National Railway Museum York

Home to iconic locomotives and an unrivalled collection of engineering brilliance, the National Railway Museum celebrates the past, present and future of innovation on the railways.

With our varied school programme, your students will learn about important engineering innovations and discover how science and technology have shaped our lives. In Stephenson’s Rocket (KS1) discover how a steam engine works and find out the amazing story of how Rocket became one of the most famous engines of all time. Discover how computers keep the railways safe in Robot Railways (KS2) by inspiring your students with the real-life applications of coding. Our multi-sensory storytelling session for SEND students, Mallard: The fastest steam engine, tells the story of Mallard’s journey from London to York.

Work together and follow your curiosity to get the most from our galleries by discovering objects and completing challenges in our Great Object Hunt trails.

Students can also climb aboard and experience the thrill of being on the footplate of Mallard – the world’s fastest steam locomotive – in an exhilarating simulator ride.

The National Railway Museum is dedicated to igniting our visitors’ curiosity about the people, places and engineering marvels behind the railways, we put our passion for amazing stories into everything we do.

A school trip to the museum will provide a rich context for learning about how engineering and technology shapes our lives, inspiring students’ curiosity and skills across a range of subjects. From engineering, computing and science to history and design technology, we offer a range of interactive science shows, engaging workshops and additional learning resources that can enhance learning for all ages.

Your visit can be tailor made to fit your groups needs through our Online Group Booking Portal.

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Pick and choose from a range of school sessions, object-rich spaces, optional railway rides and special exhibitions.

See the full programme on our website at https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/learning

There is no maximum group size.

Some activities have limits on the number of children who can attend at one time.

Our required adult-to-student ratio should be at least 1:4 for Early Years (children under 5 years), 1:8 for KS2 (children aged 7-11) and 1:10 for KS3 upwards (children aged 11-16).

We have a number of learning resources available to download for free on our website.

Groups are permitted to take photography, film or audio as part of their visit. Any equipment used for this needs to be restricted to handheld devices only (no tripods or lighting without prior consent).

When capturing any photography, film or audio we ask group leaders to be mindful of other visitors.

Our website contains all the health and safety information you’ll need to help you write your risk assessment:

If you have any queries, you can get in touch with our Contact Centre on 033 0058 0058 or send an email to info@ScienceMuseumGroup.co.uk

Entry to the museum is free. Stephenson’s Rocket costs £3.50 per student and Robot Railways costs £4.00 per student.

Please note all charged offers are available on a pre-booked basis only.

Many of our visiting groups choose to wear distinctive identifiers such as high-vis jackets displaying school information to easily identify their students and make it easier to reunite lost students with their groups.

We have trained staff to provide first-aid treatment – please ask if you require assistance. There is a fully equipped, fully accessible first-aid room in the museum which can be made available if you need it.

For information on getting to the National Railway Museum visit our dedicated Travel Information page.

Bags can be stored in dedicated bag storage, which is bookable along with your visit (subject to availability). Lockers are also available for a small fee.

Bookable picnic spaces are also available to groups. Toilet facilities are available throughout the museum, and these are also open to members of the public.

Changing facilities for students with disabilities can be made available on request. Please contact us for further information.

You can find more information here: https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/visit/facilities-and-accessibility

Our museum is open for all visitors – please find our accessibility page for the provisions we have in place: https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/visit/facilities-and-accessibility

During term time the museum is open Wednesday–Sunday, 10.00–17.00 (last entry 16.15).

During school holidays the museum is open Monday-Sunday, 10.00-17.00 (last entry 16.15).

Galleries start to close 30 minutes before the museum closes.

For the latest information about what we have to offer and to book, please visit: https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/learning

You need to pre-book your educational group visit, even if you don’t intend to take part in any of our events or activities. You can find out more information and contact details at: https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/learning/schools-what-see-and-do-visit