Railway 200 Inspiration Train Returns to the North West After Sell-Out Visit
The Railway 200 Inspiration train is set to return to the North West this January, giving families, students and rail enthusiasts another opportunity to experience the travelling exhibition celebrating two centuries of Britain’s railways.
The interactive train proved hugely popular during its previous visit to the region, when it sold out during its stop in Blackpool last October. Organisers have now confirmed a second regional tour, with four stops planned across both heritage and mainline locations.
The train’s North West journey will begin at the Ribble Steam Railway, where it will be open to visitors from 6 to 9 January. It will then move on to Southport between 10 and 13 January, followed by Crewe from 15 to 19 January, before concluding its visit at the East Lancashire Railway in Bury from 21 to 24 January.
Tickets are available via the official Railway 200 website, with a small charge applying at some locations while entry remains free at others.
Part of the nationwide Railway 200 programme, the Inspiration train is the only exhibition of its kind operating on Britain’s mainline railway. Since launching its tour in June 2025, it has been travelling the country to mark the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, offering a hands-on look at rail’s past, its role today, and the innovations shaping its future.
Inside the train, visitors can explore four themed exhibition carriages, take part in engineering and STEM-based activities, discover the wide range of careers available in the rail industry, and learn how rail supports communities, the economy and the environment. The exhibition also highlights iconic trains and emerging technologies expected to define the next 200 years of rail travel.
Phil James, Network Rail north west route director said:
“The Inspiration train is a fascinating way to learn about the past, present and future of rail. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a rail enthusiast, student, or just curious about how this industry changed the world. We’re excited to have the Inspiration train back in the North West, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard!”
Heritage railways hosting the train say the visit will offer added attractions alongside the exhibition itself, particularly at its opening stop in Preston.
Tim Owen, a director of the Ribble Steam Railway said:
"Everyone at the railway is looking forward to welcoming The Railway 200 Inspiration train to Preston. Visitors will be able to access the Inspiration train by a modern accessible platform and will also be able to view the many exhibits that will be on show in the Railway's Museum. This will include Furness Railway locomotive No. 20, built in 1863, which is Britain's oldest working standard gauge steam locomotive. The tearoom and shop will be open and there is free car parking.at the site. There will be an opening event at 10am on Tuesday morning, 6 January, which will be attended by the Mayor of Preston. A piper will attend to celebrate the occasion."
The East Lancashire Railway has also welcomed the opportunity to be part of the national celebration, highlighting the educational value of the exhibition for visitors of all ages.
Mike Kelly, chairman of the East Lancashire Railway, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Inspiration, celebrating 200 years of history, to our railway as part of a major national commemorative event on the ELR. The visit of Inspiration offers families and enthusiasts a unique opportunity to journey back to the dawn of the railways in 1825 and explore the key innovations that shaped rail travel, which is all brought to life through images, models, hands on exhibits and storyboards.”
Image: Network Rail