Inspiration train, celebrating 200 years of rail travel, coming to Sussex- these are the towns it will be visiting

Organisers behind the event say the Railway 200 Inspiration train is a mobile exhibition inside a train packed with stories and interactive fun.

The train is heading to Bognor Regis and Lewes, as well as Worthing and Hastings and it is completely free to visit.

Organisers said more than 60,000 have visited the Railway 200 exhibition train on its 60-stop, year-long tour of Britain, and thousands have already booked tickets for stops in Hastings and Worthing.

A spokesperson said: “Co-curated with the National Railway Museum and called Inspiration, it uses rare artefacts and fascinating facts to explore how railways transformed the world. It includes hands-on engineering challenges and a whistle-stop tour of interesting – and lesser-known – careers on the railways.

“Excitingly, new dates have been added for Inspiration to visit Bognor Regis on March 2 and 3 and Lewes on March 5 and 6, hosted at both stops by Southern.

“It will also be in Worthing on February 27 and 28 and Hastings from March 12 to March 15 inclusive.

“Tickets are free but availability is limited. Stops are often fully booked, including the recent visit to nearby Southampton. Local schools will be invited for free, bespoke tours.

“Inspiration is part of Railway 200, the national celebration marking two centuries of the modern railway. Thousands of events during 2025 celebrated a British innovation that revolutionised travel, supercharged economies and enabled mass tourism, sports leagues and the standardisation of time.”

John Whitehurst, chief operating officer at Govia Thameslink Railway, which runs Southern Railway, said: “A little more than 200 years ago the modern railway came into existence, transforming our society by bringing people and business closer together.

“Our industry is constantly evolving, with new science and technology shaping the way we travel. Inspiration will be sat on platforms alongside our modern, comfortable fleet of trains responsible for transporting almost one million passengers each day, showing this innovation put into practice.

“We want to attract a new generation from all backgrounds into an industry with a rich heritage that remains relevant today. The railway is great for the climate, and helps our local communities thrive.”

Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, said: “Railways are one of history’s most important inventions and inside this train you can explore the story of rail in a fun and family-friendly environment.

“Inspiration has already travelled thousands of miles across Britain – from Scotland to Southampton – and we are hugely excited for the run of dates on the south coast. We can’t wait to welcome people aboard in Bognor Regis, Lewes, Worthing and Hastings.”

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 tours until June 2026. It was supported by a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Porterbrook funded its eye-catching livery.