The Postal Museum - riding the mail train

Courtyard to the cafe, Postal Museum

On Saturday my hubby and I met friends at the Postal Museum in London. It's a popular destination and we booked back in October. I believe they've just released tickets for late April. The actual Mail Rail ride was booked for 1.45pm but when we booked in we found there were some technical problems and they were running around forty minutes late. As we arrived early anyway we set off first for the cafe which is over the road and where the exhibition is. We had a nice lunch and chat before heading into the exhibition. When time began to get short we left there and headed back to where the mail ride was. We went down the stairs and realised that they were getting way behind schedule. Only one of the two trains was running and people waiting for rides from sometime after midday were still waiting. To fill in time we looked at the displays down there and took photos before heading back to the museum over the road to finish what we thought we hadn't time for.

We headed back once more and finally our time was up on one of the queues. By now it was around 3pm. People were getting a little worried, especially those with later rides. The out of service train was sent down the line on a maintenance run while people were loaded into the remaining train. It is cozy inside I can tell you that and the poor people were stuck there waiting for the out of service train to return. Staff had to open the roof as people were getting hot. Finally the other train returned but the shake of the head didn't promise it would be put back into service. It wasn't.

We finally got on board about 3.45pm. We had to leave bags and coats in a cupboard because there is no room for bulky clothes. We chose a carriage for four but it was impossible. My friend's husband is very tall and getting his legs in was too much! The staff offered them a two person carriage and then hubby and I could spread a little! Each train is booked for twenty people but can take more. It all depends on size of people etc. Anyway, we were off for the twenty minute ride down the tunnel. The train stops a couple of time at platforms where the mail was taken off etc. and a presentation is projected on the wall to explain the history and what staff did down here and how they worked. We even saw where some of the old trains stood on a track down below. There is also a barrier at one junction to hold back the River Fleet after water seeped in. The barrier has never actually needed to be used.

Despite the wait it was a lovely day and I learned quite a lot about the postal system. The ride was fun too. I believe the problem with the other train wasn't solved yesterday so there were more delays. If you can, I'd suggest booking midweek, but of course if you have children that's impossible. Weekends are always going to be the busiest day.