As 2025 draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on where Railway 200 began and what we collectively achieved.
Back in early 2022, the ambition was bold: to create a national and international yearlong programme of events and activities showcasing not only the past, but the present and future of rail.
Our Vision
The core objective was simple yet powerful—reach new audiences, particularly young people, and encourage them to consider a career in rail by creating memorable activities and experiences.
By telling different stories, celebrating our people, and showing how rail has shaped our lives and livelihoods, we hoped to deepen the public’s appreciation of rail and promote national pride in a British invention that changed the world.
Turning Ambition into Action
Knowing what we were celebrating was the first step; deciding how we were going to do it came next.
As the industry geared up for Great British Railways, we united track and train under the umbrella of Railway 200 so together we could shout long, loud and proud about rail’s many achievements.
So, How Did We Do?
Through the power of partnership, Railway 200 became the UK’s biggest-ever rail story told by the UK’s biggest-ever rail partnership.
Hundreds of organisations and thousands of individuals—community groups, local councils, tourist boards, train and freight operators, cultural organisations, supply chain and heritage railways—came together to deliver over 10,000 events and activities, engaging with tens of millions of people.
The national campaign team achieved massive media exposure on rail’s ‘past, present and future’ story across social and traditional media, including TV documentaries on the BBC and Channel 4.
We saw the biggest heritage railway mass participation event spanning five continents, the world’s largest rail festival, a global poll to choose best-loved UK railway artwork, podcasts, commemorative coins, stamps, train namings, a Girl Guide Badge, galas, plaques, murals, floral displays and even a steam engine maze.
And yes, the campaign won the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award at the Visit England Excellence Awards.
Inspiring the Next Generation
To reach new and younger audiences and promote careers in rail, we created Inspiration, our unique touring exhibition train.
Partnering with The National Railway Museum, we curated four carriages that took visitors on a journey through the past, present and future of rail. Inspiration toured Britain, stopping at 60 locations. So far, over 45,000 people have visited—including thousands of schoolchildren.
Early indications show that after their visit, more children are now open to and better informed about careers in rail. It will be a good few years before we see the full impact, but I am hopeful we inspired a new generation of pioneers and showed them that rail is a sector full of innovation and opportunity.
A Legacy of Collaboration
Another legacy of Railway 200 is new partnerships.
During the year, we saw relationships forged between heritage and mainline railways. Agreements were signed to make it easier for them to work together. By sharing facilities and resources, both sectors can support each other and provide training opportunities for younger people.
Together, We Made History
Working together, the rail industry delivered the world’s largest celebration of rail—and in doing so, we all became history makers.
None of this would have happened without the support and engagement of our partners. You were all part of Railway 200’s success.
Thank you for helping us celebrate rail’s past, inspire its future, and create a legacy that will last for generations.
