A little-known gem is the treasure trove of innovation and invention that is the London Science Museum's overflow collection, set in seven giant aircraft hangars and housing the exhibits that cannot fit in at South Kensington, ranging from the giant Lockheed Constellation airliner to the first hovercraft. But Swindon is best known as a railway town and the Steam Railway Museum features an interactive history of the people and locomotives behind the Great Western Railway.

Departure station: London Paddington
Example journey time: 60 minutes
GroupSave pp when 4 travel together: £20.50
Destination station: Swindon
Train operator: First Great Western