UPDATE: A groundbreaking and free exhibition train, dubbed “Inspiration,” is set to arrive at Southport railway station from January 10 to January 13, 2026. This unique attraction, celebrating 200 years of the modern railway, promises to deliver an engaging experience for families and rail enthusiasts alike.
The exhibition is co-curated with the National Railway Museum and has already attracted over 40,000 visitors during its extensive 60-stop, year-long tour across the UK. It showcases how railways have transformed not just the UK, but the entire world. Visitors can expect hands-on engineering challenges and a dive into intriguing, lesser-known railway careers.
The next stop on this tour was just announced, and Southport is gearing up for an influx of attendees eager to explore this “fun, free, and fascinating” experience. Feedback from previous visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, with nine in ten stating they would recommend it to friends. One visitor noted, “I loved that it was interactive. I visited with people from age 18 to 85, and there was something for everyone.”
Inspiration is part of the larger Railway 200 campaign, which has seen various events celebrating a British innovation that revolutionized travel, boosted economies, and enabled mass tourism. This year alone has featured a replica journey of Locomotion No. 1 watched by 100,000 people, alongside commemorative coins, poems, and the world’s largest rail festival.
Neil Grabham, Managing Director at Merseyrail, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event: “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, reminding us of the vital role the railway plays in connecting people and communities.”
Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, emphasized the inclusivity of the exhibition: “Inspiration is a fun, free, and fascinating way to learn about the past, present, and future of rail. Whether you’re a rail enthusiast or simply curious about this game-changing British innovation, there’s something for everyone.”
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy added: “I’m proud to celebrate our heritage as the birthplace of the modern railway; our network remains the backbone of our economy, driving growth and jobs. This train is not just about the past; it inspires the next generation of engineers, drivers, and technicians.”
As excitement builds in Southport, residents and visitors are urged to mark their calendars for this once-in-a-generation celebration. Don’t miss your chance to board the “Inspiration” exhibition train and experience firsthand the impact of railways on our daily lives. For more details on the exhibition, visit the Railway 200 website.
Stay tuned for further updates as we approach this highly anticipated event!
