Step aboard for a fascinating journey through Britain’s railway heritage with a visit to STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon.
Housed within the historic buildings of the former Swindon railway works, STEAM tells the remarkable story of the Great Western Railway and the generations of people who built, operated and travelled on one of Britain’s most famous railway networks.
Discover the pioneering age of steam and learn how the vision and engineering achievements associated with Isambard Kingdom Brunel helped transform rail travel. Throughout the museum, impressive locomotives, historic railway vehicles, original artefacts, recreated working environments and interactive displays bring the story of the Great Western Railway to life.
Get up close to some truly iconic locomotives, including King George V, City of Truro and Caerphilly Castle, together with a replica of the famous broad-gauge North Star. You can also see fascinating pieces of railway history including Queen Victoria’s Royal Saloon and a beautifully atmospheric 1930s station platform.
But STEAM isn't simply a museum about locomotives. One of the highlights is discovering the story of the thousands of men and women who worked at the enormous Swindon Works. Explore recreated workshops and working environments including the General Stores, Foundry, Machine Shop, Boiler Shop and Erecting Shop, discovering what everyday life was like for the people behind the Great Western Railway.
There are plenty of interactive experiences too. Try changing the signals in an authentic GWR signal box, test your skills on the steam train simulator and explore the museum’s model railway displays.
During your visit there will be time to explore the museum at your own pace, whether you're a lifelong railway enthusiast, interested in British history and engineering, or simply looking for somewhere fascinating and different to visit.
Platform One Café offers hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and homemade cakes, while the museum shop is an ideal place to browse for railway-themed gifts and souvenirs.
And there's another bonus – STEAM is located just a short walk from Swindon Designer Outlet, making it easy to enjoy some additional shopping or refreshments during your day.
Relax and leave the driving to us as Richard Taylor Travel takes you to Swindon for an enjoyable day discovering the people, engineering and extraordinary story behind the Great Western Railway.
