Stockport Station to Host Touring Railway 200 Exhibition Train

A touring exhibition train celebrating two centuries of Britain’s railways is due to arrive in Stockport next week, bringing a mix of history, innovation and community events to the station.

The train, named Inspiration, has been jointly curated by the National Railway Museum and Network Rail. It will be stationed at platform 0 in Stockport from Friday 1 May through to Wednesday 6 May, offering visitors free access to a series of onboard exhibitions.

Its visit forms part of the wider Railway 200 campaign, a nationwide programme marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway. The train itself is divided into four themed carriages, each designed to explore different aspects of the rail industry, from its origins through to its future direction.

Visitors stepping onboard will encounter a mix of interactive installations, engineering challenges and displays aimed at highlighting the breadth of railway careers. The exhibition also reflects on how rail travel helped shape Britain and influenced transport systems around the world.

The stop at Stockport is being hosted by Avanti West Coast, which manages the station. This appearance marks the 52nd stop on a UK-wide tour that began as part of the Railway 200 celebrations in 2025 and is expected to conclude in June 2026.

Alongside the train itself, a programme of local activities has been organised to coincide with the visit. Community railway groups will showcase nearby attractions, while live music performances will tie into the station’s underpass artwork celebrating Stockport’s musical heritage.

Between Saturday 2 May and Monday 4 May, guided tours led by Stockport Music Story will take visitors to key locations connected to the town’s musical past, adding a cultural dimension to the railway-themed event.

The weekend will also feature record producer and rail enthusiast Pete Waterman, who will attend with his Railnuts group. They are set to present the latest addition to their model railway collection — a miniature version of the Inspiration train.

Lisa Musgrave, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Stockport, said:

“It’s great to be hosting this special train at Stockport as part of its tour to highlight the station’s role in connecting people and places. We’re joining the community to celebrate 200 years of the railways and look to the future, showcasing its importance in Stockport, and across the UK. The train’s visit promises to be an exciting event, and we cannot wait to welcome people. We hope to inspire a passion for rail among the next generation, so our railways continue to thrive for years to come.”

Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, said:

“Inspiration is coming to Stockport over the Bank Holiday weekend – and it’s shaping up to be a really special stop. Not only can locals visit our free, one-of-a-kind exhibition train they can also enjoy music, tours, and Pete Waterman OBE’s record-breaking model railway. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!”

Image: Avanti West Coast