THE Steam Museum has been decorated for the festive season as the historic venue reveals its Christmas events.

Staff are inviting visitors to join a new Christmas card trail suitable for all ages and go on a special adventure around the exhibits. Guests will help the postman find seven vintage cards which have been lost in the museum.

Different versions of the activity are available for adults, older children and younger children, and it is included in standard admission. The museum is open every day except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Coun Robert Jandy is Swindon Borough Council's, cabinet member for culture, heritage, leisure and town centre experience.

He said: “Steam is a great place for all of the family to explore and spend quality time together over the festive period.

“Swindon’s rich industrial history is brought to life with immersive reconstructions and museum interactive exhibits, so you can have a go at driving the steam-train simulator, get up close to iconic Swindon-built locomotives, or take part in the new Christmas Card trail.”

As well as the festive trail, visitors can see the museum’s new special exhibitions for 2021 which explore the social life and health services offered to employees in the old Swindon Railway Works employees.

‘The Doctor Will See You Now’ looks at the cradle-to-grave healthcare service introduced by the GWR’s Medical Fund Society while ‘Work, Rest and Play’ shows how the GWR supported the town’s growth through the construction of new facilities and institutions.

A museum spokesman said: "Steam's award-winning displays offer a great day out with something for everyone to enjoy.

"Housed in a restored grade-II listed railway building, the Swindon Borough Council-owned museum takes visitors on a journey into the heart of the Great Western Railway.

"Exhibition areas celebrate the men and women who built, travelled on and operated the GWR, under the direction of renowned Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

"The shop has a great range of gifts for anyone looking for any last-minute Christmas gifts or ideas for spending Christmas money on, from mounted prints by internationally-acclaimed artist and muralist, Ken White, to books, stocking fillers and GWR clothing. Visitors are requested to pay by card in the shop."

To limit overall numbers, all visitors and season ticket holders need to book online in advance at www.steam-museum.org.uk