Avanti West Coast will welcome the unique exhibition train Inspiration to Stockport station next week as part of celebrations marking 200 years of the UK’s railways.
The free attraction, co-curated by the National Railway Museum and Network Rail, will arrive at platform 0 from Friday 1 May to Wednesday 6 May, giving visitors the chance to explore the past, present and future of rail.
Created for Railway 200, Inspiration features four themed exhibitions across different carriages, with interactive displays and activities designed for all ages.
Visitors will be able to discover how the railways shaped the UK and the wider world, explore key railway firsts, take part in hands-on engineering challenges and learn more about some of the varied and lesser-known careers available across the industry.
The visit to Stockport will be hosted by Avanti West Coast, which manages the station. It marks stop number 52 on the train’s UK tour, which began as part of the Railway 200 celebrations in 2025 and is due to conclude in June 2026.
Alongside the exhibition train, local railway groups and organisations will showcase nearby rail attractions, while musicians will perform songs inspired by Stockport station’s underpass art installation, which celebrates the town’s music scene.
From Saturday 2 May to Monday 4 May, guided tours by Stockport Music Story will take visitors around key sites linked to the town’s musical heritage.
Record producer and rail enthusiast Pete Waterman will also join the weekend programme with his team of Railnuts, who will display the latest addition to their record-breaking model railway – a miniature version of Inspiration.
Lisa Musgrave, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Stockport, said:
“It’s great to be hosting this special train at Stockport as part of its tour to highlight the station’s role in connecting people and places. We’re joining the community to celebrate 200 years of the railways and look to the future, showcasing its importance in Stockport, and across the UK.
“The train’s visit promises to be an exciting event, and we cannot wait to welcome people. We hope to inspire a passion for rail among the next generation, so our railways continue to thrive for years to come.”
Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, said:
“Inspiration is coming to Stockport over the Bank Holiday weekend – and it’s shaping up to be a really special stop.
“Not only can locals visit our free, one-of-a-kind exhibition train they can also enjoy music, tours, and Pete Waterman OBE’s record-breaking model railway. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!”
Tickets are still available to book here.
