The Inspiration exhibition train, a highlight of the Railway Double Century celebrations, is set to captivate over two thousand visitors during its week-long stay at Bluebell Railway. This special train is not just an exhibition; it’s a window into the history, present, and future of the rail industry. As part of the ongoing Railway Double Century celebrations, the train is offering a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the railway, along with career prospects that are shaping the industry’s future.

With the train stationed at Bluebell Railway, visitors will have a chance to experience cutting-edge railway technology, historical exhibits, and educational activities, all set within one of the UK’s most cherished railway destinations. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, with families, train enthusiasts, and students eager to discover what the railway industry has to offer.

The Inspiration train isn’t just about looking back at the past. It’s about inspiring the next generation of railway workers, showcasing careers in cybersecurity, sustainability, and even drone piloting. As the Railway Double Century celebrations continue, this exhibition plays a pivotal role in connecting the public with the railway’s future, while celebrating the achievements that have made rail transport a cornerstone of Britain’s infrastructure.

Inspiration Exhibition Train at Bluebell Railway Expected to Draw Over 2,000 Visitors

The Bluebell Railway is set to host an exciting and unique event this summer with the arrival of the Inspiration exhibition train, part of the ongoing celebrations for the Railway 200 bicentenary. From July 23 to July 29, this extraordinary train will captivate over 2,000 visitors at Horsted Keynes station, where it will showcase the past, present, and future of the railway industry. The special exhibition aims to inspire the next generation of talent, offering insights into diverse railway careers while also honoring the social purpose of the railway over the last two centuries.

The Inspiration train, curated in collaboration with the National Railway Museum, is the only exhibition train traveling across the UK. It has already made waves with its first successful stops at London Waterloo and Margate, and its stop at the Bluebell Railway is expected to be one of its most popular. This remarkable train, part of a nationwide tour, is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors over its 12-month journey, shedding light on the rich history and technological innovations of the railway industry.

Railway 200: A Celebration of Connectivity and Career Opportunities

The Railway 200 campaign, backed by the government and various rail industry partners, is celebrating the tremendous impact the railway has had in connecting people and goods across the country for over 200 years. The Inspiration exhibition train is not just a celebration of the past but also a chance to explore the future. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover careers they may not have known existed, including roles in cybersecurity, sustainability, and drone piloting, which are increasingly becoming part of the railway ecosystem.

The event comes at a time when the railway industry is seeking to attract young talent to ensure its continued success. Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex Route Director, emphasized that “the future of rail lies in attracting a new generation of workers to ensure access to jobs and education in the years to come.” With the railway industry evolving with new technology and sustainability efforts, young people are now able to build careers in an industry that is shaping the future of transportation.

Boosting Local Tourism and Education

Visitors to the Bluebell Railway will also have a wealth of other activities to enjoy during the exhibition’s week-long stay. As well as exploring the Inspiration train, guests can experience a full-specification train driving simulator, courtesy of Govia Thameslink Railway. This hands-on experience will allow visitors to get a taste of what it’s like to be behind the controls of one of the most modern trains in operation today, learning about digital signalling systems and cutting-edge rail technology.

Additionally, the Inspiration exhibition is offering a series of fun and educational activities for children, including the opportunity to try out Eggsperiment!, a popular educational activity loaned to the exhibition by the London Transport Museum. This hands-on experiment helps children understand the science behind transport and engineering in a fun and interactive way. Visitors will also enjoy the sights and sounds of steam trains operating at the Bluebell Railway during the event, adding to the rich historic atmosphere of the occasion.

The Railway 200 celebrations are also designed to engage schoolchildren, Scouts, and members of Girlguiding, many of whom have already visited the exhibition train at earlier locations. The Bluebell Railway stop is an ideal opportunity to get more young people excited about the possibilities within the railway industry and inspire them to consider careers in this essential sector.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

A key part of the Inspiration exhibition’s success lies in the collaboration between various rail partners, local authorities, and tourism organizations. Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates services like Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express, has been instrumental in promoting the event, particularly for families looking for an exciting day out during the school holidays. In addition to giving away thousands of free tickets for schoolchildren, Govia Thameslink has worked with local stations to ensure that visitors have easy access to the exhibition at the Bluebell Railway.

Neil Glaskin from the Bluebell Railway said, “We’re delighted to have Inspiration with us for a week at the start of the school holidays. It’s the perfect opportunity for families in Sussex and Surrey to explore this exceptional exhibition train. With activities for all ages, it’s the perfect way to kick off the summer holidays.”

The Bluebell Railway has long been a popular destination for train enthusiasts and families alike, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich railway history. The Railway 200 celebrations serve to highlight the ongoing importance of the railway in modern-day Britain, while also fostering a sense of community and shared history.

A New Era for the Railway Industry

The Inspiration exhibition train is not just an educational opportunity; it is also a glimpse into the future of the railway industry. With Great British Railways on the horizon, the UK railway system is entering a new era of integration. The Inspiration train, in particular, is part of a broader effort to modernize the industry while maintaining its social purpose of connecting communities and creating jobs.

The event comes at a time when the railway sector is pushing to make sustainable transport a central pillar of the nation’s infrastructure. As the UK looks to reduce carbon emissions and invest in green technology, the railway industry is positioning itself as a key player in the country’s environmental goals. The Inspiration exhibition train is a clear reflection of these priorities, showcasing the role of innovation in transforming an industry that has long been central to the country’s economic and social development.

What’s Next for the Inspiration Train?

After its time at the Bluebell Railway, the Inspiration exhibition train will continue its tour, visiting 60 locations across the UK over the next 12 months. As it continues to make stops in cities across the country, it will draw attention to the exciting developments within the railway sector and encourage young people to pursue careers in the industry.

The exhibition’s success at the Bluebell Railway is just the beginning of what is set to be a landmark year for the railway industry. By the end of 2025, over 200,000 people are expected to have visited the Inspiration train, experiencing firsthand the innovations, career opportunities, and future of the railway system.

With the continued support of the railway industry and local communities, the Inspiration exhibition train will remain a central feature of the Railway 200 celebrations, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors and inspiring the next generation of rail industry professionals.