The Railway 200 Inspiration Train, a one of a kind mobile exhibition focusing on the past and future of the UK rail network, has embarked on a national tour in honour of the country’s modern railway network turning 200 years old. The train, which will travel to more than 60 locations over the course of the year, aims to bring the railway to life for members of the public by giving them an insight into its history and the industry’s journey that helped to create Britain’s railway network.

Having embarked on its journey from Kidderminster’s Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire on June 27, 2025, the Inspiration Train is now touring major locations including London, Birmingham, York and Margate, showcasing both the country’s proud past and ambitious vision for the future of rail. More than 200,000 visitors are expected to visit the train over the next year as it tours the nation, with schoolchildren, rail enthusiasts and the general public invited to step onto its exhibitions.

The Inspiration Train is part of Railway 200, a campaign to mark the positive impact of rail travel in the UK. The Fishing Line was officially opened in 1825 – the world’s first passenger railway line heralding in a new age of travel that would change the face of the UK and the world. The Railway 200 Inspiration Train is a celebration of this amazing landmark, showcasing the future of rail travel and the opportunities in the industry.

A Journey Through History, Innovation, and Opportunity

Organised with the National Railway Museum and Network Rail the Inspiration Train is more than a rolling exhibition. It is comprised of four carriages with their own signature design, covering various aspects of railway history and the future of rail.

The very first trains: on board these carriages you will learn everything about the arrival of the first steam trains, the design of the first intercity rail network and the arrival of high-speed trains. Life in the fast lane Curated exhibitions will look at how these milestones changed the face of transport around the world.

Wonderlab on Wheels – Designed to stimulate curiosity and get the next generation of engineers and innovators enthused, this carriage contains interactive displays that highlight the wonders of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Visitors can participate in interactive activities and experiments intended to give them a better understanding of how rail systems function and how the industry is developing.

Your Railway Future: Looking ahead to the future of the rail industry, this carriage identifies the many different careers available within the industry. The train gives an insight into the diverse range of exciting careers that are available and accessible in rail for the next generation of rail talent, skilled in everything from engineering and technology to operations and design.

Partner Zone: A versatile display area that is utilised by a range of partners (e.g., local heritage railways, interest groups, and educational establishments) who are able to demonstrate their own work and promote their own initiatives. by Partner Zone As the UK rail sector search for a new narrative on what the future of the railway looks like, the Partner Zone shines a spotlight on how the industry is collaborating and partnering to help to innovate and protect the rail industry for generations to come.

A Legacy of Innovation

The Railway 200 Inspiration Train isn’t just about celebrating the past. It is also part of an ambitious vision for the future of the railways. Its displays invite visitors to discover the latest in rail technology, from electrification, decarbonising movements to the advancement for high speed rail networks. The train represents a vision for the future where rail can play a key role in a changing world that is increasingly focused on sustainability, connectivity and innovation.

One of the key objectives of Railway 200 is to reach out to the younger generation and encourage them to think about a career in rail. Supporting the sector as it deals with skills shortages and invests in new technologies, rail relies on a constant flow of bright, skilled individuals that can help to shape the future of the way we transport. The Inspiration Train should help to kickstart that, giving the necessary tools and inspiration to young people in order to get involved.

Nationwide Tour and Accessibility

The Railway 200 Inspiration Train will visit 60 locations throughout the UK, including London, Birmingham and York, as well as heritage hotspots like the Bluebell Railway in Sussex. The train is also set to visit more off-the-beaten-track locations including Margate in Kent as part of a bid to make the exhibits accessible for people across all corners of the country.

The train will also call at a number of significant railway stations, including Darlington, York, and Norwich, where the public can easily view the displays. In its tour diary the schedule lists town’s and city’s with strong rail connections as well as heritage railways, giving those communities the opportunity to experience the exhibitions in person.

With full access for all disabled visitors, there is no reason that anyone can’t get to enjoy the thrill of a ride on our train. The organizers are making every effort to ensure an inclusive and welcoming experience on behalf of all participants, including provision for people with mobility concerns.

How to Visit

Inspiration Train is free to enter, but visitors are advised to book tickets in advance online as interest is expected to be high. Entry to some private sites or heritage railways may carry a charge, while visiting the train itself is free. Visitors are encouraged to refer to the official Railway 200 website for visiting hours, tickets and tour schedules.

For those who are interested in discovering more about the history of rail in the UK, the train is also hosting information on the contribution that different train stations and networks have made to transforming the transport environment. Working in partnership with local museums and rail industry partners, visitors will be able to enjoy immersive exhibitions that will chart the history of UK rail – from the dawn of steam and the industrial revolution, right up to the present day and the cutting-edge technologies used on the rail network today.

Upcoming Destinations

The Inspiration Train is bringing the message to a number of fun and exciting places over the next few months:

· 23-29 July: Bluebell Railway, Sussex
· Aug 7-10: Norwich station, Norfolk
·Aug 11-14: Lowestoft station, Suffolk
·August 16-17: Freightliner Doncaster Railport, South Yorkshire
· 23–31 August: National Railway Museum, York
· September 10-17: Darlington station (County Durham).
· September 20-October 1: Locomotion, Shildon, County Durham
· October 4: Newton Aycliffe, Hitachi Depot, County Durham

Conclusion

The Railway 200 Inspiration Train is more than a celebration of UK railway heritage. “The reform is future-oriented and emphasizes the future significance of the railway sector in shaping the country’s future, Plymouth University. History buffs, aspiring engineers or anyone who is just curious about the future of transportation will experience an educational awakening on the train. As it makes its way across the country, the Inspiration Train will also be bringing the past, present, and future of rail to the next generation of rail enthusiasts.

(Source: Railway 200, National Railway Museum, and Network Rail)