National Railway Museum York
Explore Britain's rich railway heritage with iconic locomotives, interactive exhibits, and immersive history at York’s National Railway Museum.
The National Railway Museum in York is the UK's premier railway heritage site, housing over 100 locomotives and nearly 300 pieces of rolling stock. It showcases iconic trains like the Mallard, the fastest steam locomotive, and the Japanese bullet train. With free admission and engaging exhibits spanning three centuries, it offers a fascinating journey through Britain's railway history, engineering marvels, and social impact.
A brief summary to National Railway Museum York
- Leeman Rd, York, YO26 4XJ, GB
- +443300580058
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- 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 free admission ticket online in advance during busy periods to guarantee fast entry.
- Don’t miss the Wonderlab for hands-on science and engineering activities, ideal for families.
- Visit the Viewing Balcony in North Shed for unique views of real trains on the main line.
- Explore Station Hall to see the extensive royal carriages collection and experience a historic station atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
From York Railway Station, take a taxi or local bus for a 10-15 minute ride to the museum on Leeman Road. Buses run frequently, and taxis cost approximately £6-£10.
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Bus
Local bus services connect York city centre to the museum with a journey time of about 15 minutes. Single fares cost around £2-£3. Check schedules for frequency and accessibility.
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Road Train
During peak tourist seasons, the museum’s Road Train runs from Duncombe Place near York Minster directly to the museum entrance. Tickets cost about £3-£5 and the journey takes 10-15 minutes.
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Car
Visitors driving to the museum can use on-site parking (charges apply, approximately £5-£8 for a day). Parking availability may be limited during busy periods.
National Railway Museum York location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about National Railway Museum York
Celebrating Britain's Railway Legacy
The National Railway Museum in York stands as a monumental tribute to the history and impact of rail transport in Britain. Established as the custodian of the national collection, it preserves over 100 locomotives and nearly 300 other rolling stock items, all either built or operated in Great Britain. This extensive collection spans more than three centuries, offering a comprehensive narrative of technological innovation and societal transformation driven by railways.Iconic Locomotives and Engineering Marvels
Visitors are greeted by legendary machines such as the Mallard, holder of the world speed record for steam locomotives at 126 mph, and the sleek, technology-packed Eurostar power car. The museum also features the Duchess of Hamilton with its elegant art-deco design, and the Japanese bullet train, which visitors can board to experience a slice of high-speed rail history. These exhibits highlight the evolution of railway engineering and design, showcasing both power and aesthetic innovation.Immersive and Interactive Experiences
Beyond static displays, the museum offers engaging interactive elements like Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery, where families and visitors can explore engineering principles through hands-on experiments and live demonstrations. The newly restored Station Hall immerses guests in the atmosphere of a 150-year-old railway station, featuring the world’s most extensive collection of royal carriages alongside stories and artworks that bring railway life vividly to life.Exploring the Museum Spaces
The Great Hall houses the main collection of locomotives and rolling stock, while the North Shed overflows with railway memorabilia, models, and artifacts. The Viewing Balcony in the North Shed provides a unique vantage point to watch real trains on the main line. The museum’s layout encourages exploration of both grand and lesser-known railway stories, including those of locomotives like Coppernob and Bauxite, which bear marks of their hard working histories.Visitor Amenities and Accessibility
Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, the museum offers free admission with optional advance booking recommended during busy periods. Facilities include cafes serving meals and afternoon tea, a gift shop with railway-themed merchandise, and accessible entrances with assistance for visitors with disabilities. The museum is located on Leeman Road in York and is integrated into the York Central regeneration project, with ongoing improvements enhancing visitor experience.Living Heritage and Community Engagement
The National Railway Museum is not only a repository of history but also a vibrant cultural venue. It hosts events such as live signalling demonstrations, model railway operations, and special seasonal activities like the Festive Flying Scotsman. The museum also collects oral histories, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community, enriching its narrative with diverse perspectives. This dynamic approach ensures the museum remains a living space celebrating the enduring legacy and future of railways.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historic England - York Office
0.6 km
Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
St. Leonard's Hospital
0.7 km
Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
Anglian Tower
0.7 km
Discover York’s rare Anglo-Saxon watchtower, a unique stone relic woven into ancient Roman walls and shrouded in centuries of history.
Bootham Bar
0.8 km
Explore Bootham Bar, York’s medieval gateway with Roman roots, historic portcullis, and stunning views of the city’s ancient walls and Minster.
York Gifts and Souvenirs
0.8 km
Explore York Gifts and Souvenirs for locally crafted treasures and unique gifts that capture the essence of York's rich history and culture.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
0.8 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
The Norman House
0.9 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
Ouse Bridge
0.9 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Roman Bath
1.0 km
Discover ancient Roman baths beneath a lively York pub, blending history and hospitality in the heart of the city.
The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York
1.0 km
A soaring Gothic masterpiece in the heart of York, where 1,400 years of faith, history, and light-filled architecture converge in one of England’s greatest cathedrals.
Roman Column
1.0 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
York Minster
1.0 km
Discover the grandeur of York Minster, a stunning Gothic cathedral steeped in history and architectural brilliance, perfect for visitors seeking cultural immersion.
Parliament St
1.0 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
The York Dungeon
1.0 km
Experience the chilling tales of York's past at The York Dungeon, where history, horror, and entertainment intersect for an unforgettable adventure.
Medieval Walls
1.0 km
Walk England’s longest medieval walls, tracing 2,000 years of York’s history with stunning city views and iconic fortified gateways.
Unmissable attractions to see
Miniature Railway
0.1 km
A charming miniature railway ride nestled within York’s National Railway Museum, blending family fun with historic railway heritage.
The Ghost Bus Tours York
0.4 km
Experience the chilling tales of York's haunted history aboard The Ghost Bus Tours, a unique blend of entertainment and storytelling.
Dame Judi Dench Walk
0.5 km
A peaceful riverside stroll in York honoring Dame Judi Dench, blending historic views with tranquil urban nature.
St Olave's Church York
0.5 km
Discover York’s medieval St Olave’s Church, a tranquil sanctuary rich in Viking heritage, stunning stained glass, and centuries of history.
Museum Gardens
0.6 km
Discover York Museum Gardens: a historic botanical oasis blending medieval ruins, lush greenery, and vibrant community life in the city centre.
York Observatory
0.6 km
Explore Yorkshire’s oldest working observatory nestled in York’s scenic Museum Gardens, home to historic telescopes and star clocks.
Barker Tower
0.6 km
Discover the medieval charm and historical significance of Barker Tower, a must-visit landmark in the heart of York.
Yorkshire Museum
0.6 km
Explore Yorkshire’s rich history from prehistoric fossils to Viking treasures in York’s iconic Greek Revival museum nestled in tranquil gardens.
York's Tansy Beetle Mural
0.6 km
A vibrant street art tribute in York celebrating the rare, shimmering green Tansy Beetle and its fragile riverside habitat.
Multangular Tower
0.6 km
Explore York’s iconic ten-sided Roman tower blending ancient military might with medieval defense, nestled in serene Museum Gardens.
Micklegate Bar
0.6 km
Step through Micklegate Bar, York’s iconic medieval gatehouse steeped in history, legends, and centuries of city defense.
Hooting Owl Distillery York
0.6 km
York’s first city distillery: where craft gin, rum and vodka meet myth, magic and a touch of owl-inspired flair in a stylish bar-lounge.
Black window cat
0.7 km
Explore Black Window Cat in York, a vibrant tourist attraction blending art, culture, and community in a historic setting.
Locked in Games York
0.7 km
Solve puzzles, beat the clock and escape in York’s clever escape room centre near the museum gardens.
York Explore Library and Archive
0.7 km
York’s central library and city archives in a striking 1920s building, with books, study spaces, a café and regular free community events.
Essential places to dine
Roots York
0.4 km
Discover Roots York, a Michelin-starred gem offering seasonal farm-to-table tasting menus in a historic 19th-century setting with warm, refined ambiance.
The Rise
0.5 km
Modern British dining with a Yorkshire twist in York’s only five-star hotel, featuring an open kitchen, terrace views, and award-winning afternoon tea.
The Star Inn The City
0.6 km
Elegant riverside dining in York offering seasonal British cuisine with a rustic countryside charm and stunning views of the River Ouse.
Partisan
0.6 km
Artistic café serving seasonal brunch and lunch in a bohemian Parisian-inspired setting on historic Micklegate.
Skosh
0.6 km
Inventive small plates, global flavors, and theatrical kitchen views in intimate York setting.
Delrio's Restaurant
0.6 km
Experience authentic Italian and Sardinian cuisine in York’s cozy cellar setting, where passion and tradition create unforgettable flavors.
Brew & Brownie
0.7 km
Cozy family-run café in York serving locally inspired breakfasts, artisan coffee, and indulgent brownies in a rustic, welcoming setting.
Kapadokya
0.7 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Tomahawk Steakhouse York
0.7 km
Savor Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks and vibrant cocktails in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Tomahawk Steakhouse.
The Whippet Inn
0.8 km
York’s hidden steakhouse gem offering ethically sourced beef, cozy ambiance, and exceptional Sunday roasts in a stylish adults-only setting.
Casa Brazilian Rodizio
0.8 km
Experience authentic Brazilian rodizio dining with expertly grilled meats and vibrant flavors in the heart of York’s city centre.
The Ivy St Helen's Square York
0.8 km
Elegant British brasserie in York’s historic heart, offering modern classics, vibrant interiors, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
Bill's York Restaurant
0.8 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
The Botanist York
0.8 km
A vibrant botanical bar and restaurant on York’s historic Stonegate, blending fresh seasonal cuisine with live music and lush, nature-inspired interiors.
Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant
0.8 km
A vibrant York hotspot blending modern British cuisine, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hidden Treasures
0.7 km
Discover unique crystals and spiritual tools in a tranquil metaphysical shop at York’s George Hudson Street.
The Imaginarium
0.8 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
0.8 km
A fragrant, playful haven of handmade soaps and scented treats in the heart of York – perfect for gifts and a little indulgence.
Greybear
0.9 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and unique gifts in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Greybear Vintage Gifts.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.9 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
Snowhome
0.9 km
Discover Snowhome, York’s premier independent lifestyle store blending exquisite stationery, niche perfumes, and sustainable home accessories since 2001.
Rookscroft
0.9 km
Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
Shared Earth
0.9 km
Discover ethically sourced treasures and handcrafted fair trade gifts in the heart of historic York.
York Minster Shop
0.9 km
Discover authentic souvenirs and specialist books celebrating York Minster's medieval heritage.
Paper Doll
0.9 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
The Cat Gallery
0.9 km
York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
SOCTOPUS
0.9 km
Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
York Souvenir's
0.9 km
Discover authentic York treasures and charming souvenirs at this friendly, independent gift shop in the heart of York.
Cello by Collectables
1.0 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
1.0 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
York Tap
0.3 km
Discover York Tap, a historic Edwardian pub at York Station, offering 32 rotating craft beer lines and a lively atmosphere for beer lovers.
The Maltings
0.6 km
A quirky, friendly pub in York offering a wide beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Tanner's Moat.
House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
0.7 km
Step into York’s medieval gem where historic ambiance meets an extraordinary craft beer selection in a quirky, lively setting.
Lendal Cellars
0.7 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
Revolution York
0.8 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
Eagle & Child
0.8 km
Historic 17th-century timber-framed pub in York offering craft ales, good food, and a charming beer garden in a quaint, lively setting.
Jalou York
0.8 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant cocktail bar with creative drinks and lively nightlife in the heart of York.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.8 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
The Punch Bowl
0.8 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
Dusk
0.8 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Ye Olde Starre Inne
0.8 km
Historic and welcoming pub on York’s Stonegate, serving hearty British classics in a charming medieval setting.
Tank & Paddle York
0.9 km
Craft beer paradise in York with riverside views, stone-baked pizzas, and 19 screens showing all major sports events.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.9 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
Evil Eye
0.9 km
Quirky cocktails and lively entertainment blend seamlessly in York’s vibrant Evil Eye Lounge on historic Stonegate.
Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
0.9 km
A lively cocktail bar and casual dining spot in York’s historic centre, perfect for social drinks, events, and weekend late nights.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Salvation
0.6 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
Flares - York
0.7 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.7 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.7 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
Popworld York
0.7 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
BlueBox
0.8 km
York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Kuda
1.0 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
2.0 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.2 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
33.3 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
33.9 km
Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.1 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
Disco Stu's
34.1 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Key Club
34.3 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
PRYZM
34.3 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Educational
- Relaxing
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Family Friendly
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
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