Postal Museum London
Journey through London's hidden history on the Mail Rail, the world's oldest underground train, and explore interactive postal exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Postal Museum London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Journey through London's hidden history on the Mail Rail, the world's oldest underground train, and explore interactive postal exhibits.
"Pleasantly surprised! The mail rail was fun and interesting and the separate exhibition was excellently put together."
🎯 Book Mail Rail Early
The Mail Rail ride is very popular! Book tickets online in advance to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking between the two museum buildings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mail Rail Ride
Underground
Journey through secret tunnels on the world's oldest underground train, once used for mail delivery.
Sorted! Play Space
Main Museum Building
An immersive mini-town for children to role-play as postal workers, sorting and delivering mail.
Interactive Exhibits
Main Museum Building
Engaging displays on the history of the postal service, including old uniforms and post boxes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Mail Rail Tickets in Advance
Two Sides to the Story
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Mail Rail Early
The Mail Rail ride is very popular! Book tickets online in advance to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking between the two museum buildings.
👨👩👧👦 Sorted! For Kids
The 'Sorted!' play area is fantastic for under 8s. Book a timed session! 
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to explore both parts of the museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Mail Rail Early
The Mail Rail ride is very popular! Book tickets online in advance to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking between the two museum buildings.
👨👩👧👦 Sorted! For Kids
The 'Sorted!' play area is fantastic for under 8s. Book a timed session!
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to explore both parts of the museum.
🎟️ Ticket for a Year
Your ticket is valid for a year, so you can revisit the main museum exhibits!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are often pleasantly surprised by the Postal Museum, with the Mail Rail ride being a standout highlight for its unique historical and immersive experience. The museum is well-organized, interactive, and offers engaging content for both children and adults, though accessibility on the Mail Rail itself is a consideration. The separate exhibition across the road is also praised for its engaging displays and interactive elements.
"It was our first time visiting, and we had such an amazing trip! We hopped on the green train, the tour lasted about 15–20 minutes, and it was honestly so fascinating down there. Learned so much that day.
Afterwards, we checked out the exhibition about the Royal Mail’s history, which was super interesting. Definitely recommend booking in advance, tickets sell out fast especially on weekends."
Rifa Adelisa
"Pleasantly surprised! Wasn't expecting much but the mail rail was fun and interesting and the separate exhibition was excellently put together and really engaging.
Accessibility is great for everything apart from the actual mail rail train (inherently) and they require that in an emergency you can climb stairs unaided. Quite cramped and hard to get into so bare in mind for accessibility. HOWEVER they do have a video showing you the whole train ride in the exhibition."
aikl
"This building is separate from the mail rail which is on the other side of the road. The postal museum runs through the history of the Post from the 17th century to the present date. The displays are very interactive and excellent for families with young children. It is also very informative for adults aswell. There are good facilities here, with options to eat and drink here too. Well worth a visit."
dave p
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Postal Museum is located in Clerkenwell. It's easily accessible by public transport. The nearest Tube stations are Farringdon (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines) and Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines). Several bus routes also stop nearby.
On-street parking is very limited in this central London area. It's highly recommended to use public transport to reach the museum.
Yes, you can use your Oyster card or a contactless payment card/device on the London Underground and buses to get to the museum.
The main museum building is fully accessible. However, the Mail Rail ride itself has accessibility limitations due to the nature of the underground train and tunnels. They offer a video of the ride for those who cannot participate.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Postal Museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on whether you include the Mail Rail ride. It's recommended to book online in advance for the best prices and to guarantee your spot on the Mail Rail.
Yes, absolutely! The Mail Rail ride is extremely popular and often sells out. Booking your tickets online well in advance is essential to avoid disappointment.
While it might be possible to buy tickets on the day for the main museum, the Mail Rail ride is often fully booked. Booking online ahead of time is strongly advised.
The museum may offer concessions for students, seniors, and children. Check their website for details. Your ticket for the main museum is often valid for a year, allowing for repeat visits.
A standard ticket typically includes access to the main museum exhibits. The Mail Rail ride is usually an add-on or part of a combined ticket.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Mail Rail is a miniature train ride through the original underground tunnels used by the Royal Mail. It's a unique historical journey with engaging storytelling and visual projections.
Most children find the Mail Rail ride exciting rather than scary. It's a gentle ride through historical tunnels. However, some younger children might be sensitive to the enclosed space or darkness.
'Sorted!' is an immersive play space designed for children aged 8 and under, allowing them to explore a miniature postal town and engage in role-playing activities.
To fully experience both the main museum and the Mail Rail, allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours. Some visitors spend longer, especially families with young children.
The museum offers a self-guided experience, with information provided through exhibits and the Mail Rail narration. Check their website for any special event tours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe that offers refreshments, snacks, and light meals.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum galleries, but check their specific policy. There might be designated areas for picnics.
The museum is located in Clerkenwell, an area with a wide variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants, offering diverse dining options.
The cafe typically offers a range of options, including vegetarian choices. It's advisable to check the current menu on their website or inquire at the cafe.
While there isn't a specific themed cafe within the museum itself, the nearby Borough Yards area has unique dining experiences, including a 1940s-inspired cocktail bar called Cahoots.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use in the main museum, but flash photography may be restricted in certain areas. Check for signage. Photography on the Mail Rail ride might be restricted due to safety.
Yes, the Mail Rail tunnels, the interactive exhibits, and the 'Sorted!' play area offer unique and engaging photo opportunities.
The entrance to the Mail Rail, the projected film in the tunnel, and the colourful 'Sorted!' play town are popular spots for memorable photos.
Drone photography is strictly prohibited inside and around the museum premises.
Short videos for personal social media are usually permitted, but be mindful of other visitors and any specific filming restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 The Mail Rail ride is also a thrilling experience for most children, taking them on an adventure through underground tunnels. Tips for families: Book your Mail Rail tickets well in advance, as they sell out quickly. Consider booking a timed session for the Sorted! play area. Allow ample time to explore both the Mail Rail building and the main museum exhibits, which also have interactive elements for kids.
🤓 History Buffs
+2 The main museum's exhibits provide detailed insights into the evolution of the postal service, its societal impact, and the technological advancements that shaped it. Explore the stories behind the mail delivery, learn about the vital role the postal service played during wartime, and discover the ingenuity behind the underground railway system. The museum's well-researched displays and the immersive Mail Rail experience offer a rich historical narrative.
📸 Instagrammers & Content Creators
+2 The Sorted! Play Space provides colourful and dynamic scenes for capturing children's engagement. +1Don't miss opportunities to photograph the unique architecture of the underground railway, the vintage postal artifacts, and the interactive displays. Remember to check photography guidelines, especially regarding flash, and be mindful of other visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mail Rail: A Journey Through Time
+4While the ride is inherently inaccessible for those with mobility issues, the museum thoughtfully provides a video presentation of the entire journey in the main exhibition space. This ensures that everyone can appreciate the history and engineering marvel of the Mail Rail. The experience is well-organized, though it's highly recommended to book tickets in advance as it's a very popular attraction.
Travelers often describe the Mail Rail as a highlight, noting its unique historical significance and engaging presentation. It offers a fascinating glimpse into a hidden world that once kept London connected.
Interactive Fun for Families: Sorted!
+2Designed for children aged 8 and under, Sorted! provides a hands-on experience that makes the history of the postal service tangible and fun. The timed sessions ensure that the play area doesn't get too crowded, allowing children to fully engage with the activities. Parents often rave about how much their children enjoy this interactive exhibit, with many noting it as a highlight of their visit.
+1This dedicated play space underscores the Postal Museum's commitment to making history accessible and enjoyable for all ages, particularly for its youngest visitors. It's a perfect opportunity for kids to learn through play in a safe and stimulating environment.
Beyond the Mail Rail: The Main Museum Exhibits
The museum features a variety of engaging displays, including historical uniforms that children can try on, old post boxes, and public telephones. Interactive elements are scattered throughout, making the learning process dynamic and enjoyable for all ages. The exhibits are well-curated, offering insights into the social and technological evolution of mail delivery in Britain.
Many visitors find the main museum to be an excellent counterpoint to the Mail Rail, providing context and a broader understanding of the postal service's impact. The ability to use the ticket for a year allows for repeat visits to explore these exhibits further.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit