Industrial, maritime and transport
Rides on steam railways can take you to the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution. As the thrilling shriek of the steam engine whisks you back through the decades, stunning countryside streaks past your window. Next, explore our industrial heritage at a perfectly preserved mill town or a fascinating mining village. Discover what made our island nation great at dockyards and maritime museums, as the kids clamber over 18th-century steam ships and 19th-century tea clippers resplendent in their restored glory. Don’t miss the transport museums and military air shows that showcase staggering feats of automotive and aeronautical engineering.
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Get on board at the National Railway Museum
The world's largest railway museum is home to a staggering collection of restored locomotives, including the fastest steam engine of all time.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Experience life at sea aboard Brunel’s ss Great Britain
One of the world's most important ships brought to life for modern-day visitors.
Location: Bristol
Tracing the Titanic in Southampton
Venture back to 1912 and immerse yourself in the story of RMS Titanic at Southampton’s interactive, state-of-the-art SeaCity Museum.
Location: Southampton, Hampshire
Fly high at RAF Museum Cosford
Here you can experience aviation life in wartime including the chance to see the world's oldest Spitfire.
Location: Cosford, Shropshire
Take a tour of the Peak District Mining Museum
Discover the cramped and hazardous world of a Derbyshire lead miner.
Location: Matlock, Derbyshire
Uncover the story of West Midland’s industrial heritage
Go back to the where it all started, the Black Country Living Museum – home of the Industrial Revolution.
Location: Dudley, West Midlands
Take your senses on a trip back in time at Beamish
Touch, taste, hear, see and smell history on an unforgettable journey into the past at England’s largest open-air museum.
Location: Vale of Durham
Take your pick from Liverpool’s rich cultural gems
Liverpool is a thriving capital of culture with museums and galleries for every taste, many of which are free to explore. Dip in and emerge inspired.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
Enjoy a seafaring adventure at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
With maritime attractions that span 800 years, there's plenty to pack into a short break to this historic waterfront city.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Steam into spring on board the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Jump on board the Lake District’s oldest, longest and most scenic railway.
Location: Ravenglass, Cumbria
May events: Step back in time at East Lancashire Railway
Join the East Lancashire Railway to party like its 1949 in Rawtenstall, Lancashire where the blitz spirit is still going strong.
Location: Rawtenstall, Lancashire
Discover 2,000 years of history in Gloucester
Roman ruins, an Anglo-Saxon princess, a murdered king's tomb, one of the world's most majestic cathedrals and the UK's best preserved Victorian Docks.
Location: Gloucester, Gloucestershire
Experience life as a Victorian Mill Worker
Be transported back to the 1800s and experience Bradford when it was the ‘Wool Capital of the World’.
Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire
Travel back through the centuries on a coastal break in Dorset
Explore Dorset’s eclectic range of castles, country houses and forts and journey back in time on a steam train.
Location: Dorset
Take family breaks to new heights at Anderton Boat Lift
Make family time a priority this spring at one of Cheshire's top heritage attractions.
Location: Northwich, Cheshire