National bicentenary programme reaches the West Midlands
The Railway 200 exhibition train—officially titled Inspiration—will make its second public appearance at Birmingham Moor Street station between Tuesday 8 and Thursday 10 July 2025. The visit forms part of the year-long Railway 200 campaign, which commemorates two centuries of modern rail transport since the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1825.
Free timed tickets now available
Tickets are offered free of charge through a partnership between Network Rail and project sponsors, and can be reserved in 15-minute boarding windows. Each slot allows visitors to explore Inspiration’s four customised coaches:
| Coach | Theme | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Railway Firsts | Landmark innovations | Showcases pivotal moments in rail history |
| Wonderlab on Wheels | Hands-on science exhibits | Engages future engineers with interactive displays |
| Your Railway Future | Careers hub | Presents pathways into rail industry roles |
| Partner Zone | Regional collaboration | Highlights projects led by West Midlands stakeholders |
A collaborative industry showcase
The touring train is being delivered by Network Rail, the National Railway Museum, GB Railfreight and host operator Chiltern Railways, whose London Marylebone services terminate at Moor Street. Over the course of 2025–26 the consist is expected to:
- visit more than 60 UK destinations
- attract in excess of 200,000 visitors
The first call at the Severn Valley Railway heritage line earlier this spring launched the nationwide tour.
Executive commentary
Tony Baxter, Operations Director at Chiltern Railways, emphasised the regional significance:
“Birmingham Moor Street is one of the most recognisable stations on our network, and an ideal setting to celebrate both the history and the future of rail in the West Midlands.”
Network Rail Central Route Director Denise Wetton added:
“With Birmingham at the heart of Britain’s network, it is fitting that Inspiration’s public tour begins here. Moor Street offers visitors a tangible link between railway heritage, today’s operations and the technology of tomorrow.”
Practical details for visitors
- Location: Birmingham Moor Street station (B4 7UL)
- Dates: Tuesday 8 July – Thursday 10 July 2025
- Opening hours: 09:30–16:30 (last entry 16:15)
- Booking: Advance reservation required via the official Railway 200 ticketing page
- Cost: Free (maximum six tickets per booking)
Moor Street is fully accessible, with level access from concourse to platform. Visitors arriving by rail are recommended to use Chiltern Railways services from London Marylebone, Leamington Spa or Stratford-upon-Avon. Local connections are available from Birmingham Snow Hill and New Street.
About Railway 200
Railway 200 is a nationwide programme of exhibitions, community events and education initiatives marking the bicentenary of Britain’s railways throughout 2025. In addition to the touring exhibition train, the calendar includes regional festivals, academic conferences and STEM outreach activities designed to showcase the sector’s contribution to economic growth, decarbonisation and skills development.
