Over 5700 people have visited the special Railway 200 exhibition train during its eight days in Norwich and Lowestoft. The “Inspiration” train is touring the UK as part of a whole programme of events across the nation to mark Railway 200 – a national celebration of the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
Popular everywhere it’s visited, the train’s residency at Norwich and Lowestoft was one of the most successful of the tour so far, with great feedback from young and old about their experiences on board.
The train was at Norwich station from 7 – 10 August and Lowestoft station from 11 – 14 August.
Named Inspiration, it brings to life the past, present, and future of Britain’s railways and comprises four specifically designed carriages. Highlights include:
- ‘Railway Firsts’ – a look at historic moments that changed the course of rail travel.
- ‘Wonderlab on Wheels’ – an interactive coach designed to inspire the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers.
- ‘Your Railway Future’ – a career-focused zone, shining a light on the many careers available within the rail industry.
- ‘Partner Zone’ – a customised carriage led by industry partners from across the region.
Appealing to all ages, and with a number of interactive features, it was very popular with everyone who came to see it, with between 600 and 800 people attending each day.
The Railway 200 Inspiration Train at Norwich. Credit: Greater Anglia
At Norwich, the Partner Zone was hosted by Network Rail for two days, then the North Norfolk Railway and the Mid-Norfolk Railway, while in Lowestoft, it was hosted by Network Rail for three days, then by the East Suffolk Lines CRP, with assistance from the Essex and South Suffolk CRP.
At Lowestoft, the presence of the train was also supplemented on the station by support from local Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs) – including the Wherry Lines, Bittern Line and Essex and South Suffolk CRPs, while the Wherry Lines CRP in partnership with Lowestoft Central opened up the Parcels Office Community Hub, with a railway photo exhibition by Dave Pearce and a model railway layout.
In each location, it was a real rail industry team effort, showcasing the positive impact of the railway across the UK over the past two centuries and the ongoing contribution it’s expected to make in the future.
The “Inspiration” train will now continue its ongoing tour, to over 60 locations, which is due to run until June 2026. Details of the programme from January 2026 onwards are yet to be announced, but it is hoped it may be able to visit some other locations on the Greater Anglia network, if the schedule permits.
Details about the current plans are available on the Railway 200 website, which is where tickets, which are free, can be booked, and where confirmation for the 2026 programme will be displayed, once available.
Jonathan Denby, Head of Corporate Affairs at Greater Anglia said:
“We’re delighted that the Railway 200 Inspiration Train has been such a success in Norwich and Lowestoft. It was hugely popular, with over 5700 people enjoying the informative and interactive exhibition carriages, highlighting the past, present and future of the railways in the UK. It was great to host it in our region, and we’ve hopefully inspired some people to join our industry, as well as building further awareness and excitement for the rest of its tour around the national rail network.
“Thanks go to everyone involved in making it happen. It was a real team effort, involving colleagues from the Railway 200 team, Greater Anglia, Network Rail, GB Railfreight, Eastern Rail Services, the Wherry Lines, Bittern Line, East Suffolk Lines and Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnerships, the North Norfolk Railway and the Mid-Norfolk Railway.”
Martin Beable [Managing Director, Greater Anglia], Heather Williams [Customer Service Experience Manager, Network Rail Anglia], and Emma Roberts [Programme Manager, Railway 200] outside the Railway 200 exhibition train at Norwich station, Inspiration [credit: Greater Anglia]
