Inspiration, the Railway 200 touring exhibition train, has arrived in Worthing
The Railway 200 touring exhibition train has arrived in Worthing, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway.
Parties of schoolchildren are expected on board on the morning of Friday, February 27, but free tickets are still available over the two-day visit, ending at 5pm on Saturday, February 28.
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.”
The train, called Inspiration, is packed with amazing stories and interactive fun, co-curated with the National Railway Museum. 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.
John Whitehurst, chief operating officer at Govia Thameslink Railway, which runs Southern, 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.”
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.
As part of Railway 200, rail academics and historians across the UK have come together to lend their expertise in helping to tell rail’s story, of how it transformed our economic, environmental, cultural and social landscape, and continues to do so. The nation is being encouraged to share rail stories and memories. too.
Jake Kelly, Network Rail Eastern region managing director, said: “Railway 200’s ambitious programme not only embraces the railway’s historic roots, but also looks to future innovations and how the industry adapts to modern-day challenges to get people and goods to where they need to be.
“Whether you are a frequent traveller, simply live by the railway, or are an engineer of the future, all are invited to take part in this huge programme of events, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of an invention born in the North East which has gone on to transform communities across the globe.”