Skip to main content
Museum

STEAM - Museum of the GWR

Fire Fly Avenue

View on Google Maps

Photo: STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway

About STEAM - Museum of the GWR

Step into the world of Great Western Railway at this interactive Swindon museum where young enthusiasts can explore restored locomotives and engage with fascinating hands-on displays that bring railway heritage to life.

What's nearby

  • Platform One Cafe next door
  • Next Outlet next door
  • UTC 200m away
  • Designer Outlet Swindon 200m away
  • National Trust - Heelis 200m away

Distances as the crow flies, via Google

Good to know

Parking

  • Free car park
  • Paid car park
  • Free street
  • Paid street

Accessibility

  • Accessible parking
  • Accessible entrance
  • Accessible toilet
  • Accessible seating

Payment

  • Contactless

Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.

Photos

Photos via Google

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

What visitors say

Tim Gregson

A fabulous railway museum telling the story of the Great Western Railway and their works at Swindon. Definitely worth a visit you're in the area. Lots of educational displays information available for families along with a great selection of historical locomotives and other railwayana.

· via Google

Libby Hutchings

Brilliant museum! Really interactive and my 6yo loved it. It was fascinating being able to watch and hear from people who actually worked there. I've got a whole new fascination with the railway works now thanks to today's visit. Highly recommend for anyone with any interest in steam trains or local history.

· via Google

Doug Neilson

Very good. Although there are locomotives to see, it is better described as a museum showing the people and processes involved in building a railway. Lots of social history, and good maps & photos. I question the value of the admission charge and cafe is best avoided.

· via Google

kerry baker

Excellent museum with lots to see and learn about. My son loves Great Western engines and he throughly enjoyed looking at the engines on display. The volunteers were all friendly and informative giving us background to the engines. We especially liked that the museum is in a building where people worked building the steam engines. We really enjoyed our day out here and I would recommend to anyone with an interest in steam engines. Well worth the visit from Sussex.

· via Google

See all reviews on Google →

Visitors say this museum offers a fascinating look into railway history with impressive steam locomotives and interactive exhibits suitable for all ages. They also highlight the friendly and knowledgeable staff, as well as the clean and well-maintained facilities. Guests mention the convenient parking and on-site cafe with good food and coffee.

Summary via Google

At a glance

Address
Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon, SN2 2EY Get directions
Category
Museums & Galleries
Guest rating
4.7 / 5 (2,529 reviews)
Suitable for
Ages 0-12
Setting
Indoor
Good for children
Yes
Toilets on site
Yes
Destination
Swindon