A free, family-friendly exhibition train celebrating 200 years of the modern railway is heading to Southport, it has been announced.
More than 40,000 have already visited Inspiration on its 60-stop, year-long tour of Britain – and it has received rave reviews, with 9 in 10 saying they would recommend it to a friend.
Co-curated with the National Railway Museum, Inspiration reveals how railways transformed the UK – and ultimately the world. It includes a fascinating look at railway firsts, hands-on engineering challenges and a whistle-stop tour of interesting – and lesser-known – careers on the railways.
The next stops on its tour will be hosted by Merseyrail at Southport railway station from Saturday 10 January 2026 until Tuesday 13 January 2026. Tickets are free and availability is limited. Book here.
Inspiration has been described as “brilliant” and “fascinating”. One recent visitor said they “loved that it was interactive. I visited with people from age 18 to 85 and there was something for everyone”.
Another said: “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 is part of Railway 200, the national campaign celebrating two centuries of the modern railway. Thousands of events across the UK and the world have celebrated a British innovation that revolutionised travel, supercharged economies and enabled mass tourism, sports leagues and the standardisation of time.
Neil Grabham, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Railway 200 exhibition train to Southport in January 2026. This event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the heritage and future of rail, and it reminds us of the vital role the railway plays in connecting people and communities every day.
“From our own origins as a pioneering electrified network, to our position today as one of the most successful rail operators in the UK, Merseyrail continues to innovate while honouring the rich history of our national rail network. We hope that customers and visitors alike will come to Southport, step aboard, and experience this once-in-a-generation celebration.”
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 Southport and we look forward to welcoming you aboard!”
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.”
Railway 200 celebrates two centuries since Stephenson’s Locomotion No. 1 steamed along the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The bicentenary kicked off on New Year’s Day 2025 with a ‘whistle-up’ of more than 200 locomotives across five continents. The year has included a replica journey of Locomotion No. 1 watched by 100,000, commemorative poems, coins and stamps, the world’s biggest rail festival, and much more.
Inspiration was supported by a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Porterbrook funded its eye-catching livery.
About Railway 200
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, inspired by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, a journey that changed the world forever. Under the banner of Railway 200, nationwide celebrations are planned throughout the year, showcasing how the railway shaped Britain and the world and how its pioneering pedigree continues today and is shaping tomorrow. Railway 200 encourages everyone to join in this once-in-a-generation opportunity, whether that’s by displaying the Railway 200 logo, organising events and activities, running competitions, or sharing rail stories.
About the National Railway Museum and Locomotion
- The National Railway Museum in York has the largest collection of railway objects in the world and is the most visited free attraction in the region. It celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025.
- Locomotion hosts the largest undercover collection of historic railway vehicles in Europe, showcasing highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in Shildon – the world’s first railway town.
- The National Railway Museum in York and Locomotion in County Durham form part of the Science Museum Group.
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