'Not everyone can manage': Longer walk to National Railway Museum divides visitors
Some Press readers are critical of the longer walk to the NRM entrance. Photo from Google Maps
A longer walk to York's National Railway Museum sparks debate among readers, reports MAXINE GORDON
READERS are divided over criticism of the lengthy walk now required to reach the National Railway Museum's temporary entrance during major redevelopment work at the popular York attraction.
Letters published in The Press from Marion Hartley, of Upper Poppleton, and Ian Gartshore, from Cambridge, sparked debate online, with many agreeing that the route presents difficulties for older visitors and those with mobility issues, while others argued the museum has clearly explained the arrangements during construction.
Mrs Hartley described the route from York Railway Station to the museum's temporary entrance as "appallingly round-about", claiming visitors face a 15-minute walk in the heat with little shelter.
Mr Gartshore, who visited with his wife, said the pair, both in their late 70s, had to "endure" a 20-minute walk after arriving by Park and Ride. He also highlighted queues for the road train service which connects the National Railway Museum (NRM) with the city centre.
The letters prompted a lively response from readers on The Press website and on its Facebook page, where more than 1,000 people left a comment.
The Mallard at the NRM - one of the museum's main attractions. Image: Supplied
Several readers backed the concerns, particularly regarding accessibility.
Website commenter Nabucco said they had recently taken a visitor to the museum and was surprised by the additional distance involved.
They wrote: "I was surprised recently when I took a visitor there, to realise how much further it really is, and my friend really struggled.
"I managed the walk easily enough but was embarrassed to be dragging him along a route that caused him such discomfort."
Another reader, Mac Hawk, said: "It is a fair old walk from the railway station platform to the current museum entrance. If you're physically fit that's fine but if you have a mobility issue it's a real issue."
On Facebook, Rose Hutson echoed those concerns, saying her husband and brother, both of whom use walking sticks, needed to rest before touring the museum after walking there.
Read more:
- 'Why are York National Railway Museum visitors being forced on a 15-minute trek?'
- 'We had to endure a 20-minute walk to entrance of National Railway Museum in York'
- Why this afternoon tea in York is one of the most unusual you can experience
Others suggested further support could be provided for visitors with mobility difficulties. Gracie Davies said the museum's road train service should be free for disabled visitors, while Susie Field had sympathy for people who struggled to walk, for whatever reason. She wrote: "You don't have to be disabled for this to be an issue."
Photo of the NRM train in front of the Minster, linking the city centre with the museum
However, many readers felt the complaints were overblown, pointing out that the museum remains free to enter and that information about alternative routes is available online.
Sue Bolton said details of the temporary entrance and walking routes were clearly displayed on the museum's website.
"It's on the first page with detailed maps showing the entrance/exit during the building works," she commented.
Julie Brandon questioned whether visitors who managed to spend hours exploring the museum would really be troubled by the walk to reach it.
Others were less sympathetic. One commenter argued the route is "literally a two-minute further walk" than before, while another noted visitors still have to walk considerable distances around York's other attractions.
What the National Railway Museum says...
A National Railway Museum spokesperson said: "We appreciate that the route to the museum is longer while we work to transform our site and we are working closely with our partners to minimise the impact on visitors.
"The current walking route is a temporary measure to enable safe access during this period.
"With support from York Central partners and City of York Council, extra signage has been added to help with wayfinding.
Read more:
- They queued down Leeman Road: 50 years of the National Railway Museum in photos
- 'I'll be back!' Inside new-look Station Hall at York's National Railway Museum
- York National Railway Museum makes major change to help customers
"There are multiple benches along the route for rest stops, and the museum’s road train runs regularly between York Minster and the museum entrance.
"As part of our wider transformation, we are constructing a new entrance building, Central Hall, which will create a more direct route to the museum from York railway station, connect all of the museum’s buildings and provide level access throughout the museum for the first time, creating a more accessible and welcoming space.
"We are deeply grateful to all those who continue to visit and support us while we work hard to transform the National Railway Museum, creating new spaces for visitors to enjoy."