
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway at Grosmont will host a landmark stop on the nationwide Railway 200 tour this October
The specially curated "Inspiration" exhibition train will be arriving in Grosmont to celebrate two centuries of railway history.
Four carriages obtained by Network Rail are being converted into the eye-catching exhibition train, which is curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum and will promote rail innovation and careers. The carriages are currently being fitted out, supported by a £250,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Rail’s pioneering pedigree will be explored in a ‘railway firsts’ coach, highlighting landmark moments in rail’s development. Alongside will be a Wonderlab on Wheels, inviting visitors to test their engineering skills with hands-on exhibits adapted from the National Railway Museum’s own interactive railway-themed gallery. Next will be a Your Railway Future carriage, showcasing some of the more hidden roles in rail and encouraging people to join the railway to shape the next 200 years. There will also be a Partner Zone, offering free, flexible exhibition space.
Running from 5 to 7 October 2025, the visit forms part of Railway 200—a year-long, UK-wide campaign marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway.
Jason Hamilton, route director for Network Rail’s North & East region, said the arrival of "Inspiration" in the area “will embody everything that we’re celebrating with Railway 200 – from the industry’s stunning heritage to its exciting future.”
The immersive on-board experience includes:
- A “railway firsts” coach showcasing historical milestones
- A Wonderlab on Wheels featuring hands-on engineering exhibits
- A careers-focused “Your Railway Future” carriage
- A Partner Zone for community participation
Admission to the train itself will be free but must be booked in advance. Normal entry charges at the heritage railway may still apply.
Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, described the attraction as “a new, national visitor experience” that aims to “excite, enlighten, entertain and inspire” people of all ages. She emphasised that many schoolchildren are expected to attend as part of the campaign’s focus on education and career awareness.
The "Inspiration" train will not carry passengers between locations but will remain stationary during public access hours from 10am to 5pm. A virtual version of the exhibition is also in development for those unable to attend in person.
For further information and to register for free tickets, visit https://www.railway200.co.uk/inspiration
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