Railway Village Museum
Victorian railway worker’s cottage in Swindon’s Railway Village, showing how a Great Western Railway family lived around 1900; free entry.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Railway Village Museum is a small museum in a Victorian cottage at 34 Faringdon Road, in the Railway Village that was built for workers of the Great Western Railway in Swindon. The cottage shows how a railway worker’s family lived around 1900, and visitors can learn about Victorian traditions and everyday community life.
The museum is looked after by Swindon Heritage Preservation, formerly the Mechanics’ Institution Trust, a charity that conserves historic buildings in the Railway Village. It is staffed by volunteers and is open to the public on selected dates, mainly through bookable tours in the warmer months, together with seasonal and themed events for families. Actors sometimes bring the house to life as the Smith family, a railway family of the period.
Besides public openings, the museum offers school visits that link to topics such as Victorian life and local history, private and corporate group experiences, and free guided walking tours of the Railway Village led by heritage experts and museum volunteers.
Highlights
- Furnished Victorian cottage of a Great Western Railway worker’s family
- Costumed “Meet the Smiths” events on selected dates
- Free guided walking tours of the Railway Village
- Free entry, supported by donations
- Learning sessions for schools
Permanent exhibition
- Victorian railway worker’s cottage – A period cottage that shows how a family of a Great Western Railway worker lived around 1900.
- Founded
- 1980
- Operated by
- Swindon Heritage Preservation (The New Mechanics’ Institution Preservation Trust Ltd, registered charity no. 1048961)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free, and donations are welcome. The museum depends on donations and volunteers. Guided walking tours of the Railway Village are also free.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: not available
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to an event listing from 2025, wheelchair ramps are available, but only the ground floor is accessible, and tight corridors and narrow doorways mean that some wheelchairs may not fit. The stairs are steep. There are no toilets at the museum.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly: not available
The museum hosts seasonal and themed events for the whole family. A 2025 event listing says that pushchairs are not permitted inside the cottage.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Swindon Central Bus Station
The museum is easily reached by train and bus, and the Central Bus Station is a short walk away.
By car
Parking available
Several car parks are available around the Railway Village. The museum recommends Bristol Street Car Park because it is the closest.
The museum is at 34 Faringdon Road, SN1 5BJ, in Swindon’s Railway Village.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
There are no toilets at the museum.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
The museum offers private and corporate group experiences, such as team-building quizzes or cream tea and tour packages. Rooms in other Trust buildings in Emlyn Square can be hired separately.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visits are mainly by bookable tour, so check the events calendar. The Trust also runs free guided walking tours of the Railway Village on themes such as health, industry and social history. A 2025 event listing limited groups to 12 people. |
