Trip Planner:   Europe  /  UK  /  England  /  Yorkshire  /  North Yorkshire  /  York  /  National Railway Museum

National Railway Museum, York

4.7
#1 of 3,154 in Things to do in Yorkshire
Must see · History Museum · Specialty Museum
At National Railway Museum, learn about the history of trains and their effect on British society. This engaging museum, which won the European Museum of the Year Award in 2001, houses 100 locomotives and almost 200 items of rolling stock that either ran on British rails or that British manufacturers produced. Wander through the massive halls and board all types of trains, from the opulent Royal Train to a futuristic Japanese bullet train. Observe engineers working at their craft in the workshop and take a ride on the miniature railway outside. Guides are available to give children a fun education on Britain's rail history. Plan to visit National Railway Museum during your York vacation using our convenient York trip planner.
Create an itinerary including National Railway Museum
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Tours to National Railway Museum

FROM $67 BOOK WITH VIATOR York Pass
4.2
Duration: 1 to 2 days
Tours from $67 »
FROM $21 BOOK WITH VIATOR York Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour with 1 Extra Day FREE
Duration: 45 minutes
Tours from $21 »
FROM $8 BOOK WITH VIATOR York Walking Tour (with NEW self distancing)
Duration: 3 to 6 hours
Tours from $8 »

National Railway Museum reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
18,168 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By PARIS522
    You don't have to be a train enthusiast to enjoy this place! With limited admissions due to Covid there was plenty of space to explore safely. The museum itself is fantastic, beautiful engines in...  more »
  • By Chris W
    A great museum. There's usually plenty to see. Unfortunately when i went some areas were closed so check in advance what is going to be open.  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Introspective Dreamer
    A feast of historic trains from the earliest days of steam to modern day, at this world famous ***free***museum in York, England. Currently in the display is the iconic Rocket, built in 1829 by George Stephenson. As pictured. Also the iconic Mallard c.1938 (pictures). Children’s activities, daily guided tours, two cafes, lots more! Go visit!
  • By Paul Raffety
    One of the best museums I've been to! Even for somebody not hugely interested in trains, you can't fail to be impressed by the railway museum. The trains are really impressive, well maintained and accompanied by loads of information. There are talks and demonstrations taking place all day long. The cafe is also really good offering a great selection of cakes, coffees and freshly prepared breakfast. Made even more impressive by the fact it's free entry!
See more on Google »

Plan your trip to York

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in York

York Minster ©
Architectural Building
York Minster
4.4
Duration: 2 hours
York Shambles ©
Neighborhood
York Shambles
4.4
Duration: 30 minutes
York City Walls ©
Ruin
York City Walls
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
York Castle Museum ©
Specialty Museum
York Castle Museum
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min

Side trips from York

Royal Albert Dock Liverpool ©
World heritage site
Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
Liverpool
4.6
Duration: 1h 30 min
Beamish Museum ©
Specialty Museum
Beamish Museum
Beamish
4.6
Duration: 6 hours
Durham Cathedral ©
World heritage site
Durham Cathedral
Durham
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Chatsworth House ©
Art Gallery
Chatsworth House
Bakewell
4.1
Duration: 2 hours

Museums in York

Jorvik Viking Centre
Specialty Museum
Jorvik Viking Centre
3.9
Duration: 1h 30 min
York's Chocolate Story ©
Specialty Museum
York's Chocolate Story
4.3
Duration: 1h 30 min
The York Dungeon ©
Specialty Museum
The York Dungeon
4.3
Duration: 1h 30 min
Kohima Museum ©
Military Museum
Kohima Museum
5.0
Duration: 2 hours

Hidden gems in York

Breezy Knees Gardens ©
Garden
Breezy Knees Gardens
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min
York Maze ©
Theme Park
York Maze
4.6
Duration: 8 hours
Yorkshire Air Museum ©
Specialty Museum
Yorkshire Air Museum
4.6
Duration: 3h 30 min
Museum Gardens ©
Garden
Museum Gardens
4.5
Duration: 2 hours

Historic Sites in York

Castle Howard ©
Castle
Castle Howard
4.0
Duration: 2 hours
Treasurer's House ©
Historic Site
Treasurer's House
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min
York Cold War Bunker ©
Historic Site
York Cold War Bunker
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
St. Crux Parish Hall ©
Historic Site
St. Crux Parish Hall
4.9
Duration: 2 hours

Nearby attractions in York

GR8escape York ©
Room Escape Game
GR8escape York
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Brewtown Tours
Beer Tasting / Tour
Brewtown Tours
5.0
Duration: 4 hours
The Bloody Tour of York ©
Nightlife
The Bloody Tour of York
5.0
Duration: 1h 30 min
Yorkshire Activity Centre ©
Entertainment Center
Yorkshire Activity Centre
4.9
Duration: 1h 30 min

Featured attractions

The Original Viking Walk ©
Private Tour
The Original Viking Walk
5.0
Duration: 1h 30 min
National Railway Museum ©
History Museum
National Railway Museum
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min
York Bird of Prey Centre ©
Wildlife Area
York Bird of Prey Centre
Huby
4.9
Duration: 1h 30 min
National Centre for Birds of Prey ©
Wildlife Area
National Centre for Birds of Prey
Helmsley
4.9
Duration: 3 hours

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to National Railway Museum by other users

16 days in Northern England BY A USER FROM INDIA Liverpool Windermere Cockermouth 4 days in Liverpool BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM Williamson’s Tunnels – Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels Liverpool Cathedral Merseyside Maritime Museum 16 days in Liverpool BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM All Saints Church Eyam Parish Church of St Lawrence Chatsworth House 26 days in Ireland & United Kingdom BY A USER FROM SOUTH AFRICA Bath Cheltenham Nottingham 58 days in United Kingdom & Cork BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM Bakewell York Scarborough 8 days in York & Penzance BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM York Penzance