A free, family-friendly exhibition train celebrating 200 years of the modern railway arrived at Kingston Station yesterday (Wednesday, 25 February).

More than 40,000 have already visited Inspiration on its 60-stop, year-long tour of Britain – and it has received rave reviews, with 9 in 10 saying they would recommend it to a friend.

Co-curated with the National Railway Museum, Inspiration reveals how railways transformed the UK – and ultimately the world.

It includes a fascinating look at railway firsts, hands-on engineering challenges and a whistle-stop tour of interesting – and lesser-known – careers on the railways.

Inspiration is part of Railway 200, the national campaign celebrating two centuries of the modern railway.

Thousands of events across the UK and the world have celebrated a British innovation that revolutionised travel, supercharged economies and enabled mass tourism, sports leagues and the standardisation of time.

In November, Lawrence Bowman, Managing Director at South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex, said: "South Western Railway is delighted that the Railway 200 exhibition train Inspiration will return to our network in February 2026, following its successful appearance at London Waterloo and its upcoming visit to Southampton Central in December.

"The train will call at Salisbury and Kingston in February 2026, again offering schools, colleges and the public a unique opportunity to explore the past, present and future of the railway and how it has contributed to modern society.

"Inspiration is looking to engage with communities, celebrate rail innovation, and inspire young people to consider careers within the rail industry."

The 'Inspiration' exhibition celebrates 200 years of the modern railway (Credit: Oliver Monk)

Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, added: "Inspiration is a fun, free and fascinating way to learn about the past, present and future of rail.

"There's something for everyone, whether you're a rail enthusiast or simply curious about a British innovation that changed the world.

"We're excited to bring Inspiration to Kingston, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard!"

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: "I'm proud to be celebrating our heritage as the birthplace of the modern railway; to this day our railway network is the backbone of our economy, driving economic growth, jobs and homes.

"With this train, we're not just looking to the past, we are inspiring the diverse next generation of engineers, drivers, conductors and technicians, and shining a light on what the railway is delivering today."

Railway 200 celebrates two centuries since Stephenson's Locomotion No. 1 steamed along the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

The bicentenary kicked off on New Year's Day 2025 with a 'whistle-up' of more than 200 locomotives across five continents.

The year has included a replica journey of Locomotion No. 1 watched by 100,000, commemorative poems, coins and stamps, the world's biggest rail festival, and much more.

Wednesday's exhibition included a blessing of the train (Credit: Oliver Monk)

Inspiration was supported by a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Porterbrook funded its eye-catching livery.

Wednesday's tour included a blessing of the Inspiration train.

Inspiration also ran at Kingston Station today (Thursday, 26 February).