Free interactive exhibition train to visit Devon for first time

A free, interactive exhibition inside a touring train will visit Devon for the first time next month as part of national celebrations marking 200 years of the modern railway.

The Railway 200 exhibition train, called Inspiration, will be hosted by the South Devon Railway at Totnes Riverside station from Tuesday 17 March until Sunday 22 March.

More than 60,000 people have already visited the exhibition during its year-long tour of Britain, which has included stops from Scotland to Southampton.

Co-curated with the National Railway Museum, the exhibition explores how railways transformed Britain and the wider world, using rare artefacts, hands-on engineering challenges and interactive displays.

Organisers say the train is designed to appeal to families, with a focus on both the history of rail and lesser-known careers within the industry.

Alasdair Page, commercial manager at South Devon Railway, said: “As one of the longest established heritage railways in the south west, we’re proud that we have been chosen for the inaugural visit of Inspiration to this area.

“Our steam trains, historic stations and museum will form the backdrop to the interactive experience, providing options to create a full day out.”

The exhibition forms part of Railway 200, a national campaign celebrating two centuries since the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, widely regarded as the world’s first modern railway.

Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, said: “Railways are one of history’s most important inventions and inside this train you can explore the story of rail in a fun and family-friendly environment.

“Inspiration has already travelled thousands of miles across Britain – from Scotland to Southampton – and we are hugely excited to welcome locals aboard at South Devon Railway.”

Visitors who have already attended previous stops have described the exhibition as “brilliant”, “hands-on” and “extremely interesting”.

Tara Jones Ulla, who visited the train at the West Somerset Railway, said: “It was so informative without being overwhelming, with lots of interactive and hands-on exhibits. I came away so happy.”

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said the exhibition aimed to inspire future generations as well as celebrate Britain’s railway heritage.

“With this train, we’re not just looking to the past, we are inspiring the diverse next generation of engineers, drivers, conductors and technicians, and shining a light on what the railway is delivering today,” he said.

Entry to the exhibition is free, although tickets must be booked in advance and availability is limited. Visitors can also travel on South Devon Railway’s steam trains during the visit.