Free interactive railway exhibition train to visit Newquay station

A travelling exhibition inside a train featuring interactive exhibits and historic artefacts is due to arrive in Newquay on Easter Monday.

The “Inspiration” train, part of the Railway 200 programme, will be at Newquay railway station until Saturday 11 April.

More than 80,000 people have already visited the attraction during its year-long,  60-stop tour of Britain, with organisers saying the majority would recommend it.

The exhibition, co-curated with the National Railway Museum, explores how railways have shaped the modern world through rare artefacts, interactive displays and engineering challenges.

It also highlights careers in the railway industry, with hands-on activities aimed at families and young people.

The visit to Newquay, hosted by Great Western Railway, will be the train’s first stop in Cornwall.

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance due to limited availability. 

Visitors to previous stops have described the experience as “brilliant”, “fascinating” and “well curated”.

The exhibition is touring the UK until June 2026 as part of celebrations marking 200 years since the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, widely regarded as the start of the modern railway.

Railway 200 organisers say the project aims to highlight the history of the railway while inspiring future generations to consider careers in the industry.

Book tickets here.

We spoke to Emma Roberts, the Programme Manager for Railway 200. PRESS PLAY to listen...