What is the Mail Rail and is it suitable for young children?

The Mail Rail is a small underground railway that once carried post beneath London. The passenger version is suitable for children from about age 3 and up — it is smooth, enclosed, and not frightening.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes — Mail Rail time slots are included in admission but must be reserved. Book online to guarantee your preferred time, especially on weekends.

How long does a visit take?

Allow two to three hours to ride the Mail Rail and explore the museum galleries at a comfortable pace.

The Postal Museum

Name: The Postal Museum
Address: London, UK, US
Telephone: 0300 030 0700
Rating: 4.6

Rating

4.6(5,488)

Family of 4

USD 76–89 for two adults and two children (approx GBP 60–70)

Duration

2–3 hours

Best Ages

3–12

About

The Postal Museum near Farringdon is one of London's most underrated family attractions, combining a genuinely fascinating museum about the history of communication and the postal service with something truly unique: a ride on the Mail Rail. The Mail Rail was a miniature underground railway that carried post beneath London's streets from 1927 to 2003, and today visitors can ride a specially built passenger version through the original tunnels. It is genuinely thrilling for children — the tunnels are atmospheric, the ride is smooth, and the narration along the way makes it feel like a proper adventure.

The museum galleries are bright and well-designed for families, covering everything from Victorian stamp collecting to the design of iconic red pillar boxes. There are dedicated play and activity areas for younger children, and the exhibits are interactive enough to hold a wide age range. The whole experience takes around two to three hours if you include the ride, the galleries, and a stop at the cafe.

Booking online is strongly recommended because the Mail Rail slots fill up — you do not want to arrive and find the next available ride is in two hours. It is an ideal wet-weather day out and is genuinely engaging for children from toddler age up through primary school.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Nursing / Changing

true

Kid Meals

On-site cafe with child-friendly snacks and light meals

Setting

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings for quieter Mail Rail rides

Wait Times

Mail Rail ride may have a 20–30 minute wait on busy days

Nearby Food

On-site cafe plus options near Farringdon and Mount Pleasant

Why Kids Love It

Riding the actual underground Mail Rail — a tiny driverless train that once carried London's post through tunnels beneath the city — is a highlight that kids talk about for weeks. The museum itself is full of bright, tactile exhibits about the history of communication, letter-writing, and the postal service, with plenty of hands-on activities built for younger visitors.

Pro Tips from Parents

Book your Mail Rail time slot online when you purchase tickets — slots fill up fast on weekends and holidays.
The play area on the lower level is excellent for toddlers and younger children who need a break from structured exhibits.
Ask at the desk for the family activity sheet — it gives kids a scavenger hunt to complete through the galleries.