2025 was a landmark year as Britain came together to celebrate Railway 200 – marking 200 years since the world’s first passenger train set off along the Stockton & Darlington Railway, a moment that transformed how we travel, connect and experience the world.

Launched on 1 January and running throughout 2025, community rail ensure the celebrations were truly grassroots, with over 50,000 people engaged and inspired through a programme of more than 300 community-led events and activities, honouring rail’s remarkable past, its role today, and its importance for a sustainable future.

From ‘try the train’ trips, stamp trails and record-breaking benches, to music events, poetry and craft beer, community rail partnerships and station volunteer groups brough communities together in creative and inclusive ways, and made the Railway 200 celebrations unforgettable.

Explore the extraordinary contribution community rail has made to Railway 200.

Book your tickets for ‘Inspiration’, the Railway 200 exhibition train.

See how community rail ‘waved in’ the Railway 200 year.