These are exciting times at York's magnificent National Railway Museum. Not only is it 50 years old and has now hosted over 40 million visitors, it is also in the final stages of a major £10.5 million renovation programme. Last year saw the re-opening of Station Hall, which had been closed for the past two years. Based in the former York goods station this was always a thrilling space with a stunning range of exhibits, notably of luxury carriages. Now, the visitor experience there is world class, especially for those who love trains - and who doesn't? Pride of place goes to an original WH Smith news stand. This stood on Waterloo Station & it is beautifully adorned with period adverts. There is an outstanding range of carriages, locos and old station signage to enjoy. A particular favourite of mine are the iconic rail travel posters from the golden age of train travel in the mid 20th century.
The carriages really do steal the show, especially Queen Mary’s salon. A gorgeous Pullman carriage of the 1970s will bring back happy memories for those lucky enough to have travelled in those oh so comfortable seats to London, from York, Leeds or Hull. The catering facilities on offer are splendid, you can even take afternoon tea in a restored carriage. I made do with a more modest pot of tea & a buttered scone, lovely though & very reasonably priced. The video displays are very evocative, there is a wonderful one of a busy York Station some 70 years ago; a posh-voiced lady announcer directing travellers to trains on routes to places such as Pocklington & Market Weighton, on lines that closed just a few years later. Many visitors will enjoy finding the wreath from Queen Victoria's funeral train that has been painstakingly restored. The stuffed dog may come as a surprise too! ‘On a journey to become a global engineering powerhouse.’ (NRM) The Great Hall is currently accessed by a separate entrance. In 2027 the two huge halls will be linked by a néw Central Hall, enriching the attraction still further. This is a train lover's paradise, with locos & carriages from the 200 years of rail history that we celebrated in 2025.
Favourites of mine are the gorgeous Art Deco styled Duchess of Hamilton & the iconic Mallard. Others might prefer the more recent Eurostar or Japanese Bullet trains. In and around the Hall you can view railway art, model trains, arrange to use their huge archives or take an immersive Flying Scotsman experience. The research archive has to be pre-booked. It's a joy to use, I've spent many happy hours in there.The new Wonder Lab interactive gallery has an entry fee, but will keep the young, & not so young, occupied for hours. The NRM is a great experience for children, although my 3 may beg to differ given how often we took them! In addition to Wonderlab there is a seasonal miniature train ride & an excellent rail themed play area. A word too for their neighbour in County Durham, you will find another exciting NRM venue at Shildon, I highly recommend a visit there too. The North Shed is a veritable Aladdin’s Cave for the real rail enthusiasts. Here you will find an incredible range of memorabilia from station clocks, totems, etched glass doors & platform signage.
Upstairs, there is an outside viewing gallery where you can watch today's trains in York Station. Just a note of caution, until the final phase of renovation is complete in 2027, pedestrian access from York Station or the city is tricky & quite long. Some visitors would be better arriving by car or taking the jaunty land train to the entrances. The museum is almost all accessible for those with mobility issues, both Halls being largely flat & spacious and each with good toilet facilities. There is a large shop in the Great Hall & a smaller one in Station Hall. The full range of rail - themed gifts is available on their website. Incredibly, museum access remains free (donations very welcome) with some paid attractions like Wonderlab. Visitors are advised to book in advance, especially at busy times. If you have never been, or not yet seen the renovations, you are in for a treat. In the words of the old advert ‘this is the age of the train.’ A note for international visitors, York is reached by fast trains in 2.5 hours from London Kings Cross. York is of course one of the finest historic cities in the world with a wealth of sites & attractions.
* * *
Born & raised near Manchester, Ian moved across the Pennines to Yorkshire in 1977 & never left! He was a teacher of history & politics for 35 years, since retiring he does freelance writing for journals & magazines, focusing on landscape & heritage. He lives in the beautiful historic market town of Beverley.