London: Postal Museum Entry Ticket and Underground Rail Ride

If you’re in London and curious about the story behind the mail service that kept the city connected for centuries, this tour might be worth your time. The Postal Museum offers a unique glimpse into postal history, complete with engaging displays and an underground train ride through historic tunnels. From seeing the first postage stamp to trying your hand at sorting mail, it’s a fun and educational outing that appeals to a wide range of visitors.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the way it combines history with some hands-on activities, making it engaging for both adults and kids. Plus, the highlight — the Mail Rail underground train ride — adds a sense of adventure that’s hard to beat for a city attraction. Another plus is the interactive galleries, which help bring postal history to life in a way that feels less like a museum and more like stepping back in time.

Of course, there are some considerations. The train ride is relatively short, around 15 minutes, and can feel a bit rushed if you’re eager to explore more. Plus, during busy times, the museum can get crowded, especially with families and children, which might make some of the interactive exhibits less accessible. Still, if you’re interested in quirky, history-rich experiences with a fun twist, this tour can be quite rewarding.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy history, engineering, or simply those looking for a different kind of museum visit. It’s especially good if you’re traveling with kids or have a curiosity for how systems like postal delivery shaped our communication. It may not satisfy those seeking larger or more elaborate museums, but for a brief, memorable outing, it hits the right note.

Key Points

• Engaging for all ages with interactive exhibits and a train ride
• Short but sweet visit, around 1.5 hours
• Great value for the price, considering the train ride and exhibits
• Accessible and family-friendly, though crowded weekends might require patience
• Learn about the first postage stamp and postal innovations that changed communication
• The Mail Rail ride is the main highlight, offering a quick journey through historic tunnels

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Postal Museum

When you book your ticket for the Postal Museum in London, you’re signing up for more than just a walk through old postal offices. You’re stepping into a story that spans over 500 years of postal history, with a focus on how messaging and communication evolved in the city and beyond.

The experience begins with a visit to the interactive galleries. These are designed to entertain and educate, with educational games and activities suitable for all ages. For example, you can try your hand at sorting mail on a mock-up train carriage with a wobbly floor—an amusing way to understand the logistics of postal delivery.

There’s also a display of “The Penny Black,” the world’s first postage stamp, which is a real highlight for philatelists and history buffs alike. Alongside this, you’ll see a Victorian miniature rail car, which gives a tangible sense of how the postal system once operated on London’s streets.

The Mail Rail Underground Ride

The jewel in the crown for many visitors is the Mail Rail experience. This is a 15-minute underground train ride through tunnels that once carried millions of pieces of mail daily. The train itself is a tiny, vintage rail car, and the journey offers a glimpse into a long-forgotten part of London’s transport history.

Many reviews describe this as a “great fun” and an “interesting and informative” segment. One visitor noted, “The underground train and the tunnels was really interesting,” and another said, “The Mail Rail experience was great.” The ride is filled with commentary and videos projected onto walls, providing context and stories about the postal system’s development.

However, some reviews mention that the ride is relatively short, with one noting it lasts about 10-15 minutes, which might leave some wanting more. But considering the ticket price, many agree that it’s a good value for the experience.

Interactive Galleries and Family Fun

Beyond the train ride, the museum’s galleries are filled with hands-on exhibits. Visitors can marvel at flintlock pistols used to protect mail from theft, or learn about the development of post boxes and telephone boxes.

Children seem to especially enjoy the Postal Play Space, which is a separate area for kids aged 8 and up, with educational activities. Many reviews mention that younger visitors find the museum engaging, especially with dressing up and sorting games. There is also a postal soft play area available as an optional extra, which makes it a good choice for families.

The museum features a family-friendly café, where you can take a break and recharge before continuing to explore.

Practicalities: Location, Duration, and Accessibility

Located at the coordinates 51.524749755859375, -0.113926000893116, the Postal Museum is easily accessible in South East London. The typical visit lasts around 1.5 hours, which is perfect for a quick yet fulfilling outing.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs. The museum is open every Tuesday until the end of August 2023, adding extra flexibility if you’re planning a midweek visit.

Tickets can be reserved in advance with the option to cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is handy if your plans are still fluid.

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Value for Money and Overall Impression

Given the ticket price, visitors seem to agree that the Postal Museum offers excellent value. Many reviews mention that they spent roughly 2-3 hours exploring, which makes the experience feel well-rounded and substantial.

While the train ride is quite short, the overall package of exhibits, interactive features, and historical stories makes it a worthwhile stop on a London trip, especially for those interested in engineering, transport, or postal history.

The friendly staff and well-presented displays enhance the experience, creating a welcoming environment. Some visitors noted that it can get crowded during weekends, but with a bit of patience, you’ll still get a good look around.

This postal adventure is a solid choice for travelers looking for something different from the typical London museums. It combines education, nostalgia, and a bit of fun, making it suitable for curious adults and families with children alike.

If you’re a history buff or have a fascination with transport and communications, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. The Mail Rail underground ride is a real highlight, offering a tangible sense of London’s hidden past. On the other hand, those wanting a more extensive museum experience or longer train rides might find the visit somewhat brief.

The Postal Museum delivers a meaningful glimpse into how London kept its message moving for centuries. It’s well worth considering if you’re after a relaxed, engaging, and reasonably priced attraction.

Who Should Visit?

• Anyone interested in history, engineering, or postal systems
• Families seeking interactive activities for kids
• Travelers who appreciate short, focused visits
• Those looking for good value experiences in London
• Visitors wanting a less crowded, indoor activity

FAQ

Is the Postal Museum suitable for children?
Yes, especially for children over 8 who can enjoy the interactive galleries and the train ride. There’s also a Postal Play Space for kids, making it family-friendly.

How long does the visit take?
Most visitors spend around 1.5 hours, but it can vary depending on how much time you spend in each exhibit.

Is the underground train ride wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors.

What’s included in the ticket?
Your ticket grants access to the main galleries, the Mail Rail underground train ride, and access to the gift shop and café.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there parking nearby?
The details on parking aren’t specified, but the museum’s central location makes it accessible via public transport.

Is the experience good value for the price?
Most reviews agree it offers good value, considering the interactive exhibits and the train ride.

Are there food options at the museum?
Yes, there’s an accredited family-friendly café where you can grab snacks and drinks.

What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Weekdays, especially Tuesday, might be quieter, as the museum is open every Tuesday until late August 2023.

Is there a dress code or special preparation needed?
No special dress code. Just wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some interactive elements.

If you’re looking for a quirky and educational stop that offers a peek into London’s postal past combined with a fun underground train journey, this tour might just surprise you. It’s a practical, engaging choice for those wanting a slice of history with a bit of adventure thrown in.

You can check availability for your dates here: