The Postal Museum

The Basics

Book in advance to guarantee a visit at a time that suits you, then breeze past ticket lines into a world of Tudor tales, industrial developments, and fun-filled activities, including dress-up displays and postal-themed play. Upgrade to add the Mail Rail ride, a theatrical experience onboard a subterranean postal railway. Or, take advantage of inclusive packages that stop at the museum as well as other popular attractions.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Postal Museum is ideal for families, transport enthusiasts, and history buffs.

• Both exhibition spaces are fully wheelchair-accessible.

• The Mail Rail ride isn’t accessible to wheelchair users and those who can’t access the ride independently; also, it may not be suitable for sensory-sensitive guests.

• The museum has lockers, stroller parking, free Wi-Fi, and a small café on-site.

How to Get There

It’s best to use public transit instead of driving, as the museum is within the London Congestion Charge zone and doesn’t have a parking lot. The two exhibition spaces are located across the road from one another, about a 10-minute walk from Farringdon, King’s Cross St. Pancras, Russell Square, and Chancery Lane stations. Buses 17, 46, and 341 also serve the area.

When to Get There

The Postal Museum is open every day except December 25. Mail Rail riders should arrive at least an hour before closing to catch the last departure of the day. Occasionally, adventurers can explore London’s secret subways on an evening tour, which must be booked in advance.

London’s Top Picks for Transport Enthusiasts

Whether you’re an avid railway historian or parent to a transport-crazy toddler, London offers plenty of options. After riding the Mail Rail, take the Piccadilly line south to the London Transport Museum, where around 450,000 artifacts reveal the history of the capital’s travel network; travel up the Thames to see HMS Belfast, a retired warship; or head to nearby King’s Cross railway station, in search of the famous Platform 9 ¾.

Ways to explore

The Postal Museum is included in a number of London city passes. You can also take advantage of tour packages that stop at the museum and other popular attractions, or book a family-friendly guide for a kid-centered private adventure.

Book in advance to guarantee a visit at a time that suits you, then breeze past ticket lines into a world of Tudor tales, industrial developments, and fun-filled activities, including the Mail Rail ride, a theatrical experience onboard a subterranean postal railway. Upgrade for Sorted!, an indoor postal play area tailored to children ages 0–8.

Accessibility

Both exhibition spaces are fully wheelchair-accessible, but there’s no dedicated parking. The Mail Rail ride isn’t wheelchair-friendly and may not be suitable for sensory-sensitive guests.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Bring a sling or carrier for babies, as strollers aren’t allowed on the Mail Rail’s lower level.

What to wear

Wear weather-appropriate outerwear: The two exhibition spaces are on opposite sides of a public road.

Not allowed

Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks

Amenities

Café, Wi-Fi, restrooms, baby changing stations

Address

The museum is split between two exhibition spaces, across the road from each other in Clerkenwell, east-central London. It’s about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) northeast of Trafalgar Square.

Driving

While you could drive to The Postal Museum, there’s no parking and you’ll need to pay the London Congestion Charge. Make like a Londoner instead and hop on a city bike or public transportation, or hail a rideshare.

Public transportation

The Postal Museum is less than a 15-minute walk from four tube stations: Russell Square, Chancery Lane, Farringdon, and King’s Cross St. Pancras. (The latter two have rail connections.) Convenient bus routes include the #55 from Oxford Circus.

Best times to visit

The museum usually opens at 10am (last entry at 3:30pm), and visits start with a Mail Rail ride. Come early to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

The museum is closed on Mondays. For fewer crowds, plan your trip for midweek while school is in session. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are generally best.

Best months to visit

The Postal Museum is the perfect attraction for a rainy day. Late fall and early spring (October–November and March–April) make great times to visit.

Special events

The Postal Museum usually hosts special events, such as craft workshops, and decorates the Mail Rail ride during the Christmas season (November and December).