The Railway 200 Inspiration train is returning to Blackpool North station for a four-day visit, offering residents a final chance to explore the history and future of the railway industry. Hosted by Northern, the exhibition will be open to the public from Thursday 14 May to Sunday 17 May 2026.
The train features four interactive carriages designed to showcase the past, present, and future of rail travel. Visitors can walk through displays titled Railway Firsts, which explores historical innovations, and Wonderlab on Wheels, which provides hands-on activities focused on science and engineering. A third section, Your Railway Future, highlights various career opportunities within the sector.
This event marks the train’s final appearance in the North West before it completes its year-long national tour in June 2026. The exhibition, which has been visited by more than 80,000 people across the country, was co-curated with the National Railway Museum. It received support through a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, while Porterbrook provided funding for the train’s unique external design.
Admission to the train is free, but visitors are required to book tickets in advance online. The exhibition is open from 10am to 5pm each day, with last entry permitted at 4pm. This visit follows a previous appearance in Blackpool in November 2025, which saw all available tickets fully booked.
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