August 2023 by Wojciech Przytulski
The British Train Museum in York is a captivating experience for all ages. The collection consists of beautifully preserved locomotives and carriages that offer a glimpse into the rich history of British railways. The interactive exhibits and knowledgeable staff make the visit truly educational and entertaining. The museum's impressive layout allows for easy navigation, and the highlight is the opportunity to climb aboard some of the trains. A visit here is a must for train enthusiasts and anyone curious about the evolution of transportation in Britain.
July 2023 by Dave Ashford
Every boy's dream - and their dad's too! Great selection of locomotives, mainly steam, and lots of other railway-related items too. Good information displays and helpful staff. I particularly enjoyed the 20 minute talk on how a steam engine works, which was free, as was the entry. You just have to book ahead of time, although I think you can just turn up and wait if it's busy.
July 2023 by Jack Kwong
Great for family?s. Old trains or modelling fans would be delighted here. Can touch a lot of old decent trains models here. Food, souvenirs, books. Can stay half of a day. Free entry. Must go if you re in Yorkshire.
