The Postal Museum, London
Explore centuries of British postal history and ride the iconic Mail Rail beneath London’s streets at The Postal Museum.
The Postal Museum in Clerkenwell, London, offers a fascinating journey through over 500 years of British postal history. Visitors explore interactive exhibits, rare artifacts like the Penny Black stamp, and experience the unique Mail Rail ride through historic underground postal tunnels. Open Tuesday to Sunday, the museum combines social history with immersive technology, making it a captivating destination for all ages interested in communication heritage.
A brief summary to The Postal Museum
- 15-20 Phoenix Pl, London, WC1X 0DA, GB
- +443000300700
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book your Mail Rail ride tickets online in advance to secure a seat, as availability is limited.
- Allow at least 1 to 2 hours to fully explore both the museum exhibits and the Mail Rail experience.
- Visit the 'Sorted!' play area if you have children under eight for a fun, interactive experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the museum spans two buildings with some walking between them.
- Check opening hours before your visit, especially around holidays when hours may vary.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Farringdon or Barbican stations, both served by the Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines. From there, it is a 10-15 minute walk to the museum. A single journey costs £2.50–£4.90 with Oyster or contactless cards, depending on your starting zone.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Phoenix Place, including routes 55, 243, and 153. Bus fares are £1.75 with an Oyster or contactless card. Buses run frequently throughout the day, typically every 8-15 minutes.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London to the museum takes approximately 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares around £10-£20. Note that parking in Clerkenwell is very limited and not recommended.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in central London, walking to the museum is feasible and enjoyable, with routes taking 15-30 minutes over mostly flat terrain. The area is pedestrian-friendly but can be busy during peak hours.
The Postal Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about The Postal Museum
A Legacy of Communication Across Centuries
The Postal Museum chronicles the evolution of Britain's postal service from its origins in the 16th century under Henry VIII to its modern-day significance. Housing tens of thousands of objects and millions of stamps, the museum reveals how postal communication shaped social and cultural life. Highlights include the world's first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black, and cryptic Victorian Valentine cards that offer glimpses into past eras. The museum’s collections illuminate the vital role of mail in connecting people and communities long before the digital age.Immersive Experiences and Interactive Exhibits
Visitors engage with a variety of hands-on displays that bring postal history to life. Interactive activities include sorting mail, designing stamps, and playing a mail coach game where you fend off highwaymen. The museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions explore diverse themes, from wartime letters to the uniforms of Royal Mail staff over 240 years. These exhibits provide a rich, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains, making postal history accessible and engaging for all ages.The Iconic Mail Rail Adventure
A standout feature is the Mail Rail, a miniature underground railway that once transported mail beneath London’s streets for nearly a century. Visitors ride through the original tunnels and stations beneath the Mount Pleasant sorting office, traveling from Paddington to Whitechapel. The ride includes an audio-visual show highlighting a century of postal engineering innovations. This theatrical journey offers a unique perspective on the hidden infrastructure that kept the city’s mail moving efficiently.Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
The museum is fully accessible, with level access, ramps, lifts, and facilities designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities. While the Mail Rail ride has some accessibility limitations due to its historic nature, a video alternative is available. Additional amenities include a café, shop, and a dedicated play area called 'Sorted!' for children under eight. The museum also offers discounts for disabled visitors, carers, and Royal Mail staff, ensuring an inclusive experience.Location and Opening Hours
Situated at 15-20 Phoenix Place in Clerkenwell, the Postal Museum is easily reachable via London’s public transport network, with nearby Tube stations including Farringdon and Barbican. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, with the last Mail Rail ride at 4pm. Tickets grant unlimited access to the museum for one year and include one Mail Rail ride on the first visit. Advance booking is recommended, especially for the popular Mail Rail experience.Engaging Stories and Current Exhibitions
The museum also hosts special exhibitions, such as 'Voices of Resistance,' which explores the postal service’s connections to the transatlantic slave trade and the lives of enslaved people in the Caribbean. These thought-provoking displays deepen understanding of postal history’s broader social impacts. The Postal Museum continues to evolve, offering new insights and events that highlight the enduring importance of communication in society.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Educational
- Family Friendly
- Interactive
- Historic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
