A travelling exhibition train marking 200 years of the modern railway has expanded its national tour with 16 newly announced stops for early 2026. The free showcase, known as Inspiration, has already welcomed more than 40,000 visitors during its 60-stop journey around Britain, earning high praise from attendees, with nine in ten saying they would recommend it to others.

Co-curated with the National Railway Museum, the exhibition explores the radical changes railways brought to the UK and the wider world. Visitors can discover engineering breakthroughs, take part in hands-on challenges and learn about both traditional and lesser-known railway careers. The newly confirmed 2026 dates include visits to major towns and cities such as Preston, Cambridge, Colchester, Worthing and Crewe.

Public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. One visitor said they “loved that it was interactive. I visited with people from age 18 to 85 and there was something for everyone.” Another remarked: “I loved everything as soon as I got on board. The displays and history of the railways to the interactive stuff was all brilliant in my eyes, even my five-year-old daughter absolutely loved it.”

Inspiration forms a central part of Railway 200, the national celebration marking two centuries since Stephenson’s Locomotion No. 1 first ran on the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The anniversary has sparked a year filled with commemorative events, replica journeys, global locomotive gatherings, festivals and special releases such as poems, stamps and coins.

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. Inspiration is heading to so many fantastic places in 2026 – we can’t wait to welcome you aboard.”

Schools will continue to play a big part in the exhibition’s mission, with thousands of children expected to attend dedicated sessions in 2026, including guided tours and inclusive STEM learning experiences designed to spark interest in rail-related careers.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:

“I’m proud to be celebrating our heritage as the birthplace of the modern railway; to this day our railway network is the backbone of our economy, driving economic growth, jobs and homes. With this train, we’re not just looking to the past, we are inspiring the diverse next generation of engineers, drivers, conductors and technicians, and shining a light on what the railway is delivering today.”

Inspiration is free to visit, though standard entry fees may still apply at heritage railways hosting the event. The full list of 2026 dates, locations and hosts published so far is as follows:

• Preston – 6 Jan to 9 Jan – Ribble Steam Railway
• Southport – 10 Jan to 13 Jan – Merseyrail
• Crewe – 15 Jan to 19 Jan – Avanti West Coast
• Bury – 21 Jan to 24 Jan – East Lancashire Railway
• Upminster – 26 Jan to 30 Jan – c2c Rail
• Cambridge – 31 Jan to 1 Feb – Greater Anglia
• Colchester – 3 Feb to 4 Feb – Greater Anglia
• Clacton – 5 Feb to 6 Feb – Greater Anglia
• Hertford – 7 Feb to 8 Feb – Greater Anglia
• Swanage – 16 Feb to 18 Feb – Swanage Railway
• Winchester – 19 Feb to 20 Feb – The Watercress Line
• Salisbury – 21 Feb to 23 Feb – South Western Railway
• Kingston – 25 Feb to 26 Feb – South Western Railway
• Worthing – 27 Feb to 28 Feb – Southern
• Epsom – 9 Mar to 11 Mar – Southern
• Hastings – 12 Mar to 15 Mar – Southeastern

Image: Network Rail