The nation’s one and only exhibition train is returning to the north-west in May as it nears the end of the one-year tour of the country. Stockport station will be hosting the train around the early bank holiday weekend – book your tickets now!
What is it?
Inspiration is a free, family-friendly exhibition train created as part of Railway 200 to explore the past, present and future of the railways. It was launched at London Paddington station before first opening to the public on 26 June at Severn Trent Valley in Worcestershire.
What’s happening in Stockport?
The train is being hosted by Avanti West Coast at Stockport station from Friday 1 – Wednesday 6 May. Tickets are free but availability is limited; visitors are required to book tickets on the Railway 200 website: Welcome to Inspiration – Railway 200
In addition to the train exhibition, there will be various stalls and displays to enjoy. Local schools will be invited to enjoy guided tours of the exhibition free of charge.
Lisa Musgrave, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Stockport, said:
“We’re excited to mark 200 years of the UK’s railways by welcoming this unique train to Stockport as part of its nationwide tour. We hope its visit will inspire a passion for rail among the next generation, so our railways continue to thrive for years to come.”
What to expect from Inspiration?
The exhibition was designed and created in partnership with Network Rail and the National Railway Museum in York, part of the Science Museum Group. The train is supported by a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with the train’s livery funded by Porterbrook.
There are four distinctive carriages that visitors can explore. Firstly, the ‘Railway Firsts’ coach highlights landmark moments in rail’s development, while the ‘Wonderlab on Wheels’ has hands-on exhibits to test your engineering skills. There is also the ‘Your Railway Future’ carriage, showcasing some of the more hidden roles in rail, while the final coach is a ‘Partner Zone’, offering free, flexible exhibition space.
Want to get involved?
Volunteers and STEM Ambassadors are needed to help at Stockport station on all dates (1-6 May, from 9.20am until 5.30pm). If you’re interested, please email Andrew.griffin@networkrail.co.uk with your mobile number, dates available and role preference. The deadline for applications is 20 April.
If you’re a school teacher, why not book a visit for your students? It’s a great opportunity for young people to learn about the railway and have an exciting day out of the classroom!
Find out more and book a slot here: Buy 2026 School Visits Tickets online – Railway 200
Main Photo Credit: Network Rail Scotland Air Operations