Last week’s visit of Inspiration, the Railway 200 exhibition train, to Lowestoft Station, has attracted the highest visitor numbers to date for any station on the train’s nationwide tour.

3,111 people visited the train during its four-day stay in Lowestoft from 11-14 August, beating the preceding four-day weekend stop in the nearby city of Norwich, where the train welcomed 2,620 guests.

Inspiration brings to life the past, present, and future of Britain’s railways and comprises four specifically designed carriages. Highlights include: 

• ‘Railway Firsts’ – a look at historic moments that changed the course of rail travel. 
• ‘Wonderlab on Wheels’ – an interactive coach designed to inspire the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers. 
• ‘Your Railway Future’ – a career-focused zone, shining a light on the many careers available within the rail industry. 
• ‘Partner Zone’ – a customised carriage led by industry partners from across the region. 

The major event saw the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and the Lowestoft Central Project host a number of additional free attractions around the station and inside the restored Parcels Office, including a railway photography exhibition, model railway layout, vintage bus and several stands including a public transport advice clinic and a number of local transport user groups and community rail partnerships from across the region.

Chris Mitchell, chair of the Wherry Lines CRP, said: “We were delighted to have worked with Network Rail and the Railway 200 team to secure a visit of Inspiration to Lowestoft Station. Our team pulled out all the stops in promoting the visit and ensuring that the station itself was looking its very best and that anyone taking a tour could also enjoy a variety of additional complimentary activities.

“My thanks go to all at Network Rail and Railway 200 involved with the content, planning and operation of the train, the Greater Anglia staff and on-train volunteer teams for running the admissions on the day and all our associates, stakeholders and volunteers for their enormous contribution in making the visit to Lowestoft such a record-breaking success.”

The Inspiration train will now continue its ongoing tour to over 60 locations across Britain. Learn more about the national Railway 200 celebrations and the exhibition train here.

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Wherry Lines CRP via their website.