All aboard! York’s National Railway Museum has officially reopened its historic Station Hall following a nearly £11 million revamp – the biggest upgrade the Grade II-listed building has seen since it first became a museum in 1975.
The hall, originally built in the 1970s as York’s main goods station, has been closed to the public since 2023. Now, after a top-to-toe restoration, it's looking brighter and better than ever, thanks to more natural light, upgraded displays and a lineup of brand-new exhibitions.
What can visitors expect? Well, among the new treasures are the last-ever cheeseburger box from London North Eastern Railway before it pivoted to ‘deli-style’ grub and a completely restored WH Smith bookstall that originally lived in Waterloo station back in 1921. There’s even Queen Victoria’s funeral wreath, lending the space a dramatic dose of history.
What really makes the glow-up shine, though, is how immersive it feels. Visitors aren’t just looking at engines and artefacts from afar – they can walk through restored spaces, step inside historic carriages and get a sense of what railway life was actually like. The mix of quirky details (like retro packaging and vintage signage) alongside grand royal coaches means there’s something to capture every kind of imagination, from train nerds to casual day-trippers.
For those after a truly unique experience, climb aboard the Countess of York, a historic dining car now doubling as the setting for one of the city's most memorable afternoon teas. Expect warm homemade scones with Yorkshire strawberry jam and clotted cream, dainty sandwiches (think cucumber and cream cheese or ham and tomato), and indulgent desserts like Yorkshire curd tart and ginger cake.
The Railway Museum is now open daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free, and you can save time on arrival by booking in advance.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.