Exploring the Postal Museum, London: History, Innovation, and Fun

The Postal Museum in London is a treasure trove of history and innovation. Located in the heart of the city, this museum showcases the fascinating story of postal communication, from the early days of handwritten letters to the modern era of digital mail.

One of the highlights of the museum is its vast collection of historic postal vehicles, which include a 19th-century horse-drawn mail coach and a 1960s postal van. You can even take a ride in a vintage postal vehicle, giving you a unique glimpse into the past.

The museum's exhibitions are designed to be engaging and interactive, making it a fun experience for visitors of all ages. With hands-on activities, immersive displays, and fascinating artifacts, you'll be captivated by the story of postal history and innovation.

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The Museum is located across the street from the Mount Pleasant Mail Centre. You can grab a bite to eat or pick up a souvenir at the cafeteria and gift shop at the entrance.

The museum itself tells the story of the post from its origins as a royal delivery service to the modern system operated today. There are lots of activities for children, but older visitors will also find plenty of interesting information to keep them engaged.

A small room at the end of the museum houses temporary exhibitions.

The origins of the British Postal Museum & Archive date back to 1838 with the Public Records Act, which marked the beginning of organizing government archives, including the Post Office department.

This act paved the way for the first archivist to be appointed in 1896, after a report was produced on the maintenance of Post Office records.

The Public Records Acts of 1958 and 1967 further reinforced the need for the Post Office to keep, catalogue, and make its archive records available.

In 1966, the first National Postal Museum was established, thanks in part to a significant donation of philatelic items.

The museum was opened by the Queen in 1969, but it was short-lived, closing in 1998 after the King Edward Building was sold.

The collections were retained, and the management of the museum and archive was combined into a single unit, known as the Heritage unit of the Post Office.

The New Postal Museum is a fantastic addition to London's cultural scene. It was opened in 2017 in Clerkenwell, near the Mount Pleasant Mail Centre.

The museum was built at a cost of £26 million and consists of two sections. It's a significant investment that has paid off, as the museum has become a popular destination for visitors.

One of the unique features of the museum is the 0.62 miles stretch of track from London's Mail Rail, the world's first driverless electric railway. This is now open to the public and offers a glimpse into the history of mail transportation.

The museum is also home to a range of fascinating exhibits, including a commemorative stamp that would have been used if Scotland had won the 1978 FIFA World Cup.

If you're looking for a unique experience, ride on the Mail Rail, a set of tunnels originally opened in 1927 that were used to shuttle post around London for almost 80 years.

The Mail Rail closed in 2013, but it's an interesting piece of London's history.

You can also explore London's best museums, and we have a guide to the very best things to do in London if you're interested.

The Mail Rail is a hidden gem in London's postal history. It's located across the street from the historic Mount Pleasant Mail Centre, the largest mail centre in the UK.

You can ride the Mail Rail, which was used to transport mail beneath the streets of London until 2013. The carriages are small but quite comfortable.

The experience lasts only a few minutes, taking you a short distance down the track with stops at platforms featuring audio/visual displays.

These displays give you a great sense of what the system must have been like. After the ride, you can explore a display about the rail system's history and see many artefacts.

One of the highlights is the information about the pneumatic tube system, which is really interesting.

In the United States, the Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in the 19th century.

The Amistad case in 1839 was a pivotal moment in the fight against slavery, as African captives on a Spanish ship took control and eventually won their freedom in court.

Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison published The Liberator in 1831, a newspaper that advocated for the immediate emancipation of all slaves.

Frederick Douglass, a former slave himself, became a prominent orator and writer, using his powerful voice to speak out against slavery and advocate for its abolition.

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 required Northerners to assist in the capture of escaped slaves, leading to increased tensions and resistance against slavery in the North.

Many African Americans continued to resist slavery through acts of defiance and sabotage, such as burning down slave owners' property or destroying their crops.

I've had the chance to explore some amazing spots in the city, and I highly recommend checking out the local museums. The Museum of Modern Art is a must-visit, with an impressive collection of over 200,000 works of art.

One of the highlights of my experience was visiting the famous Central Park. I spent hours strolling through the park, taking in the beautiful scenery and people-watching.

The park's Conservatory Garden is a hidden gem, featuring a stunning variety of plants and flowers from around the world.

The Postal Museum is located on a quiet residential street, but don't worry, Google Maps will guide you there.

The Museum is actually split into two sections - the Postal Museum and the Mail Rail - which are situated in two different buildings across the street from each other.

You'll start your visit at the Mail Rail, so head there first. If you get lost, the staff will patiently direct you.

There are several tube and rail stations near the Museum, including Farringdon, Russell Square, King's Cross, and Chancery Lane, all within a mile's walk.

However, the closest tube station is Russell Square, but it still involves a 12-minute walk.

The Postal Museum is an independent charity but is strongly linked with Royal Mail Group.

The museum's former director, Adrian Steel, played a key role in this partnership.

The museum receives an annual payment from Royal Mail for managing the Royal Mail archive.

This archive is a public record, and the ultimate responsibility for it lies with Royal Mail.

The records have been given official designated status, recognizing them as nationally important.

The Postal Museum is located on a quiet residential street between Bloomsbury and Clerkenwell, which you might not notice unless you use Google Maps!

You'll be visiting two separate sections: the Postal Museum and the Mail Rail, situated in different buildings across the street from each other, just a stone's throw away.

Don't worry if you get mixed up – the staff will patiently direct you to the correct building for your visit.

The closest tube and rail stations are Farringdon, Russell Square, King's Cross, and Chancery Lane, but keep in mind that Russell Square is the closest, still requiring a 12-minute walk.

Alternatively, you can take a bus that will drop you closer to the museum.

The Postal Museum is open from 10am to 5pm on Tuesdays through Sundays, but be aware that the Discovery Room has limited hours.

The Discovery Room is only open Wednesday to Friday and the 2nd Saturday of each month, from 10am to 4:30pm.

You'll need to pay for your ticket, with prices around £17.60, which I found to be a bit steep.

Advance booking is recommended, especially during holidays when the museum can get very busy and even turn people away.

Tickets are non-refundable, so be sure to check the museum's schedule before booking.

You can turn your ticket into a yearly pass at no extra cost, just let the ticketing staff know.

The Postal Museum in London is a treasure trove of on-site amenities that make your visit even more enjoyable. The museum's café offers a wide range of hot and cold drinks, as well as snacks and light meals.

You can take a break from exploring the museum's exhibits and enjoy a cup of coffee or a sandwich in the café's comfortable seating area. The café is a great place to relax and recharge.

The museum also has a shop where you can buy souvenirs and gifts, including books, models, and other postal-themed items. You can find unique gifts for friends and family, or treat yourself to a special memento of your visit.

The shop is well-stocked and offers a wide range of products, so you're sure to find something that suits your tastes and budget.