All aboard for the return of this exciting Exhibition Train!
11 – 13 May 2026
Longtime visitors to the East Lancashire Railway will know we spent much of last year celebrating 200 years of rail travel in the UK. Our various enthusiast galas and open days were part of a nationwide effort to commemorate this important milestone, known as Rail 200. Well, the party isn’t over yet!
After a successful visit in January, Railway 200’s exhibition train is coming back to the ELR!
What is Inspiration?
Inspiration is a family-friendly mobile exhibition that celebrates the past, present and future of rail travel in the United Kingdom. Co-curated with the National Railway Museum, the Inspiration Train reveals how railways transformed the UK – and ultimately the world.
Be inspired!
The train will take you on a journey through railway firsts. It will feature interactive engineering challenges, as well as a whistle-stop tour of interesting and lesser-known career paths on the railways. Visitors have described the experience as “brilliant” and “fascinating”, and there’s something there for everyone, from the young to the young at heart.
Tickets
Tickets to enter Inspiration are free, though they do need to be booked in advance.
If you want to ride on any of the trains visitors must buy a ticket to the East Lancashire Railway.
| DATE | STATION | OPENING TIMES | BOOK NOW |
| Monday 11 May | Rawtenstall Station | 14:00 – 16:00 | Book Now |
| Tuesday 12 May | Bury Station | 14:00 – 16:00 | Book Now |
| Wednesday 13 May | Heywood Station | 14:00 – 16:00 | Book Now |
Rail 200
2025 marked the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, beginning as it did with the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, the start of a journey that would go on to change the world.
The Railway 200 banner covered nationwide celebrations that took place throughout the year, showcasing how railways shaped Britain and the world, and how this pioneering pedigree continues to make an impact on tomorrow.