London - The Postal Museum

Postal Museum, London

For more than 75 years, it was a vital artery in Britain's communication network, hidden from view. Experience it for yourself.

We recommend 2-3 hours to visit The Postal Museum Exhibition, Mail Rail Exhibition and the Mail Rail ride (which lasts approximately 20 minutes).

Postal Exhibition: Explore the surprising history of one of the greatest of British inventions, the post - the beginnings of the earliest social network. From cryptic Victorian Valentine cards to a lion encountered on Salisbury Plain. And the odd pistol, too. There's nothing ordinary about the story of the post.

Mail Rail Exhibition: Get the whole Mail Rail experience by exploring the interactive exhibition based in the engineering depot. Discover even more about the story of the postal railway. See if you've got what it takes to keep the network running and more in this interactive exhibition based in the abandoned engineering depot.

Mail Rail Ride: Take a 20 minute journey under the streets of London.

Descend into the former engineering depot of Mail Rail - the one hundred year old Post Office railway - board a miniature train and descend into the stalactite-filled tunnels.

Pass deep below Royal Mail's Mount Pleasant sorting office, see the original and largely unchanged station platforms and be transported back in time. Take in a theatrical experience that peels back the layers of time to the railway's lively 1930s heyday.

Please Note:

Mail Rail Ride rules and conditions

We ask all visitors to fully read about Mail rail ride access restrictions, conditions and rules before booking their tickets.

Loose articles are not permitted on the ride - all belongings must be left in the cages prior to boarding. These are attended but are not locked.

Emergency evacuation.

In the event of an emergency, trains may have to be evacuated in the tunnels. All visitors must ensure that they are comfortable walking without assistance on uneven terrain, in a confined space and with low lighting levels for approximately 100 metres (328 feet).

Descends to 21 metres (70 feet) underground through tunnels no wider than 2 metres (7 feet) at their narrowest point.

Contains pitch darkness, loud noises and flashing lights. The use of these effects are limited.

Maximum speed of 7.5mph (12 kph).

Carriages are small and may be unsuitable or uncomfortable for some visitors. The trains' measurements are: floor to canopy (130cm or 51 inches); seat to top canopy (87cm or 34 inches); door to door width (80cm or 31 inches); and distance between seats (43cm or 17 inches).

Depart for home Approx. 17.30