The Steam Museum has been recognised as a 2020 Travellers’ Choice award-winner on TripAdvisor for the first time.

The honour is given to places that receive consistent excellent feedback from visitors on the travel review website.

The Museum of the Great Western Railway places in the top 10 per cent of attractions worldwide.

This recognition comes after the museum earned TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for the last five years in a row.

Housed in a restored Grade II listed railway building, the museum tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway.

The museum reopened its doors to the public last month with a range of safety measures in place including enhanced daily cleaning, reduced capacities, one-way systems and hand sanitiser stations.

Manager Frances Yeo said: “We are immensely proud to have been awarded this honour.

"We are committed to offering our visitors a great experience and we would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to review the museum.

“Although Steam was closed earlier in the year due to coronavirus, our staff worked hard on digital engagement projects to offer virtual experiences for Swindon residents and fans of the GWR worldwide.

“We are now pleased to be welcoming visitors back to the museum in person and it has been great to see people enjoying our displays once again, including our two brand new special exhibitions ‘Flying High’ and ‘On the Buses’.”

TripAdvisor's CCO Kanika Soni said: “Winners of the 2020 Travellers’ Choice Awards should be proud of this distinguished recognition.

“Although it’s been a challenging year for travel and hospitality, we want to celebrate our partners’ achievements. Award winners are beloved for their exceptional service and quality. Not only are these winners well deserving, they are also a great source of inspiration for travellers as the world begins to venture out again.”

Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for culture and heritage Dale Heenan said: “Steam brings the story of Swindon’s railway history to life through reconstructions, imaginative displays and the opportunity to see impressive GWR locomotives up close.

“This is Steam’s first TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, and puts our town on the map for a very positive reason.

"It is a fantastic achievement for the museum and shows that all of the efforts of staff and the Council’s investment in the museum has been worthwhile.

“The new safety measures have been well received by visitors. Families can now safely enjoy Steam once again and please remember to pre-book your tickets online.”