You can now visit Inspiration, a unique exhibition train that tells the incredible story of our railways, from the comfort of your home, anywhere in the world.
The free attraction is on a year-long, 60-stop tour of Britain for Railway 200, the national campaign celebrating 200 years since the birth of the modern railway.
Now, the train’s four carriages have been mapped in minute detail so those who can’t attend in person can visit online.
Virtual visitors can gaze at nearly 100 artefacts and exhibits about the past, present and future of rail, mapped via 90 ultra-high-definition photos taken on a 360-degree camera.
They can also access online-exclusive content from two of the National Railway Museum curators behind the train.
More than 35,000 people have visited Inspiration in person and 9 in 10 would recommend it to a friend.
It is currently in Edinburgh and will soon visit West Yorkshire, Blackpool, North Wales, Somerset, London and Southampton. 2026 tour dates will be released soon.
Railway 200 marks 200 years since a world-changing journey – the first steam-hauled, fare-paying passenger journey on a public railway.
The anniversary year began with a ‘whistle-up’ of more than 200 locomotives on five continents and since then thousands of events have taken place.
Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, said: “We’ve loved sharing the amazing story of this British innovation with people across Britain and it’s been amazing hearing how much they enjoyed their visits.
“It’s fantastic that even more people can now visit Inspiration. Our new online tour gives virtual visitors an appreciation of how railways truly changed the world and spotlights some of the diverse career opportunities available for all.”
In addition, a free multilingual digital guide to Inspiration is available via the Bloomberg Connects app. It can also be used at home or to enhance an in-person visit to the train.
National Railway Museum Curator Rob Scargill, who helped curate Inspiration, said: “One of the most exciting things about Inspiration is that it’s taking a fascinating part of world history to more people by travelling to audiences all over Britain.
“This virtual tour means even more people can enjoy the exhibition and I’m thrilled to have been able to contribute.”