Project 366: day 303

Toad and the hole!

Paddington Bear at The National Railway Museum, York

I first visited the NRM 30 years ago on a school trip to York! I can remember going, even though I was quite small and particularly remember the plush blue carriages of Queen Victoria’s train.

Over the last few years we have visited a few times including a memorable trip on a steam train with Santa Claus last Christmas, so we were really excited to get invited to a VIP day to meet Paddington Bear and take part in all the special activities going on for half term week.

Evie meets Paddington

Paddington Bear is at the museum from the 27th of October to the 4th of November; find out more on their website.

Paddington was scheduled to make several special appearances during the day and there were other Paddington themed activities like “Welly Wanging”, Paddington stories in the Milk Wagon and bear shaped biscuits and marmalade sandwich cake for sale in the cafes.

Marmalade sandwich cake

The bear biscuits were popular

This is in addition to all the usual activities that go on in the museum anyway such as the displays of engines and carriages, the steam train rides and the miniature railway.

Hogwarts express

The Mallard

Get a great view from the bridge

One of the most enticing things about the National Railway Museum is that it is free to get in. This is a definite plus for families, and although you are encouraged to leave a donation, it is well worth a few pounds for the full day out you can experience. Some of the activities and attractions cost a small fee, but none are very expensive.

We drove to the museum and parked in the museum carpark, the fee to park is £9 for the day, but there were plenty of spaces, it was close to the entrance and is a comparable price to parking anywhere else in York. If you choose to come by train, you can exit the railway station by the back entrance and you are straight into the museum!

Here are some photos of the activities that we got up to – we had a great day as you can see!

Welly Wanging!

Patiently waiting to make a medal to celebrate wanging the welly successfully into the paddling pool!

Evie chose a pink medal of course!

The miniature railway

Steam train rides

Wrap up warm!

Spot the hiding teddies!

Here is where Paddington Bear has left his suitcase

The whole experience at the National Railway Museum was excellent. There is enough to do to keep you busy all day and plenty of activities for all age ranges. My daughter is 3 and was at a great age for the Paddington day – it is advertised as suitable for ages 3 and over. Older children can get more into the workings of the engines and enjoy the science show which is free of charge, and adults of all ages will enjoy looking at the vast array of engines in the 2 huge halls.