I am not a railway fan but our visit was interesting and informative. All trains old and new are well displayed and it is fascinating to see the evolution of the engines. A bit of nostalgia. Free to enter but you need to book a slot.

Definitely showing signs of post lockdown fatigue, exhibits looking as though they have not had a clean for some time. Catering more old style ' seventies motorway standard' with pre-cooked meals warmed over. Expensive too for something that does not taste so pleasant. Store room accessible to public only serves to demonstrate a total lack of ability to display valuable fascinating exhibits in a more viewable presentation. Still worth a visit for those enthusiastic about steam locomotion, but not the attraction it was for the more casual visitor. I have visited several times in the past. And in comparison with the nineteen-eighties the decline is noticeable.

As national museums go, this one is quite specialized. The collection is almost entirely things that have a connection to the railroad. Which is sometimes a little broad. The center is the Great Hall, which contains a display of trains. The museum also owns some working locomotives that are used for excursions, so it's possible not all of them will be there, especially in the summer or right before Christmas. They have everything from very early steamers to the first generation of high speed trains. One of the most significant displays is the fastest steam engine in the world, Mallard, displayed with its dynometer car that measured the event. But it's not the most significant thing in the museum, which you will find in the Station Hall...the first practical steam locomotive, Rocket, carefully protected from direct light in a special niche. It's not JUST locos. The museum also has a model railway layout and a fantastic selection of signs. They have been given a large selection of model trains that have an unusual gauge and their next planned major project is to construct a second layout for these. Right now, they're in the warehouse. Which is open to the public. This is one of the few museums that lets you just wander through part of their warehouse and see stuff that is just bric-a-brac, the stuff that is important but not quite enough of a highlight to go on display. The museum also has a miniature railroad outside in the yard and a simulator that puts you in the cab of the Mallard, but we skipped these optional extras.

I selected this as a trip primarily as a bit of a filler for the afternoon (2.30pm to 4.30pm) as it was free! It was certainly worthwhile and I'm by no means a train enthusiast. You enter and see the numerous trains scattered all across the site and get a sense of how transportation has changed from the industrial revolution to present day. They have all the royal train carriages and its interesting to see how they travel although would have been nice if could have been a bit brighter and more visable in some. I would highly recommend it for a couple of hours!

My children loved it here. I was initially worried as I saw a review on here saying pushchairs were not allowed… but pushchairs were definitely allowed and lots of people had them inside. My 2 year old absolutely loved the model railway and watching the train go round and round. Two large rooms, one with older trains and one with newer. And a lovely gift shop. You do have to get in a two tiny lifts if you have a pushchair or wheelchair. Very clean and lots of places for you to make a donation as obviously tickets are free!

It’s free! There’s quite a bit closed at the mo so you don’t get the full experience but still a good half day out with a toddler. Cafe is good but quite expensive but I am happy to pay a little more since the museum is free. Pushchair friendly .

Beautifully laid out exhibition of trains and the memorabilia associated with the railways. Enormous steam engines and modern bullet train designs - so much history in one massive space. Lovely cafe for a much needed sit down.

When we visited half of the museum was closed for refurbishment, although looking at the map I don't think there was a lot in that part anyway. The museum was smaller than I expected. All the trains are housed in one big warehouse with only one small room off this (with a model railway in). An ok way to spend an hour, especially as it is free.

Went when it first opened in the 70s then December last year. Much bigger than expected disabled parking free outside the entrance if you use the carpark £10 per day. Seems expensive but entry is free. So much to see I'm a wheelchair user found getting around easy but miss alot of what's in the carriages because I'm too low down. There is a gift shop and cafe(expensive) see trains from around the world. From Stevenson's rocket to the mallard to modern trains . There is a miniature railway outside you can ride on. Great day out for those interested in trains. Even royal carriages. Definitely need about 3 hours so see it all.