Families visiting the National Railway Museum in York during half-term from Saturday, 19th to Sunday, 27th February, will have the chance to meet real-life railway engineers as part of the museum’s programme of half-term activities.

The museum has the largest collection of railway objects in the world. Before the pandemic it attracted more than 750,000 visitors per year. The collection includes over 260 locomotives and rolling stock, 600 coins and medals, as well as railway uniforms, equipment, documents, artworks, and photographs

The museum forms part of the Science Museum Group, along with the Science Museum in London, the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, and Locomotion in Shildon.

Admission to the museum is free, although visitors must book in advance, visit: www.railwaymuseum.org.uk
The museum’s programme of events will show visitors how the railways are controlled to keep trains moving safely and on time. The nine-day programme includes fun-filled activities such as Make-Your-Own Marble Run, and Robot Railways where visitors can design their own digital railway, using colour to guide their robot. Exciting object hunts are also available from within the Great Hall.

On Saturday, 19th February, the popular Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Signalling School will be demonstrating how railway signals work.

The main attraction of the week is ‘Wonder Wednesday’ which is supported by Network Rail. It will allow mini-engineers to discover the important role of engineers on the railway. They can also learn about the innovative ideas and technologies that will shape railways in the future.

Representatives from Network Rail, Amey UK, and Atkins Ltd will be at the museum to talk about their jobs, and visitors can try a range of hands-on activities.

As well as the half-term activities, visitors can also marvel at the museum’s miniature railway, enjoy a Mallard Experience ride, or work off their energy in the indoor and outdoor play areas.

Specific activities do not require advance booking but will take place as free drop-in sessions between 11:00-15:00 each day. However, visitors must book a free general admission ticket prior to visiting. The museum is open between 10.00-17.00.

To find out more, visit: https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/whats-on

Whats more – RailAdvent Plus members get 10% off in the National Railway Museum shop. Click here for more information.

Rachael Bevan, Schools and Families Manager at the National Railway Museum, said: “We’re really excited to be welcoming visitors along to try our half term programme of activities. Visitors will have the chance to meet and talk to real-life rail engineers, and we hope that our younger visitors are inspired by the experience.

“Our other activities will encourage visitors to get creative and gain a better understanding of how our collection connects with science and engineering to impact their everyday lives.”