The National Railway Museum is one of the best free days out in Britain and the biggest museum in York. It sits on Leeman Road, just behind the railway station, and tells the story of how railways changed the world through hundreds of locomotives, carriages and objects. The Great Hall, built around a working turntable, is the place to see Mallard, the streamlined steam locomotive that set the world speed record for steam in 1938, alongside a shinkansen bullet train from Japan and engines spanning two centuries. Across the road, Station Hall, a former goods station, reopened in 2025 after a multi-million pound refurbishment and shows off the royal trains, including saloons used by Queen Victoria, together with stories of the people who built and ran the railways. Families should head for Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery, an interactive space where children can experiment with forces, engineering and light. Entry is free, though the museum recommends booking a free ticket online at busy times. The museum is preparing to build Central Hall, a new gallery and entrance, so routes to the site have changed and construction is under way around it. This page links to the museum’s official visit page.
How to visit: the museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4:30pm, and is closed from 24 to 26 December. Wonderlab opens from 10am to 4:30pm, with last entry at 3:30pm. Entry is free, and free tickets are usually released about six weeks ahead. Walk-up entry is available every day, but ticket holders get priority when the museum is very busy. In November and December 2026, note that Station Hall closes early, at 3pm, on Wednesday 18 November, and is closed all day on Thursday 10 December. Station Hall is cashless, while the Great Hall takes cash and card, and the two buildings have separate entrances.
What to expect: the scale is huge, so plan your route. Most people start in the Great Hall with Mallard and the turntable, then cross to Station Hall for the royal trains and the platforms of carriages. Because of the construction work, the walking routes from the station and the city centre have changed, so follow the signs and check the museum’s travel page before you set off.
Making the most of it: arrive at 10am, see the big engines first, and put Wonderlab in the middle of the day if you have children with you. It is an excellent rainy-day choice, and as entry is free, a donation is welcome.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided museum across two vast halls of locomotives and carriages, plus the hands-on Wonderlab gallery for children.
Best time
Opening time at 10am on a weekday, before school groups and families arrive.
How long
Two hours for the highlights, or half a day with children and Wonderlab.
Tips
Book a free timed ticket at busy times, check the changed walking routes, and remember Station Hall is card only.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, rail fans and anyone looking for a big, free, indoor day in York.
- Families
- Wonderlab, the turntable and the chance to peer inside royal carriages keep children busy for hours.
- Couples
- The royal saloons and the sleek lines of Mallard make a surprisingly elegant afternoon.
- Pair with
- A walk along the City Walls from the station towards Lendal Bridge and the Minster.
- Time needed
- Two to four hours.
Good questions
Is the National Railway Museum in York free?+
Yes, entry is free. The museum recommends booking a free ticket online during busy periods, but walk-up entry is available every day.
What are the National Railway Museum’s opening hours?+
It is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4:30pm, and closed from 24 to 26 December. Wonderlab opens from 10am to 4:30pm with last entry at 3:30pm.
Is Station Hall open at the National Railway Museum?+
Yes, Station Hall has reopened after its refurbishment. In late 2026 it closes early at 3pm on 18 November and is closed all day on 10 December.
How do I get to the National Railway Museum from York station?+
The museum is on Leeman Road, a short walk behind the station. Routes have changed because of construction work, so follow the signs and check the museum’s travel page.
Can I see Mallard at the National Railway Museum?+
Mallard, the steam locomotive that set the world steam speed record, is one of the museum’s star exhibits in the Great Hall. Exhibits can move occasionally, so check the website if it is the main reason for your visit.
