National Railway Museum

The current pre-booking of entry times is understandable but if visitors are allowed to enter up to 4pm they should be allowed at least 2 hours to enjoy the exhibits etc, ideally longer. So they could either stay open until 6pm or stop 'selling' tickets earlier in the day. The car park is convenient but £10 for a few hours is a lot, but at least it funds the museum. Visitors are now encouraged to donate when booking online although there are plenty of other ways to donate when you get there. If buying the kids guide there are 10% off vouchers to use in the cafe and shop so worth buying this before you visit these other outlets. Some exhibits had covid restrictions still so could not enter them, even with a mask on. Seems strange when we can enter actual trains with masks on at this time. Best tips are to allow at least 3 hours to visit fully and if you get a morning slot, leave your car in the car park and get the land train into the city centre to explore other places in York. At weekends special afternoon teas etc are available in one of the exhibits.

Took 2 boys aged 11 and 13 here for the day and they loved it.
Real trains close up. Can go on board some of them, but not many.
The steam ride out the yard is a 10min ride, goes up and down a piece of track a couple of times, but for £4 made them very happy. Probably not worth it if you live near a 'proper' steam line though. You stand in a little outdoor carriage (no seats).
The cafe was quite expensive though - 3 drinks and 3 cakes was over £20 and we struggled to find a seat. On examining the receipt it did say the cakes should have come with icecream - they didn't and it was never offered/advertised.

Good-Free entry and donations asked for. Lots of different areas to explore and fantastic, varied examples of different trains, through the ages to see. Lots of chances to get into or near the trains. The staff I dealt with were friendly. A range of extra (paid for) activities was on offer, including a mini railway, road train etc, so something suitable for all ages. Picnic areas available to eat in and lots of choices for food and where to eat. Well stocked gift shop-we all love them!

Not so good-my son (7) was disappointed in the signage around the trains. He felt it could have been more informative and explained a little more about the history of each model. Other museums have large boards with full write ups but the NRM seems to prefer shorter statements. I was really disappointed in the pricing of the food and drink. You expect to pay more in places such as this but I really felt it was extortionate. A very average looking brownie was £3.10, A plastic cup of squash was £2.25! For squash, that’s a ridiculous mark up. We were visitors to the area staying in a hotel so bringing a lunch wasn’t really an option but I would advise others to.

The visit to the Railway Museum was so much better than we expected. The size and amount of trains etc to view was mind blowing. The museum is free but I expect everybody will have made a donation at the point of entry. There are plenty of things to eat and a varied menu to suit all tastes. The amount of trains on view is very impressive ranging from the very old to the very new. We spent over three hours there and could have spent more as there was so much to see. For us this was the best attraction in York.

The museum is well laid out and there is information infront or at the side of most exhibits. shame not all have a description.
entrance is free and you get a guide leaflet free. But they ask you for a £5 donation i feel this is an attempt to guilt trip people into paying £5 before they have even seen the museum. there are plenty donation boxes dotted allover the place. and they have all got plenty money in them so obviusly the museum isnt in that much need of the money or it would empty the boxes more often.
The cafe in the great hall is realy over priced i mean £2.70 for a 500ml bottle of coke it's daylight robbery. maybe theyre trying to recreate the great train robbery! My advice is dont let them guilt trip you in to paying £5 donation before you have been in. go around and decide if you would like to make a donation when you are leaving. i gave them some loose change and spent some money in the gift shop.
also disabled parking is free of leeman street but i dont think this gives them the right to charge £10 per car to the ablebodied public. had this been the only carpark available i would have drove off. might i suggest you lower this to £5. as when you go round there are many atractions that you have to pay for steam train rides, miniture railway etc.

This amazing museum and collection of old, and new, rail exhibits are a must to visit in York and along with York Minster led us to visit this great city. It houses collections of famous engines, rolling stock, and memorabilia relating to the famed British railway system with wonderful engines like The Mallard, and if you are lucky, The Flying Scotsman. It covers some three large buildings encompassing Royal trains, Pullman carriages, station exhibits, uniforms and other pieces of history. The main engine building has a turntable and you can walk under a locomotive and see the workings from the bottom, as well as displays and cutouts of how steam locos work. The entrance price is fair, and you can spend all day there – four of us (and I was the only real train buff) were enthralled and spent almost 3 hours and could have spent longer. You can walk there from the actual York station (about a 10-minute amble) as well as from the city centre or take a cute little transit train that conducts a regular service to the centre of town (at a modest extra cost). There is a very large and comprehensive shop with the usual souvenirs but also a great collection of books and DVDs. A fantastic visit and a must to do when in Britain.

Well worth making the time to visit.

Lots to see and some nice facilities. Suitable for all ages as well. We were lucky enough to visit while they had additional displays with handcrafted miniature models. Amazing craftsmanship and a privilege to see.

It's also free to visit with recommended donations of £5 which is unbeatable value.

Visited this site back in September 2019 with my sister who is a train nerd. She thoroughly enjoyed her visit, particularly seeing the Mallard and we were both fascinated to see a portion of the Eurotunnel.
The museum is very large and many hours can be spent exploring the various warehouses. There are talks and presentations throughout the day, I particularly enjoyed the turntable talk (however couldn't help but cringe at the amount of children sticking their hands out after the tour guide specifically stated all limbs should be kept far away. Please parents, watch your children during the talk for their safety!)
My sister enjoyed the upstairs balcony, which provides a viewing platform for York station - she was able to tick off each train as it came in and out. Great wee bonus for the train fans.
As one of the very few (if not only?) free attractions in York, I highly recommend spending some of your time here. It's a less than 45 minute walk from the city centre (maybe even 30), and it's very easy to find.
Staff were also very knowledgeable too - my sister quizzed two men about some of the exhibits and they were able to keep up with her no issue.

I'd been here back in the 70's and remember well the great hall and turntable with the locomotives arranged around. Today it looks just the same but with new engines, better information and a smart cafe area with light snacks and a range of drinks.

The museum is free - with an option to donate if you feel inclined.

Highlights are some of the oldest rolling stock in the world and, if course, uniquely, the Royal carriages. The one used by Edward is my firm favourite; the one used by Elizabeth looks disappointingly spartan.

We spent a good two hours here and, had we had more time, would have spent longer looking at the range of memorabilia and artifacts from a now increasingly distant time.

Thoroughly recommended - even if the thought of steam, diesel and electric doesn't immediately turn you on.

Visited with 5 yr old grandson and despite him not really being interested in trains, he spent a couple of hours looking around, climbing on board the exhibits and learning about how transport has changed over the years. Lots to see and well presented.
Entrance is FREE with a suggested donation of £5 which is well worth it.