- All passes
- Family-friendly
- Indoors
Up to an hour
The Postal Museum
Up to an hour
From its beginnings 500 years ago to the Mail Rail and Great Train Robbery, delve into the captivating tale of communication at The Postal Museum London.
- Explore London with The London Pass®Your London pass includes dozens of other top attractions, all for one money-saving price
Overview
There’s nothing ordinary about the story of the post! Discover five-wheeled cycles, the first-ever stamps, and take an immersive ride on Mail Rail, London’s secret Post Office underground railway.
The Postal Museum tells the story of postal communication and its impact on a global society. Within these walls, five centuries of extraordinary communications history unfold, all as seen through the lens of the iconic postal service. A visit to the museum includes family-friendly and interactive exhibitions as well as that must-try immersive ride on the London Mail Rail. You can also take a break for snacks and refreshments in the museum’s accredited family-friendly cafe.
Up until 1635, the post system was reserved for the use of the King and his Court. When Charles I introduced the public mail system to the UK. The understanding at the time was that you could post a letter for free, however, the person receiving it then had to pay for it. The cost of postage depended on how far the letter had to travel on horseback. And If the recipient didn’t pay, they didn’t get the letter.
It was the inefficiencies of the postal system that led to efficiencies in the UK’s infrastructure as six “Great Roads” were built to make delivery times faster. But wasn’t until the 19th century that senders would pay for postage before the recipient, with the first adhesive stamp being introduced in 1840: the Penny Black. This longstanding history of communication is what the Postal Museum strives to showcase, revealing the UK’s first social network.
The Postal Museum London isn't just another museum; it's a journey through time that unravels the extraordinary tale of the post. With its rich history and the thrilling Mail Rail Postal Museum experience, this attraction is one for the bucket list when visiting London.
The Postal Museum highlights
Take an underground train ride on the unique Mail Rail at the Postal Museum
See the world's only sheets of Penny Black stamps
Sort the mail on a rocking mini-train carriage
See a Victorian miniature rail car used by people and post!
Discover iconic posters from a 1930s design revolution
Facts
The Mail Rail ran for 22 hours per day for more than 75 years, carrying up to 4 million letters every day.
The Postal Museum is the only place in the world where you can see sheets of Penny Blacks, the world's first stamp that sparked a writing revolution.
There are over 60,000 objects in the museum.
Cats were once officially employed by the Post Office to catch rodents, complete with a weekly allowance!
What's included
Your pass gives you access to The Postal Museum, where you can explore 500 years of communications history through interactive exhibitions.
Ride the 100-year-old Mail Rail that transported millions of letters 70-ft below the streets of London.
Where you'll be
15-20 Phoenix Pl, London, UKHow to get there
Chancery Lane, Farringdon, Kings Cross St Pancras, Russell Square
Standard opening hours
Please note that the last departure for the mail rail is 3.30PM
Closings & holidays
December 24 and 25
Find out more
For more information, please visit The Postal Museum website.
Excellent Fun
Debs ·Really informative and great fun especially the ride in the “mail rail”.
TRIP HIGHLIGHT!
Alexa H ·The estimate of 45 minutes could not be more wrong. I could have spent hours there. The Mail Train was phenomenal. The production value for it was amazing and I loved the entire journey. They don't lie about it being a small train though. The actual museum portion was even better! It was so interactive and I wish we could have spent more time there. We got to make ourselves into stamps and you even got a digital copy of it. Hands down the best thing on our three day pass. Would 100% recommend the Postal Museum!
Fun for everyone
Caroline K ·I loved the immersive aspect of the experience, riding Rail Mail. It's perfect for adults and children, it's super informative while also having plenty for kids to enjoy
Interesting Museum
Kristiew1 ·This is an interesting museum made for all ages. It seems to have been relegated to a museum for young kids based on the Mail Rail train ride, which is a ride in the historic tunnels that used to be used to transport the mail. That is a shame since there are all kinds of interesting facts to be learned here. At least the kids do not run wild, as in the London Transport Museum. It is worth a look.
Postal train and museum
Anna C. ·This was an intersting tour. I learnt lots about the postal system that I did not know. Great for children also.
Lack Of Appointments For 3rd Party Tickets
Travelled from the midlands, planned a day of venues to visit as part of purchasing the London Pass with my family of 5 of us. Unfortunately this venue did not allow for pre booking and made this out first venue. So we arrived just before 1100 and was told no spaces for "3rd party tickets" until after 2pm. Due to having other plans this meant we were unable to visit this which was a massive shame. Staff really didn't care and felt they were rude.
Build your unique London itinerary with our trip planner
We’ll give you the best route to check off all your must-sees, museums, landmarks and more
How it works
The London Pass® makes sightseeing easy
Buy
Pick your pass. We have different types to suit your preferences.
Scan
Download our highly-rated app to scan in at each attraction.
Save
Enjoy guaranteed savings (or we'll refund you the difference!).
The London Pass® is highly rated, but don't just take our word for it!
Get your free guidebook!
Plan your perfect trip with our insider guide – top attractions, itineraries and local tips straight to your inbox.