Railway 200’s unique touring exhibition train opens to public on 27 June
A new and unique exhibition train is due to open to the public on 27 June at the Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire, as part of a national celebration of the 200th anniversary of the modern railway called Railway 200.
The touring train, named Inspiration, is expected to visit 60 locations across Britain over 12 months up to summer 2026, creating a buzz of interest and excitement at mainline stations, heritage railways and rail freight sites. Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, it will be the only exhibition train on the rail network and will promote the past, present and future of the railway, helping to attract the next generation of pioneering talent.
Sporting an eye-catching livery, Inspiration will comprise four smartly reconfigured Mark 3 coaches, procured by Network Rail. The mobile Railway 200 exhibition is designed to inspire schoolchildren and others to consider a career in rail, shining a spotlight on the wide range of roles available, and to create a more diverse workforce.
Rail’s innovation and pioneering pedigree will be explored in a ‘Railway Firsts’ coach, highlighting landmark moments in the development of the railway. Alongside will be a ‘Wonderlab on Wheels’, inviting visitors to test their engineering skills with a range of interactive exhibits. This will adjoin a carriage called ‘Your Railway Future’, showcasing some of the more hidden roles in rail and encouraging people to join the railway to shape the next 200 years. There will also be a ‘Partner Zone’, offering free, flexible exhibition space.
The carriages, which are currently being fitted out, are supported by a £250k grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The train will be operated by GB Railfreight.
More than 200,000 people, including many schoolchildren, are expected to visit by prior booking. Admission to the train will be free, but normal entry charges to heritage railways and private sites where it is located will apply. Register to receive updates about Inspiration. Bookings will open shortly after Easter.
The train’s launch schedule includes a visit to the North East of England in September, rail’s 200th anniversary month, as part of S&DR200, a nine-month international festival inspired by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) in 1825, a journey that changed the world forever.
The tour is coming to Doncaster on 16 – 17 August at Freightliner Doncaster Railport, South Yorkshire.
16 Aug 25, 09:00 - 17 Aug 25, 17:00
If you like this, take a look at the other fantastic attractions in Doncaster.
