This summer, the National Railway Museum in York is inviting families to collect the museum passport and embark on a summer holiday in a day. Their programme of free activities will take visitors on a journey to explore the countryside, have fun at the seaside and even go abroad – all without leaving the museum.

Running from 20 July to 6 September, the museum’s Summer Holiday programme offers a host of hands-on activities designed to spark the imagination and celebrate the joy of travel. Visitors can collect a Summer Holiday Passport on arrival and gather stamps as they explore the museum and take part in a range of free family experiences.

Sarah Price, Head of Public Programming at the National Railway Museum, said: “Summer holidays are all about adventure, discovery and making memories together, and this year we’re bringing all of that to the National Railway Museum. With more families choosing to holiday in the UK this summer, we’re excited to offer something unique with our summer experience where visitors can grab their passport and explore the countryside, enjoy the seaside or even travel the world by rail, all in one place. Best of all, the activities are included with free museum admission, making it a fantastic, great value family day out during the summer holidays.”

Every great holiday starts at the station, so young visitors can begin their adventure in the museum’s interactive ticket office. Here, children can dress up, sell tickets, sort lost luggage and even make their own station Tannoy® announcements before setting off on their journey.

Next stop is the countryside, where there’s plenty to explore. Visitors can try their hand at birdwatching, browse local produce at a countryside market, or take a moment to sketch the scenery and soak up the views.

For those dreaming of a traditional British seaside break, there will be opportunities to design and create a classic Punch and Judy puppet show or a traditional carousel to take home as a holiday souvenir.

Visitors looking for an international adventure can test their knowledge with a specially commissioned card game, matching trains from around the world with their countries and environments.
Families can also write holiday postcards about their journey and pose for photographs in front of a giant travel poster backdrop to capture memories of their day out.

Alongside the daily activities, visitors can enjoy a programme of special events throughout August:

Giant Track Layout – Great Hall, 3–5 August
Mini engineers can get creative with track pieces to build their own layouts, use challenge cards for inspiration, or simply play on sections of pre-built track. We'll have plenty of motorised trains available as well to test out the track designs, add carriages too, play and enjoy! Suggested age 2+. Parental/Carer supervision required.
Immersive Storytelling in the Shinkansen – Great Hall, 11–13 August
Step aboard the Shinkansen – the only preserved Japanese bullet train outside of Japan - for an immersive, bespoke storytelling adventure exploring the railway’s unique power to connect people, places and cultures.
Punch and Judy – South Yard/Station Hall, 18, 21 and 25 August
Experience the magic of the traditional British seaside with classic Punch and Judy shows for the whole family.
York Railway Institute Band Performance – Great Hall, 29 August

Visitors to the National Railway Museum will be able to enjoy a special performance from the York Railway Institute Band on Saturday 29 August at 2pm. The hour-long programme will feature a selection of brass band music inspired by holidays and trains, celebrating the spirit of travel in the museum’s unique railway setting.

Admission to the National Railway Museum is free, but visitors are encouraged to book in advance. For more information and to book free admission, visit the National Railway Museum website: railwaymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/summer-holiday-fun.