The National Railway Museum is a firm family favourite in our house. Even if your not passionate about trains like my husband is the NRM has plenty to offer to keep the kids occupied. We began our visit with a walk round the main exhibition area where trains such as Mallard, Evening Star and the Japanese Bullet Train take pride of place. We stood under one of the concrete segments from the Channel Tunnel and took a look at a cutaway Eurostar cab.

We took a picnic lunch - which you can eat indoors or out - but I noticed there is a small cafe in the main hall and a larger restaurant farther into the exhibition if picnics aren't your thing.

The NRM has an excellent children's learning area where kids can move a signal with levers, discover the effects of friction and find out what wheel tapping is. Experiments help kids work out which wheels work best on a curved track and the effects of streamlining with the wind tunnel. There is also a soft rumpus area so younger children can let off some steam of their own.

On to the great outdoors where there is a minature railway, lovely picnic areas and more engines, diesels this time. Finally a quick look round the gift shop for a souvenir or two before catching the train home.

I only planned to spend the morning at the NRM but we ended up taking the whole day to look around because there is so much to see and do. An outstanding day out and very economical, admission to the museum is FREE. It was easy to find, the museum is near to the railway station. Most of the museum is under cover so it doesn't matter if it rains. The staff are very friendly and there are lockers in the entrance to leave coats and bags so we could walk around unhampered.

Opening Times
Daily 10.00 - 18.00
Closed 24, 25, 26 December

Admission is FREE for all visitors except for certain special events when charges may apply.