The Postal Museum

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.

Enjoy access to The Postal Museum with The London Pass® 

• 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. 
• Your London Pass also includes dozens of other top attractions, tours and experiences, all for one money-saving price.

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.

About The Postal Museum

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.

The Postal Museum History 

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 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

The Postal Museum Fun 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!

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.

Getting in

We recommend checking The Postal Musem's website or calling ahead for availability before visiting. Present your pass at the Mail Rail Welcome space.

Please note that the last train departs at 3.30PM.

Top tip: we highly recommend visiting the museum on weekday mornings to make the most of your experience. A downloadable audio guide is available for an additional fee on arrival. Available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian. Your own smart device and headphones are required.

Mail Rail is a miniature railway originally designed to carry post, not people. As such, it's not suitable for everyone and, unfortunately, the attraction is unable to accommodate wheelchair users on the ride itself, although wheelchair users can experience a virtual version of the ride on site.

For more information, please visit The Postal Museum website.