National Railway Museum, York (must see)

The National Railway Museum (NRM) in York serves as the custodian of the national collection of historically significant railway vehicles, showcasing iconic locomotives such as the Mallard, Stirling Single, Duchess of Hamilton, and even a Japanese bullet train. Beyond locomotives, the museum boasts a diverse array of artifacts that span the spectrum of railway history. From a household recipe book belonging to George Stephenson to films depicting innovative railway technologies developed for exhibitions, the collection offers a comprehensive narrative of Britain's railway innovation.

With over 6,000 objects on display, including approximately 100 locomotives and rolling stock, the NRM stands as the largest museum of its kind in Britain. Its immersive exhibits attract a substantial number of visitors, with 782,000 guests exploring its halls during the 2018/19 financial year.

The NRM underwent significant developments starting in 2019, including the construction of a new entrance building as part of the York Central redevelopment project. The ambitious Vision 2025 masterplan included the creation of the Central Hall designed by architectural firm Feilden Fowles. Additionally, the Station Hall, a Grade II listed structure, underwent structural repairs, including the installation of a new roof.

Established in 1975 on the former York North locomotive depot site, the NRM has grown from its origins as the British Railways collection in Clapham and the York Railway Museum. Today, it continues to evolve, preserving and presenting the rich heritage of Britain's railways for generations to come.

Why You Should Visit:
To get close and familiar with all sorts of famous engines from history – the Rocket, Mallard, Flying Scotsman, Eurostar, and Shinkansen among them.
This is a living museum with real-life trains and how dining is incorporated is a true delight – you can sit and eat while you look around.

Tip:
Make sure you go up the staircase and through the big doors that appear to be off-limits – they are not. It's the workshop area where you can see how the trains are looked after and/or renovated.
If you want to go on the steam train (only on certain dates so you would need to check the website), note that they only accept cash so remember to take some with you.