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Model Villages & Miniature Railways in York

In York itself this category is really about the National Railway Museum, right by the centre. The Railway Museum Road Train runs a quarter-hour shuttle between the museum and York Minster from £4, a gentle ride for smaller children who fancy a train without the full museum visit. If you're planning a party or work do, the museum also hires out its engine halls for private events, with a VR Flying Scotsman ride and a go on the miniature railway included. There isn't a model village on this list, so the choice here is really about which train experience suits your visit. The road train works well as a short add-on between sights, cheap and quick, while the private hire is for a booked event rather than a casual drop-in. Both sit close to the centre, so you can pair either with a wander round the rest of the museum without much of a trek.

7 places 3 free to visit

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A large bird of prey in flight against clear blue sky, wings spread wide.

Free

Ledsham Bank nature reserve

Leeds

A quiet limestone bank where kids can hunt for butterflies, wild orchids and rare pasque flowers on a free walk.

Picnics allowed

$Woman holding a red geometric prism that refracts light into rainbow colours.$ from £7.95

MathsCity

Leeds · ages 0+

Over forty hands-on puzzles and light exhibits, including a climb-inside kaleidoscope and a laser Ring of Fire to beat.

Accessible toiletBooking requiredGift shopToilets+1 more

A formally laid dining table inside a vintage railway carriage with fine china, cutlery, napkins and a brass lamp.

National Railway Museum - Corporate & Private Hire

York

A hired-out corporate and private events venue among the museum's engines, with a VR Flying Scotsman ride and a spin on the miniature railway thrown in.

Accessible toiletBaby changeBlue badge parkingParking+3 more

A black and gold miniature train carrying passengers travels along a road beneath a curved concrete bridge in green countryside.

from £4

Railway Museum Road Train

York

A quarter-hour road train ride shuttling between the National Railway Museum and York Minster.

from £42

The Emmerdale Village Tour

Leeds

A 90 minute walk round the real outdoor sets from Emmerdale, with The Woolpack and David's Shop to spot along the way.

Accessible toiletBooking requiredGift shopFood on site+4 more

People relaxing in deckchairs on a grass courtyard surrounded by historic stone and modern buildings under blue sky.

Free

Wagon Lifting Hoist Mini Museum

Leeds

A free look at the Grade II listed lifting tower rescued from Leeds Central station, a few minutes from the train station.

Free

York City and District Society of Model Engineers Ltd

York · ages 0+

Ride a miniature steam railway through five acres of woodland on the society's monthly open days, free to get in.

Free parkingFood on siteWheelchair accessible

Good to know: model villages & miniature railways in York

Are any of them free?

Yes, Ledsham Bank nature reserve, Wagon Lifting Hoist Mini Museum and York City and District Society of Model Engineers Ltd are free to visit.

What does a paid visit cost?

Paid entry starts from £4 at Railway Museum Road Train. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.

Which ones are indoor?

MathsCity is indoor, good to keep up your sleeve for a rainy day.

Whereabouts are they?

You'll find model villages & miniature railways in Leeds and York. Every place we list is in or around York, and each listing has the full address and directions.