The Severn Valley Railway will host an 11-day event over the summer of 2025 to mark Railway 200, exploiting the unique capabilities of the railway.
As part of our celebrations, a new and unique exhibition train is due to open to the public on 27 June at the Severn Valley Railway as part of a national celebration of the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
The touring train, named Inspiration, is expected to visit 60 locations across Britain over 12 months up to summer 2026, creating a buzz of interest and excitement at mainline stations, heritage railways and rail freight sites.
Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, it will be the only exhibition train on the rail network and will promote the past, present and future of the railway, helping to attract the next generation of pioneering talent.
To celebrate Railway 200 in style, we have a packed programme of events and activities:
Thursday 26 June, Exhibition Train launch at the Severn Valley Railway
Friday 27-Sunday 29 June, Exhibition Train open to the public
Monday 30 June-Friday 4 July, Exhibition Train open for educational visits
Saturday 5-Sunday 6 July, Railway 200 event and Exhibition Train open to the public
Railway 200 Weekend
On 5-6 July, we will be showcasing railways through the ages with a busy timetable of trains and attractions along the line. Attractions include:
GWR 4930 Hagley Hall hauling our historic GWR carriages, dating back to 1912
Visiting LNER steam locomotive hauling our unique LNER Teak carriages, dating back to 1922
LMS 13268 hauling our beautifully restored LMS carriages, dating back to the 1940s
Heritage diesel locomotive hauling our MK1 carriages, dating back to the 1950s
Exhibition Train open to the public
Visiting locomotives and visiting modern traction
Display of modern railway vehicles