Celebrating 200 Years of the Railway
2025 marks an extraordinary milestone for the railway industry as we commemorate 200 years since the world’s first modern railway. This historic anniversary provides an exciting opportunity to reflect on the remarkable legacy of Britain’s railways and explore the innovation, heritage, and people that continue to shape its future.
What is Railway 200?
Railway 200 is a year-long programme of events, projects, and celebrations honouring the bicentenary of the world’s first passenger railway. In 1825, George Stephenson’s Stockton and Darlington Railway made history by carrying both passengers and freight powered by a steam locomotive, forever transforming transport and society. This pioneering achievement set the foundations for the global railway network we know today.
Railway 200 highlights the evolution of railways from their humble beginnings to the modern, efficient transport systems of the 21st century. Chiltern Railways is proud to be part of this national celebration.
How Chiltern Railways is celebrating
At Chiltern Railways, we are thrilled to participate in this nationwide celebration through a range of engaging events and collaborations across our network. We are working closely with local councils, heritage groups, and communities to bring Railway 200 to life. Details will be shared throughout the year right on this page.
We invite you to discover, participate, and celebrate the remarkable journey of railways with us. Follow us on social media and check our website regularly for updates on activities near you.
In the meantime, learn more about Railway 200 and other events ongoing across the country by visiting railway200.co.uk. And if you have any other questions or suggestions, get in touch on [email protected].
Our planned activities
Birthday events
We are celebrating Warwick Parkway's 25th birthday and the 175th anniversary of the railway in Bicester on this vital anniversary for the railway. We'll be inviting stakeholders, media and local representatives to these celebratory events in October this year.
Exhibition train at Moor Street
We are hosting the national Railway 200 Exhibition Train 'Inspiration' at Birmingham Moor Street, on the second week of July 2025. Learn more and book your tickets to visit on the Railway 200 website.
Station decor
You'll start to notice bunting, floor vinyls and banners in commemoration of Railway 200 popping up at our stations over the next year. We hope you like them!
Exhibition train frequently asked questions
What are the dates and times for the exhibition?
The Inspiration train will be at Birmingham Moor Street from 8 to 10 July 2025. Opening hours may vary slightly each day – please check the Railway 200 website for confirmed timings.
Is it suitable for children and school groups?
Yes! The train has been designed to be engaging for all ages, with interactive exhibits and fun learning activities – especially in the Wonderlab on Wheels.
Is there a cost to attend?
Entry is completely free, but booking is essential. Please note that charges may apply at other locations on the tour, such as heritage railways.
Will there be toilets or refreshments on board?
There are no toilets or food/drink services on the train itself, but station facilities will remain available as normal.
How do I book tickets for the Inspiration train at Birmingham Moor Street?
Tickets can be booked online via the official Railway 200 website: www.railway200.co.uk/inspiration Entry is free, but spaces must be booked in advance.
I need to change or cancel my booking – can you help?
We’re not able to manage bookings directly, but the Railway 200 team can help. Please visit www.railway200.co.uk/inspiration where you’ll find details on how to amend or cancel your visit.
Do I need a ticket for each person in my group?
Yes, each person attending will need their own ticket, including children. You can add multiple tickets when making your booking online.
Will trains still be running to/from Moor Street during the exhibition?
Yes, although there are minor amendments to our timetable to allow the exhibition train to access platform 4. Please check before you travel and allow extra time as services may be busier than usual.
Celebrating station and railway birthdays on our route
Celebrating 25 years of Warwick Parkway
On Friday 24 October, Chiltern Railways will host a special invitation-only event at Warwick Parkway station to mark its 25th anniversary as part of the national Railway 200 celebrations. Warwick Parkway opened in 2000 as a flagship part of Chiltern’s modernisation programme, in partnership with Warwickshire County Council and M40 Trains (Arriva UK Trains). The station now sees over 430,000 journeys annually and plays a key role in supporting local growth and sustainable commuting.
The event will bring together key stakeholders and community partners to celebrate the success of Warwick Parkway and to look ahead to the future of rail in Warwickshire. It will feature:
- A welcome address by Chiltern Railways’, outlining Chiltern’s 2030 Vision and plans for future fleet and our stations
- A performance by the local community
- A speech from a local stakeholder highlighting the economic and social impact of the railway
- The unveiling of a commemorative Railway 200 plaque and birthday cake to mark the occasion
This event highlights the success of partnership-led investment in the railway and showcases the role rail can play in enabling growth. It is a proud contribution to Railway 200, reflecting on the past while looking forward to a more connected, sustainable future.
More details will be confirmed closer to the time.
Celebrating 175 years of the railway in Bicester
On Thursday 2 October, Chiltern Railways will hold a special invitation-only event at Bicester Village station to mark 175 years of the railways in Bicester, from the opening of Bicester North in 1910, looking to the future with East West Rail serving Bicester later this year. Bicester Village opened in its current form in 2015, serving the south of Bicester with direct trains to Oxford and London Marylebone.
The event will bring together key stakeholders including local authorities and Bicester Village itself to celebrate the success and future of the railway in the town.
More details will be confirmed about this event closer to the time.
Station decorations
Take a look at some of the decorations appearing across our stations!
