The Postal Museum in London has opened. Chris Wales reports from a Made travel trade fam trip
London’s most eagerly-awaited heritage attraction, the Postal Museum, has opened its doors to groups.
The opening marks the end of an ambitious year-and-a-half project, which started in February 2016, to convert a disused Clerkenwell printing factory into the new museum site, and bring the disused ‘Mail Rail’ tunnels back to life as a ride for the first time in their 100-year history.
Celebrating the surprising and quirky history of Britain’s earliest social network – the post, the Postal Museum contains five zones, leading visitors through five centuries of world-class curiosities and providing a different view on some of the world’s most significant historical events.
Across the street from the museum, situated in Clerkenwell on Phoenix Place, is a subterranean world that – up until now – remained hidden from the public.
Visitors will descend into the former engineering depot of the 100-year-old Post Office railway and board a miniature train designed to transport them through stalactite-filled tunnels.
Mail Rail’s interactive train ride lasts approximately 20 minutes, and will pass through the tunnels that run between the Mount Pleasant sorting office, stopping at the largely unchanged station platforms, where an impressive audio visual display will give an insight into how the railway kept the post coursing through London 22 hours a day.
After the ride, visitors will be free to wander through the cavernous engineering depot-turned-exhibition space. Stepping into a replica of a real-life Travelling Post Office, the floor will start shaking as visitors try and sort the mail, just like a real-life travelling postal worker.
Groups of eight+ need to book in advance, with a rate of £12.50pp, and there are further concessionary prices.
Coach set-down and pick-up is near the Crowne Plaza hotel on Calthorpe Street, adjacent to the Museum.
There is an excellent gift shop and café; it seats 40, so advance booking is required.
- Details at goo.gl/A4xbmf
