Paddington Bear at the National Railway Museum, York

This October half-term, the National Railway Museum in York are playing host to everyone’s favourite Peruvian immigrant – Paddington Bear. The museum and the Paddington Bear exhibition is completely free. A fuller review of the museum itself can be found here – National Railway Museum, York.

The Paddington Bear exhibition is fun and aimed at children aged from 3 to 8. There are Paddington related activities scheduled throughout the day, including storytelling sessions, and a bear trail.

During our visit on the very first day of the half-term holidays, we hunted in the Station Hall for nine teddies ‘bearing’ letters. We had to re-arrange the letters to spell something that Paddington likes to eat. I’ll give you a clue – there are a couple of Ms and a few As, as well as other letters like L and D.

Then we grabbed Paddington’s wellie boots to play ‘wang-a-welly’, complete with a badge/medal at the end to mark our participation. (this is £1 extra per person).

After that, we listened to a Paddington Bear story inside a railway carriage. Then we dressed up like Paddington Bear, including re-creating his sad little face.

Not forgetting actually meeting the bear himself…..(for this we queued about ten minutes). He comes out five times a day (10.30am, 12noon, 1.30pm, 3pm and 4pm – times may vary depending on day). He is very furry and friendly.

This is on top of all the usual NRM attractions, such as a multitude of trains old and new.

On this trip we also tried out the simulator (extra charges apply). We took a flight back in time through the dinosaur period, ancient Egypt, the Viking invasion, and was involved in a World War II dogfight. Very entertaining.

We then tried out the miniature railway (extra charges apply). This is a short trip up and down for about 200 yards, which is perfect for young railway fans. My children loved looking out for the placed items, like model herons and hedgehogs.

We loved our trip to the NRM. We were there three hours, which was a bit rushed. We still didn’t get to see the art gallery, or the engine workshop, and didn’t look at half of the trains. You should allow longer if you want to make the most of it.

Please read our full review of the museum for accessibility and other family-friendly facilities.

The Paddington Bear exhibition is running from 27th October to 4th November 2012. For more information, you can visit the NRM’s website

Access to the main museum and exhibition is free. Extra charges apply for the wang-a-welly, the simulator, and miniature railway. Donations welcomed.

Paddington fact file……..

Paddington Bear loves marmalade and keeps spare sandwiches under his hat.
Famous fans of Paddington Bear include Stephen Fry, Jeremy Clarkson and Suri Cruise.
There is a life size bronze statue of Paddington Bear at London’s Paddington Station
Do you know what Paddington Bear’s suitcase contains? A photo of his beloved Aunt Lucy and a secret compartment!
Paddington Bear is names after Paddington Station, near to where Michael Bond, his creator lived.
A Bear Called Paddington was published in October in 1958.

(courtesy of the NRM)

Written by Joanne Brady