Discover 300 years of transport history in the UK's largest railway museum. With over 100 locomotives and 1,000,000 objects that changed the world, it’s full steam ahead in York’s National Railway museum. Housed in the former York North locomotive depot, the National Railway Museum is arranged over 20 acres with the locomotive turntable in the Great Hall at its centre. Since opening in 1975, the museum has grown and grown with over a million visitors each year. Explore rooms full of railway legends, including the majestic Duchess of Hamilton, the futuristic Japanese Bullet Train and the opulent Royal Trains, or watch engineers at work in The Workshop. Delve into the social, technical and artistic impact of the railway or take a simulator ride and experience the sounds, sights and smells of the world's fastest steam locomotive.
National Railway Museum
National Railway Museum
National Railway Museum Shop
Essential information
If you’re visiting the museum with kids, why not make a grand entrance? Get the railway fun started before you even step inside the museum by travelling to its main entrance from York Minster on the road train.
Eating and drinking
Whether you want to grab a quick bite or experience the full luxury of railway dining, you’ll find some excellent eating and drinking options on your visit. Enjoy a quick bite in a quirky outdoor shipping container café or dine in a Victorian inspired dining car. Grab a sandwich amongst the magnificent locomotives or sample high-class railway dining in the Countess of York. The National Railway Museum has something for every taste and budget.
If you head out of the museum for a quick coffee break or a bigger meal, you’ll find plenty of options in York city centre. From traditional tea rooms and local pubs to contemporary cuisine and chain restaurants, York’s eateries have it covered.
Getting to National Railway Museum
Located right in the heart of York city centre, you’ll have no trouble getting to the National Railway Museum.
By car
As you drive into York, you’ll see several signposts for the museum. Head to the visitor car park on Leeman Road for a short stroll to the museum.
By bus
Don’t want to deal with city centre parking? The city’s park and ride bus will pick you up and drop you off just outside the museum. To find out more, check out the Travel York website.
By train
Only a few minutes' walk from York Railway Station, the National Railway Museum is well signposted and easy to find.