National Railway Museum: Free Summer Holiday Activities for Families in Yor

About

The National Railway Museum in York has unveiled its Summer Holiday programme, offering families a full schedule of free activities inspired by travel, railways and classic holiday experiences. Running from 20 July to 6 September 2026, the programme encourages visitors to enjoy a holiday-themed adventure without leaving the museum.

Designed to inspire imagination and creativity, the activities are included with free museum admission. Visitors can collect a Summer Holiday Passport on arrival and gather stamps while exploring interactive experiences throughout the museum.

Summer Holiday Passport Adventure

The museum’s passport trail allows families to experience a variety of holiday destinations during their visit, including the countryside, the British seaside and international railway journeys.

Children can begin their adventure at an interactive station ticket office where they can:

• Dress up as railway staff.
• Sell tickets to fellow visitors.
• Sort lost luggage.
• Make their own station announcements.

Explore the Countryside

The countryside-themed area offers a range of hands-on activities, including:

• Birdwatching challenges.
• Browsing a countryside market.
• Sketching scenic landscapes.
• Learning more about rural travel.

Traditional Seaside Fun

Visitors can enjoy a selection of activities inspired by the traditional British seaside. Families will have the opportunity to create keepsakes, including:

• A classic Punch and Judy puppet show.
• A traditional carousel model to take home.

Travel Around the World by Rail

Those looking for an international adventure can take part in a specially designed card game that challenges players to match trains from around the world with their countries and landscapes.

Families can also write holiday postcards and capture photographs in front of a large travel poster backdrop to remember their visit.

Special Summer Events at the National Railway Museum

Giant Track Layout

3 to 5 August 2026

Young railway enthusiasts can build their own train layouts using large track pieces, complete challenge cards and test their designs using motorised trains and carriages. Suitable for children aged two and above with parental or carer supervision.

Immersive Storytelling on the Shinkansen

11 to 13 August 2026

Visitors can step aboard the museum’s preserved Japanese Shinkansen bullet train for an immersive storytelling experience exploring how railways connect people, places and cultures.

Punch and Judy Shows

18, 21 and 25 August 2026

Families can enjoy traditional Punch and Judy performances celebrating the classic British seaside experience.

York Railway Institute Band Performance

29 August 2026 at 2pm

The York Railway Institute Band will perform a one-hour programme featuring brass band music inspired by holidays and rail travel within the museum’s Great Hall.

Free Admission and Booking Information

Entry to the National Railway Museum remains free throughout the summer. Although admission is free, visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance to guarantee entry during busy periods.

A Free Family Day Out in York

The Summer Holiday programme offers a wide range of interactive activities suitable for children of all ages. Combining creative workshops, railway experiences, storytelling and live entertainment, the programme provides an affordable family day out in York throughout the school summer holidays.