The Postal Museum, tucked behind King's Cross, brings five centuries of communication to life, but its star turn is below ground: a ride on Mail Rail, the secret miniature railway that once whisked the nation's post beneath the streets of London. It is one of the city's most original and child-pleasing days out.
Why visit
It pairs genuine social history, how a letter shaped a country, with a one-of-a-kind underground experience. The Mail Rail ride through original Victorian-era tunnels is unlike anything else in London, and the hands-on galleries keep children happy for hours.
What to see and do
The Mail Rail ride loops through the abandoned tunnels beneath the old sorting office, while the museum galleries cover everything from the penny post to wartime mail and a giant play area. Allow a couple of hours for both.
Visiting tips
Entry is ticketed and lasts a year; book the Mail Rail slot in advance as it sells out. Farringdon, King's Cross and Russell Square are all within walking distance, near Clerkenwell.
