STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway Swindon
Explore the heart of railway innovation at the STEAM Museum, celebrating the Great Western Railway's rich history and the people who built it.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway Swindon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the heart of railway innovation at the STEAM Museum, celebrating the Great Western Railway's rich history and the people who built it.
"A treasure trove of immersive displays and interactive fun for all ages."
🎯 Easy Access from Train Station
It's a short, easy walk from the Swindon train station, making it convenient for day-trippers.
🚗 Parking Nearby
Convenient parking is available at the adjacent shopping centre car park, with EV charging options.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Western Way
Main Exhibition Hall
Experience the innovation and spirit of the GWR, with immersive displays and stories of the people who built the engines.
Interactive Exhibits
Throughout the museum
Engage with hands-on activities and games, perfect for all ages, especially children on a trail.
Locomotive Footplate Access
Specific locomotives
Get up close to iconic locomotives and, when available, step onto the footplate for a unique perspective.
Victorian Railway Works
Restored Grade II building
Explore the heart of the former Swindon Railway Works, a beautifully restored building steeped in history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Events
Consider a National Rail 2-for-1 Offer
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Easy Access from Train Station
It's a short, easy walk from the Swindon train station, making it convenient for day-trippers.
🚗 Parking Nearby
Convenient parking is available at the adjacent shopping centre car park, with EV charging options.
🧒 Kids' Trail Fun
Children can enjoy a trail, spotting clocks and words, making the visit engaging for them.
🎟️ Check for 2-for-1 Offers
Look for National Rail 2-for-1 deals to save on admission for two people.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Easy Access from Train Station
It's a short, easy walk from the Swindon train station, making it convenient for day-trippers.
🚗 Parking Nearby
Convenient parking is available at the adjacent shopping centre car park, with EV charging options.
🧒 Kids' Trail Fun
Children can enjoy a trail, spotting clocks and words, making the visit engaging for them.
🎟️ Check for 2-for-1 Offers
Look for National Rail 2-for-1 deals to save on admission for two people.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You might need more than an hour to fully explore; it's a treasure trove of exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the STEAM Museum for its immersive displays, engaging interactive exhibits suitable for all ages, and the opportunity to get up close to impressive locomotives. The museum's historical significance and the personal accounts from former workers are frequently highlighted as major draws. While most staff are friendly, a few reviews mention inconsistent service at the ticket desk and cafe.
"Great museum with really good first person video accounts from people who worked there building trains.
Lots of interactives suitable for a range of ages and everything really well displayed.
Easy parking in the shopping centre car park and lots of public EV charging there.
Good place to stop off if you are on route to or from the west or wales as it’s easy to divert off the motorway."
Linda Robson
"Had about an hour to spare in the area so thought i’d pay a visit. Wish I had more time as there’s a treasure trove of stuff to discover. Really extensive immersive displays, videos and collections. I was impressed, but it was a shame to see very few other visitors (on a Friday afternoon). Some of the staff on the ticket desk could perhaps be more friendly, but others were great."
Marques
"I'm staying at Warner's littlecoats and looked on Google what to do in the area and came across the steam museum. I thought it's just something to do to pass time. However it was Amazing. Very interesting and also interactive and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed myself"
Simon Hodgson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is easily accessible by train, with a short walk from Swindon station. If driving, the nearby shopping centre car park offers convenient parking, including EV charging points.
While there isn't direct parking at the museum itself, the adjacent Swindon shopping centre car park is very close and offers ample spaces.
Yes, the museum is a short walk from Swindon railway station, making it very accessible for those arriving by train.
Located in Swindon, the museum is situated in a restored Grade II railway building, making it a prominent landmark. Its address is Fire Fly Ave, Swindon SN2 2EY.
Absolutely! Many visitors, even those not deeply into trains, find the museum fascinating due to its immersive displays, historical context, and interactive elements.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Standard adult admission is around £13.80, but keep an eye out for special offers like the National Rail 2-for-1 deal.
Yes, look for National Rail 2-for-1 offers. During summer holidays (July 23rd - Sept 4th), children can often visit for just £1.
For general admission, booking in advance is usually not required, but it's recommended for special events to secure your spot.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official STEAM Museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, there is a gift shop on-site where you can purchase souvenirs and railway-themed items.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore immersive exhibits on the GWR's history, see impressive locomotives, engage with interactive displays, and learn about the people who worked there.
Yes, it's very family-friendly with interactive games, a children's trail, and plenty of engaging content for young train enthusiasts.
You can get very close to the locomotives, and sometimes even step onto the footplate, offering a unique and immersive experience.
The museum hosts various events throughout the year, including the popular Great Western Brick Show, so check their website for upcoming schedules.
While some visitors can get a good overview in an hour, many recommend allowing more time, as there's a lot to discover.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that offers food and drinks. Some reviews mention the food is nice and reasonably priced.
Information on bringing outside food is not widely available, but it's generally best to check with the museum directly or utilize their cafe facilities.
Yes, the museum is located near the designer outlet and other amenities in Swindon, offering various dining choices nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or commercial use.
The grand locomotives, the restored Victorian railway building, and the interactive displays offer great photographic opportunities.
Yes, capturing images of the impressive locomotives is a highlight for many visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Parents often highlight how much their children enjoy the hands-on activities and the chance to get up close to the locomotives. The museum's location, a short walk from the train station, also makes it a convenient choice for a family day out. Consider visiting during the summer holidays for potential £1 child entry offers
and check for any family-specific events. The museum's engaging narrative and accessible displays ensure that both children and adults can have an enjoyable and educational experience exploring the rich history of the Great Western Railway. 💰 Budget Travelers
This can significantly cut down on admission costs for pairs. Additionally, during certain periods like the summer holidays, children's entry can be as low as £1, making it an affordable family activity. Parking at the nearby shopping centre is generally reasonably priced, and the museum's proximity to the train station means you can avoid car costs if arriving by rail. While there's a cafe on-site, bringing some snacks or planning a picnic in a nearby public space could further reduce expenses.
🚄 Day-Trippers
It's easy to access directly from the station, making it a convenient addition to a journey to or from the West Country or Wales. Allow at least a couple of hours to explore the exhibits thoroughly, or more if you're with family. You can combine your visit with a trip to the nearby designer outlet for some shopping, making for a well-rounded day trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Great Western Railway
+1Visitors can explore a vast collection of over 400,000 objects, including iconic locomotives, rolling stock, archival photographs, and fine art. The museum's narrative is brought to life through first-person video accounts from former GWR employees, offering a deeply personal and authentic perspective on the era. This immersive approach allows you to truly step back in time and understand the scale and importance of the GWR's operations.
The 'Great Western Way' is more than just a slogan; it represents a philosophy of engineering excellence and a unique company culture. The museum celebrates this legacy, highlighting how Swindon became synonymous with railway innovation. Whether you're a seasoned railway enthusiast or a curious visitor, the STEAM Museum offers a compelling journey into a significant chapter of British industrial history.
Family Fun and Interactive Learning
+1Beyond the trail, numerous games and activities are integrated into each section, ensuring that learning about railway history is an active and enjoyable experience. This hands-on approach is frequently praised by parents, who note how their 'train mad' children thoroughly enjoy the interactive elements.
With its spacious layout and engaging content, the museum provides a stimulating environment where children can learn about engineering, history, and the people behind the railways in a memorable way. The accessibility from the train station also makes it a convenient day out for families travelling from afar.
Planning Your Visit: Tips and Offers
Additionally, during the summer holidays, children can often gain entry for a nominal fee of £1, making it an attractive option for family outings. For those travelling by car, convenient parking is available at the nearby shopping centre car park, which also features public EV charging stations.
It's also worth noting that while an hour might give you a glimpse, many visitors find they need more time to fully appreciate the extensive displays and immersive exhibits. Checking the museum's website for special events, such as the Great Western Brick Show, is also recommended, as these can be popular and may require advance booking.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit