The story of Britain’s railways can now be explored from anywhere in the world, thanks to the launch of a virtual tour of Inspiration – the exhibition train at the heart of the Railway 200 celebrations. The free attraction, which has already drawn more than 35,000 visitors, is touring the country throughout the anniversary year, marking two centuries since the world’s first steam-hauled passenger railway journey. Now, with every carriage captured in ultra-high-definition, online visitors can experience the display’s sights and stories as if they were there in person.

The train’s four carriages have been mapped in meticulous detail using 90 panoramic photographs, creating an immersive 360-degree experience. Almost 100 artefacts and exhibits tell the story of how rail transformed Britain and the wider world, while additional online-only content from National Railway Museum curators offers deeper insight into the displays. The digital tour allows anyone to explore the train’s themes of heritage, innovation, and the future of the rail industry, wherever they are.

Inspiration forms part of the national Railway 200 campaign, which celebrates 200 years since the Stockton and Darlington Railway first carried fare-paying passengers in 1825. The anniversary has been marked with events and exhibitions across Britain and beyond, beginning with a global “whistle-up” of 200 locomotives. The travelling exhibition is currently in Edinburgh and will continue on to West Yorkshire, Blackpool, North Wales, Somerset, London, and Southampton before the end of the year, with 2026 tour dates set to follow.

Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, said: “We’ve loved sharing the amazing story of this British innovation with people across Britain and it’s been amazing hearing how much they enjoyed their visits. It’s fantastic that even more people can now visit Inspiration. Our new online tour gives virtual visitors an appreciation of how railways truly changed the world and spotlights some of the diverse career opportunities available for all.”

National Railway Museum Curator Rob Scargill, who helped curate Inspiration, added: “One of the most exciting things about Inspiration is that it’s taking a fascinating part of world history to more people by travelling to audiences all over Britain. This virtual tour means even more people can enjoy the exhibition and I’m thrilled to have been able to contribute.” A free multilingual guide to accompany the exhibition is also available through the Bloomberg Connects app, offering an accessible new way to engage with one of the most ambitious public celebrations of railway heritage ever undertaken.

Image: Network Rail