National Railway Museum York
Explore Britain's rich railway heritage with iconic locomotives, interactive exhibits, and historic carriages at York's National Railway Museum.
The National Railway Museum in York is the UK's premier rail heritage destination, showcasing over 100 locomotives and nearly 300 pieces of rolling stock. Free to enter, it offers an immersive journey through Britain's railway history with iconic trains like the Mallard and the Japanese Bullet Train, interactive exhibits, and extensive collections of railway artifacts in a historic setting.
A brief summary to National Railway Museum York
- Leeman Rd, York, YO26 4XJ, GB
- +443300580058
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 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, especially during busy periods, to guarantee fast entry.
- Visit Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery for hands-on science and engineering experiments perfect for families.
- Don't miss the restored Station Hall to experience the atmosphere of a historic Victorian railway station.
- Allow at least 2–3 hours to fully explore the extensive collections and interactive displays.
- Check the museum’s schedule for live demonstrations and special events to enrich your visit.
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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Train
From York Railway Station, take a 20-30 minute walk or a short taxi ride to the National Railway Museum. The walk is along well-signposted urban streets, suitable for most visitors. Taxis cost approximately £5-£10.
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Bus
Local bus services run regularly from York city center to the museum area, with journey times of around 10-15 minutes. Tickets cost about £2-£4 one way. Check schedules for frequency and accessibility.
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Road Train
During peak tourist seasons, a road train service operates between York Minster and the museum, offering a scenic and convenient transfer. Tickets are around £3-£5, and the ride lasts about 10 minutes.
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Car
Visitors arriving by car can use nearby paid parking facilities. Parking fees vary but typically range from £3 to £10 for a day. Note that the museum area is undergoing regeneration, so follow on-site signage for the best parking options.
National Railway Museum York location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about National Railway Museum York
A Celebration of British Railway Heritage
The National Railway Museum in York stands as a monumental tribute to the history and impact of rail transport in Britain. Housing the national collection of historically significant railway vehicles, it preserves over 100 locomotives and nearly 300 other items of rolling stock, all of which either ran on British railways or were built in the UK. From the sleek, record-breaking Mallard steam locomotive to the futuristic Japanese Bullet Train, the museum presents a comprehensive timeline of railway engineering and design.Immersive Exhibits and Historic Spaces
Visitors enter the Great Hall to be greeted by a stunning array of railway legends, including the Duchess of Hamilton with its elegant art-deco design and the technology-packed Eurostar power car. The recently restored Station Hall, a Grade II-listed 150-year-old gallery, immerses guests in the atmosphere of a busy Victorian station, featuring the world's most extensive collection of royal carriages alongside photographs, artworks, and oral histories that explore railway life.Engaging Experiences for All Ages
The museum offers hands-on learning in Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery, where families and curious minds can engage with live experiments and interactive challenges that bring engineering principles to life. The model railway layout in the Great Hall delights visitors daily with different trains running, maintained by dedicated volunteers. Regular demonstrations, including authentic signalling displays and storytelling sessions, deepen the connection to railway history and technology.A Living Museum with Rich Stories
Beyond the glamour of famous locomotives, the museum reveals the stories of lesser-known engines like Coppernob, bearing scars from wartime bombing, and Bauxite, showing evidence of hard work and rustic repairs. The North Shed houses an astonishing collection of railway memorabilia including models, silverware, signs, and sculptures, and offers a viewing balcony overlooking real trains on the main line, blending history with the present.Visitor Amenities and Accessibility
Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 (except December 24–26), the museum provides free admission with optional advance booking recommended during busy periods. Facilities include a cafe serving hot meals and afternoon tea, a gift shop with railway-themed merchandise, accessible toilets, and seating areas. The museum is committed to welcoming all visitors, including those with disabilities and families with children, ensuring a comfortable and educational visit.Ongoing Transformation and Community Engagement
The museum is undergoing a masterplan transformation to enhance visitor experience, including building a new Central Hall to unite Station Hall and Great Hall. It also actively records oral histories, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community, enriching its cultural heritage narrative. The National Railway Museum remains a vibrant hub for railway enthusiasts, historians, and curious travelers alike, celebrating over 50 years of preserving and sharing Britain’s railway legacy.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
- Relaxing
- Fun-filled
- Educational
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Art Deco Styles
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
- 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
