The Postal Museum, London
Discover five centuries of postal history and ride London’s secret underground Mail Rail at The Postal Museum in Clerkenwell.
The Postal Museum in London offers a captivating journey through over five centuries of postal history, showcasing the evolution of communication from the 16th century to the modern day. Visitors can explore interactive exhibitions, see rare artifacts like the Penny Black stamp, and experience the unique Mail Rail ride through the original underground postal tunnels beneath Mount Pleasant sorting office. Located in Clerkenwell, this family-friendly museum blends history, technology, and immersive storytelling.
A brief summary to The Postal Museum
- 15-20 Phoenix Pl, London, WC1X 0DA, GB
- +443000300700
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 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 ticket online in advance to secure a timed slot as seats are limited and popular.
- Allow 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the museum and enjoy the Mail Rail experience at a relaxed pace.
- Visit on a weekday if possible to avoid larger weekend crowds and have a quieter experience.
- Take time to enjoy the museum café’s homemade cakes and hot drinks for a pleasant break during your visit.
- Check for special exhibitions and family-friendly activities, especially if visiting with children.
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 Station, served by the Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to The Postal Museum. Tube fares range from £2.50 to £5 depending on zones and ticket type.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Clerkenwell, including routes 55, 243, and 341. Bus journeys from central London typically take 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. A contactless payment or Oyster card costs £1.75 per ride.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London to The Postal Museum takes approximately 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares between £10 and £20. Note that parking nearby is limited and expensive.
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Walking
If staying nearby in central London, walking to the museum is feasible and enjoyable, taking about 20-30 minutes from landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral. The route is mostly flat and accessible.
The Postal Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about The Postal Museum
A Legacy of Communication Through Centuries
The Postal Museum in London is a unique cultural institution dedicated to the history and impact of postal communication over more than 500 years. Its collection spans from the establishment of the postal network by Henry VIII in the 16th century to the present day, reflecting how postal services have shaped society and global connectivity. The museum houses tens of thousands of objects and millions of stamps, including the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black. This extensive archive offers a deep dive into the social and technological evolution of communication.Immersive Exhibitions and Interactive Experiences
Visitors to the Postal Museum can engage with a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions that bring postal history to life. Interactive displays allow guests to sort mail, design stamps, and even fend off highwaymen in a mail coach game, making the museum appealing to all ages. The exhibitions also feature personal stories conveyed through Victorian Valentine cards, wartime letters, and cryptic messages sent via pneumatic cannisters, highlighting the intimate role of postal services in everyday life.The Mail Rail: London’s Secret Postal Railway
A standout feature of the museum is the Mail Rail experience, an immersive ride on London’s historic underground postal railway. This miniature train takes visitors through tunnels beneath the Mount Pleasant sorting office, once used to transport mail across the city. The ride includes narrated stops and an audio-visual show that celebrates a century of postal engineering innovation. The Mail Rail operated 22 hours a day for decades, and today it offers a theatrical journey into a hidden world beneath London’s streets.Setting and Visitor Amenities
Located at 15-20 Phoenix Place in the Clerkenwell district, the Postal Museum is situated in a vibrant area just north of central London. The museum is housed in modern facilities that include a café serving homemade cakes and hot drinks, as well as accessible amenities such as ramps, lifts, and baby changing rooms. The museum is designed to be family-friendly and accessible, welcoming visitors of all ages and abilities.Planning Your Visit
The Postal Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, with the last Mail Rail ride departing at 16:00. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for the Mail Rail ride, which has limited seating and requires a timed slot. Admission includes unlimited access to the museum exhibitions for one year and one Mail Rail ride on the first visit. The museum also offers discounted entry with a National Art Pass and free entry for carers accompanying disabled visitors.Connecting Past and Present Through Postal Heritage
The Postal Museum not only preserves the rich heritage of the British postal service but also connects visitors to the ongoing story of communication. Through its engaging displays and the unique Mail Rail experience, it highlights the importance of postal services in shaping social networks long before the digital age. This museum offers a rare glimpse into a hidden facet of London’s history and the evolution of communication technology that continues to influence our world today.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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St Bartholomew's Gatehouse
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St Bartholomew the Great
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Sir William Wallace Memorial
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Exmouth Market
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Coram's Fields
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The Lamb
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Smallest Street in London
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Discover Emerald Court, London’s famously narrow alley, a hidden passage steeped in history and architectural contrasts in Bloomsbury.
St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church
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A majestic basilica-style church in London’s Little Italy, celebrating Italian heritage and faith since 1863.
Persephone books
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Explore the unique literary treasures of Persephone Books, a London bookshop dedicated to uncovering forgotten works by women authors.
Foundling Museum
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Brunswick Square Gardens
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Well Court
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Marx Memorial Library & Workers School
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The Crown Tavern
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Hatton Garden
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Essential places to dine
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St. John
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The Parcel Yard, King's Cross
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Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
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Margot
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Sarastro
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Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Circus
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Ikoyi Restaurant
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Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Inamo Covent Garden
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Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
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Punch & Judy
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Chez Antoinette
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Unique Gifts
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Family Friendly
- Fun-filled
- Educational
- Interactive
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
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
