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National Railway Museum
AttractionEasy2 to 3 hours

National Railway Museum

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About

The world's leading railway museum, free to enter, a ten-minute walk behind the railway station in the city that was the headquarters of the Victorian railway north. The Great Hall holds Mallard, holder of the world speed record for steam at 126mph, alongside a Japanese Shinkansen bullet train and royal carriages; Station Hall has reopened after refurbishment with its own entrance while the new Central Hall is built to link the two sides. Booking a free ticket online is recommended at busy times, and school holidays sell out.

Photos

Highlights

  • Mallard, the fastest steam locomotive ever at 126mph
  • A Japanese Shinkansen bullet train, the only one outside Japan
  • Royal carriages from Victoria to Elizabeth II
  • Free entry, seven days a week

Tips

  • Open daily 10:00-17:00, last admission 16:30; closed 24-26 December.
  • Entry is free but book a ticket online for school holidays; slots release about six weeks ahead.
  • Building work on the new Central Hall continues, so check which entrance to use; Station Hall has its own.

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