Passengers and families in the North West have been enjoying the Railway 200 Inspiration Train following its arrival in Blackpool. The travelling exhibition, part of the UK-wide Railway 200 campaign, is visiting Blackpool North from Tuesday 4 November until Friday 7 November, with all free tickets quickly snapped up.

The Inspiration Train is the only experience of its kind on Britain’s mainline railway and has been touring the country since June 2025 to mark 200 years of the modern railway. It celebrates the history, present, and future of the railway through interactive, family-friendly exhibits.

Visitors can explore four exhibition carriages, each highlighting a different rail theme, engage with hands-on engineering displays and STEM activities, learn about careers in the railway, and discover the impact of rail on the economy, communities, and the environment. The train also features displays on iconic trains and the innovative technology shaping the next 200 years of rail travel.

Danielle Lahan, Community Rail partner at Network Rail, said: "The Inspiration Train has been a brilliant success so far, and we’re thrilled to be bringing it to Blackpool. Whether you’re a curious commuter, local family or a student considering a future in engineering, this is a great chance to see how rail connects us all – past, present and future."

Alex Hornby, commercial and customer director at Northern, added: "We’re really excited to be hosting the Inspiration Train at one of the busiest stations on the Northern network next week. While tickets for the visit have now sold out, we encourage families to learn more about 200 years of fascinating railway history, by stepping on board to enjoy the fantastic exhibitions. The train has been particularly popular with children and we’re hoping it will encourage youngsters to consider a future career on the railway, so they can help shape the next 200 years."

Image: Network Rail