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Tuesday 31 Mar 2026

Last call! Exhibition train’s final tour dates announced

Railway 200’s hit exhibition train Inspiration is rolling into its final stations – giving communities one last chance to explore the past, present and future of rail. 

Since its launch in June 2025, Inspiration has journeyed thousands of miles from the Scottish Highlands to the south coast, visiting stations, heritage railways, museums and a freight depot. 

More than 80,000 people have immersed themselves in its interactive activities, engineering challenges and historical artefacts. And thousands of schoolchildren have come aboard for bespoke tours, learning about the railway and the careers available on the network. 

Today, the final stops on the tour were announced. They are: 

• East Somerset Railway: Monday 1 June – Wednesday 3 June  

• Hull: Friday 5 June – Sunday 7 June  

• Weardale Railway: Monday 8 June – Sunday 14 June  

• Rail Live (Long Marston): Wednesday 17 June – Thursday 18 June (separate event registration required) 

• Scarborough: Saturday 20 June – Monday 22 June  

Emma Roberts, Railway 200 Programme Manager, said: “It’s been incredible seeing the fantastic welcome Inspiration gets in towns and cities all over Britain. 

“Not only has the railway family supported the train every step of the way, but tens of thousands of new people have discovered how rail travel changed our world. Many visitors don’t regularly use the railway, some have never been on a train, so it’s been really special to share the story of rail and how it’s shaped our lives. 

“Thank you to everyone who has visited, volunteered or helped organise this remarkable journey. We hope to see some of you at the final stop in Scarborough!” 

Inspiration was co-curated with the National Railway Museum. It was supported by a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Porterbrook funded its eye-catching livery.