steam museum of the great western railway

My niece, whose father-in-law is a train fanatic, has an annual family pass to STEAM so it was an ideal place to take my grand son to meet up with his cousins on a rainy day. (With my Blue Badge, I was able to park directly outside). Access is good for buggies and wheelchairs & the children's interest was maintained by the numerous interactive displays, trains to explore, (and a miniature train to ride on) tunnels to run through as well as a small play area. Please note that the Toilets and Cafe are not on the same floor!

Visited the museum as love trains and the history of it all. This museum is first class , from the front reception, the cafe, the exhibitions, the people on hand chatting to you about the old works this place is fantastic. Go there, enjoy, you will not be disappointed

Situated in part of the old railway works, with a big shopping outlet centre and the modern headquarters of the National Trust nearby.Although it's sad that the industry has long gone (up to 3 steam locomotives a week used to be built here) it's great that the buildings have been saved and are being used for such a worthwhile purpose.There are so many displays and exhibitions that you could spend all day here. We left with a huge appreciation of all the work which went into the construction and maintenance of the rolling stock and of the history of the GWR.I believe that even those with little interest in railways or railway history would find this place fascinating.It is worth the admission cost just to see the many locos on display. There is enough to appeal to anyone, with plenty of audio-visual, hands-on and other interactive things to do. This is the absolute opposite of the kind of museum with static, serried labelled exhibits.Found the staff, gift shop, café and conveniences very good, too.Very disabled-friendly.Absolutely nothing to dislike here.

Did the whole thing on my mobility scooter, apart from going under a train, even i have my limitations! A great visit and will go again sometime.

This museum is very well signposted from the M4 and is easy to find. The car parking is shared with the shopping outlet and you can park free of charge if you keep your museum entry ticket. The entrance price was a very reasonable £8 for adults and £6.50 concessions. I hadn't been very enthusiastic about visiting this museum and was far more interested in going to the shopping outlet next door! However, it was a very pleasant surprise once I got inside. The exhibits were well displayed and it was easy to get up close to many of the artefacts. There were lots of "hands on" experiences for old and young including a working signal box where you could direct the trains in and out of the station. I very much enjoyed the films showing the site in earlier days and particularly the testimonies from people who had worked there. The feeling of pride and camaraderie were evident everywhere you went. When we visited there was a special exhibition linked to the commemoration of the war which was very interesting. There seemed lots of activities for children and a couple of school groups were being shown round with the pupils all dressed in period clothes and carrying their gas masks! All the museum staff we encountered were really helpful and enthusiastic. From not wanting to go to the museum I was the one who didn't want to leave!!

Not quite what i expected,after visiting other train museums.Went on a group visit and spent an enjoyable time,on the history of the Great Western Railway.Brought back childhood memories.Well laid out,could take your time,to view exhibits and watch,informative A/V shows.Cafe had selection of light meals & snacks,very helpful staff.Afterwards had a coffee,in the National Trust headquarters cafe,which is nearby and had a look round,the shopping village.The museum and shopping center,use buildings,which were part of the railway works.Great day out.

What a good day out.Staff were great the reception desk team were so helpful and for once welcomed the children really well.Only very minor thing was shop was not quite as good as i expected but as there is a huge discount shopping village next door cant really argue - for note really good Hornby shop in village with great bargains.Free parking as well.So highly recommend.

This was our 4th visit and still it amuses my 8 year old no end! Lots of things to look at, touch, play with, build, admire etc. For younger children the play areas are amazing, full of things to do, especially Thomas-related! Activity sheets are a great idea to keep children amused. The cafe in site which wasn't there the last time we went, was a superb addition - very nice food and, what I liked, was being served by more 'mature' people who know how to serve and be polite! All the staff in the museum and cafe were really friendly and helpful. They have a cloakroom which is a god-send in winter as you don't need to walk around with heavy coats. The shop is small but certainly adequate. The signal box experience was enjoyed, walking under 'Caerphily' was loved, the buffet car is always liked. Great fun for all ages. Well Done STEAM.

We spent a very enjoyable few hours here.The museum tells the story of the Great Western Railway which was the workshop of the GWR for over one hundred years.The museum is on the original site with a very modern " Designer Discount Retail Outlet sharing the same site.The exhibits are well laid out with plenty to do for youngsters who are able to interact with some of the trains on display.The museum is very clean with very helpful staff who on hand to answer any questions but also allow you to wander round with out feeling you are being watched.My 10yr old nephew was intrigued by the life-size models who were dressed up in the clothes of the time as they are so life-like and are placed throughout the museum.If you enjoy trains and shopping a visit here will tick all the boxes.

My daughter loves going here. Little ones will enjoy trying out the activities which are scattered through the Museum (all linked to the displays around them), walking under the trains, climbing onto trains, on special days (check website in advance) they will be able to change signals in the Signal Box and get a certificate to say they did it. It's well worth a visit.

just a little old news story about the G.W.R. railway works at Swindon plus the G.W.R. train there maybe other one event there like a roadshow of a tv program

The exhibits can be enjoyed by children of all ages and adults as well. Our children particularly enjoyed the signal box experience. They listen to instructions which guide them through pulling the signal and points levers to allow trains to pass.They also enjoyed a simulated ride in the cab of a steam engine.It is a good place for grand parents or great grand parents to accompany children as they can relive past experiences of steam and all generations benefit.It is about 15 minutes walk from the rail and bus stations and there are frequent buses from the town centre.It is rare for the parking to be full but it is best to arrive early. Mums and grannies will no doubt enjoy the outlet shopping which adjoins the museum so there truly is something for everyone.

Very understated and lovely museum. I bought season tickets for myself and my son and have certainly had my money's worth out of them. The café is very good as well as friendly staff the food is very good as well and not over priced. You can use the café without having to go into the museum. The museum itself is really well laid out and some fun interactive things to do for the little ones. Well worth a visit. if there is a down side you can't park directly outside any more you have to use the main Outlet Village car park.

We have been quite a few times to the steam museum and we have loved every visit .the story of the great western railway is really well done and the hands on exhibits are very good to .my son really loves the live action steam train where you can drive your own loco as if you are going along part of the old railway track.

I've been here on a number of occasions and it's a great place. Christmas at Steam is highly recommended as you can find some great stuff and also have a look around on the cheap!