Railway 200 marks the bicentenary of the world's first passenger railway - the Stockton and Darlington Railway - which opened in 1825.
This landmark anniversary in 2025 commemorates 200 years of railways transforming Britain’s economy, society, and landscapes. From enabling the Industrial Revolution to shaping modern-day commuting, the railway has long been a force for connectivity, innovation, and national identity.
Railway 200 is a moment to reflect on the profound impact of the railways on our towns, cities, and countryside – and to look ahead at how rail can continue to serve future generations. Learn more about the campaign at railway200.co.uk.
How is the industry celebrating Railway 200?
Railway 200 is being marked across the UK with a series of high-profile events and projects designed to celebrate Britain’s pioneering railway history and inspire its future. Among the headline initiatives:
- The ‘Inspiration’ Exhibition Train
A special touring train will visit towns and cities across Britain, showcasing 200 years of rail innovation and telling the story of how rail shaped the nation. It will act as a moving museum, bringing the Railway 200 story directly to communities. - The Greatest Gathering
Planned as one of the biggest railway events of the year, The Greatest Gathering will bring together an unprecedented number of historic locomotives – both steam and modern – in a celebration of Britain’s railway past, present and future. - Bicentenary Events
A number of stations and lines nationally will hold major celebrations to mark 200 years since the world’s first passenger railway service. These events will include community festivals, reenactments, and exhibitions. - Railway 200 Learning Programme
A national education campaign with specially designed educational resources will engage schools and young people with rail heritage and careers, including curriculum-linked resources, competitions and outreach sessions.
What does Railway 200 mean to Enroute?
At Enroute, Railway 200 is more than a historic milestone – it’s a chance to reframe and rethink the role of rail in the 21st century. Specifically, we see this anniversary as an opportunity to:
- Engage new generations with transport careers, through outreach with schools and colleges
- Reflect on our rail heritage as a tool for empowerment, not just nostalgia
We believe the next 200 years of rail must be inclusive, sustainable and shaped by people and places – not just policy. Railway 200 is our call to ensure rail continues to be a vehicle for opportunity, for the next 200 years and beyond.
