The UK has had a long love affair with railways. It’s no surprise that there are many fantastic train museums dotted around the country to appeal to enthusiasts.
Railway museums in the UK offer a chance to explore train history. You can learn about steam locomotives and discover the technology behind some of the most iconic engines.
Some museums provide a deep dive into railway history, leaving you with a wealth of knowledge, whilst others focus on specific regions or themes and offer a more specialised experience.
Read on to explore some of our top picks for rail enthusiasts looking to learn more about railway history.
The UK’s Top Train Museums
Have a look at some of our favourites below. Which one will you visit?
1. National Railway Museum
You could spend hours in the incredible National Rail Museum in beautiful, historic York. It is a renowned location for celebrating the history of the railway industry.
The biggest railway museum in the country, the National Railway Museum has trains from every era, including the glamorous Mallard, which was the world’s fastest steam locomotive, and the stylish art deco Duchess of Hamilton. You can also admire the sleek beauty that is the 1960s Series 0 Shinkansen Japanese bullet train.
Steam train enthusiasts can step back in time in a truly modern way with the Flying Scotsman Virtual Reality experience - just be sure to book in advance! York’s Railway Museum also hosts the interactive Wonderlab for young rail fans, along with a model railway and signalling school for hands-on learning
Key Information
- Opening Times: Open from 10 am to 5 pm every day, except 24-26 December.
- Prices: National Railway Museum tickets are free, but you’re encouraged to book ahead. Wonderlab prices start from £13.50
- Nearest Station: York Station.
2. Narrow Gauge Railway Museum
For something more specialist and far smaller, take yourself off to the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Tywyn, Gwynedd.
Thomas the Tank Engine author Rev Wilbert Awdry was a volunteer on the Talyllyn Railway. Here, you can visit his recreated study, complete with original furniture, on the upper floor. You can also listen to some of his stories, giving parents a welcome break while someone else does the reading!
Downstairs, grownups can learn everything there is to know about the 200-year history of narrow gauge railways. With 800+ exhibits, it has everything from paperwork to signalling equipment.
Also, don’t forget to look out for the temporary exhibition, which changes every year.
Key Information
- Opening Times: The museum is not open every day, so check before setting off.
- Prices: Entry is free but donations are welcome.
- Nearest Station: The museum is at the Wharf Station of the Talyllyn Railway.
3. Science and Industry Museum
Opened in 1830, the Liverpool and Manchester Railway was the world’s first intercity passenger railway, sparking a rail revolution and transformed Manchester into a major industrial city.
The Manchester Science and Industry Museum is housed on the site of the old Liverpool Road Station. It’s a must-see for railway buffs. The 1830 viaduct, station, and warehouse are currently being restored and are due to be finished by 2030, the 200th anniversary.
Key Information
- Opening Times: Open from 10 am to 5 pm every day except 24th-26th December and 1st January.
- Prices: Admission is free but advanced booking is recommended.
- Nearest Station: Deansgate, Manchester. Trains to the Science and Industry Museum are also available. It is within walking distance from Manchester Oxford Road, Manchester Victoria and Manchester Piccadilly.
4. Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum
If you want a truly unique visit, you’ll love the Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum. At this Enniskillen museum, you can get your hair cut and also explore local railway history. This is thanks to one family’s decision to combine their two passions, though no haircut is required to visit!
They claim it’s the world’s only barber shop and railway museum, and we are happy to take them at their word. The museum has a large collection of Irish railway memorabilia, and you’ll be free to explore uniforms, signs, lamps, tickets and photos.
You can also see a reconstructed booking office, station master’s office and signal box.
Key Information
- Opening Times: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
- Prices: Museum admission is free, though donations are welcome.
- Nearest Station: Grand Central Station, then a bus to Enniskillen Bus Station.
5. East Anglian Railway Museum
Telling the story of 175 years of railways in the East of England, this train museum is for you if you love the look and feel of old stations.
The East Anglian Railway Museum features a preserved station building. It is complete with a ticket office, waiting room, and WH Smith stand. You can stand here and imagine yourself embarking on a journey in a previous century.
There’s also a goods shed and a restoration shed, where you can see the engines and carriages currently being restored. You can even pull the levers on the signal box. For youngsters, there’s an outdoor playground with a train theme.
You can also visit on event days, and you can enjoy unlimited rides on a steam or diesel train.
Key Information
- Opening Times: Open on weekends, Wednesdays, and most Bank Holidays, from 10 am to 4 pm (November to March) and 10 am to 5 pm the rest of the year.
- Prices: £8 for adults and £4 for children. Event days are extra.
- Nearest Station: Chappel and Wakes Colne.
5. London Transport Museum
Last but not least, the London Transport Museum is one to visit if your interest extends to other types of transport besides trains. View iconic red London buses and find out about riverboats and trams. But, we’re extremely happy to report that there is plenty for rail enthusiasts here too.
Not only can you learn about London’s Metropolitan Line, the world’s first underground railway, but you’ll also be able to see the only surviving 1860s underground steam engine
You can also learn about how people used, and continue to use, underground stations and metro systems for shelter in times of war.
Key information
- Opening Times: Open from 10 am to 6 pm every day, except 24-26 December.
- Prices: You need an annual pass (from £22.50 for off-peak if you’re not a local resident) and can then book a free timed entry ticket. Under-18s only need a timed entry ticket.
- Nearest Station: Charing Cross.
Visit Railway Museums with Avanti West Coast
While we’ve listed some highlights, you can explore train museums all over the country. There really is only one way to travel to a railway museum – and that has to be by train!
Don’t forget to use your Railcard to get a discount on fares. You can also save Group Tickets, Advance Tickets, Off-Peak fares.
