Exhibition train “Inspiration” to arrive in Crewe for Railway 200 celebrations
A special exhibition train is due to arrive at Crewe station next week as part of nationwide events celebrating two centuries of Britain’s railways. The train, named Inspiration, will be open to the public from Thursday 15 to Monday 19 January, giving visitors the chance to explore how railways have developed over 200 years.
The attraction has been co-curated by Railway 200 and the National Railway Museum and forms part of the wider Railway 200 campaign. It features four themed exhibition carriages, each highlighting different aspects of rail’s heritage, innovation and future opportunities.
Interactive displays and activities are designed to appeal to all ages, with the exhibition showcasing how the railway helped shape communities in the UK and beyond. Visitors will be able to learn about landmark milestones, take part in engineering challenges and discover some of the lesser-known career paths within the rail industry.
Crewe will be the first location in Cheshire to host Inspiration, with Avanti West Coast managing the visit. The stop will be number 30 on the train’s tour of the UK, which forms part of the celebrations running through 2025 and is due to conclude in June 2026.
Local rail industry partners including Alstom and Balfour Beatty will also be present during the visit to promote career opportunities and celebrate Crewe’s strong railway heritage. Record producer and rail enthusiast Pete Waterman is expected to be on board on Saturday 17 January alongside community stalls.
Taryn Banks, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Crewe, said:
“With Crewe having a proud railway heritage and being a key hub on the West Coast Main Line, it’s great to be hosting this special train as part of its tour. We’re joining local organisations to celebrate 200 years of the railways and look to the future, showcasing its importance in Crewe and across the UK. The train’s visit promises to be an exciting event, and we cannot wait to welcome people onboard. We hope to inspire a passion for rail among the next generation, so our railways continue to thrive for years to come.”
Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, said:
“Inspiration is a fun, free and fascinating way to learn about the past, present and future of rail. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a rail enthusiast or simply curious about a British innovation that changed the world. We’re excited to bring Inspiration to Crewe, a town with a rich railway history, and we look forward to welcoming people aboard!”
Image: Avanti West Coast