2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, inspired the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, a journey that changed the world forever.
Nationwide celebrations, including on the SWR network, are taking place to showcase the railway’s transformative impact on the world, and how it continues to shape the future.
Railway 200 invites everyone to get involved in this historic milestone – whether by displaying the Railway 200 logo, organising events and activities, running competitions, or sharing rail stories.
See the official Railway 200 website to learn more about it.
Railway 200: be part of the journey
Railway 200 events
The year began with 200 locomotives blowing horns and whistles across five continents to welcome in Railway 200. The following day The Royal Mint launched its annual coin set for 2025. Since then there's been lots going on, with rail operators hosting their own events, including SWR.
There are lots of other Railway 200 events taking place across the UK, which you can find on the Railway 200 official website, some of which are on the SWR network.
We're hosting a series of events throughout the year to celebrate Railway 200 across our network, including at Waterloo, Weymouth, Pokesdown, Richmond, Dorchester and more. Hop on a train, and enjoy the likes of choir performances, history lessons, walks on disused railway lines, and food and drink.
All aboard the exhibition train
Celebrate 200 years of rail innovation with an experience that brings the past, present and future of the railway to life - explore the exhibition train.
Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, in Inspiration’s exhibition carriages you'll:
- Get hands on with activities that reveal the science and engineering behind the tracks
- Uncover the hidden roles that keep our railways running
- Explore iconic innovations that changed how we travel
The tour stops at London Waterloo on 18-19 July, however tickets for this event have now sold out.
You can still catch the next one in South Hampton Central station on 14 – 16 December. Register your interest now.
Local Railway 200 flashmob
Dozens of students from City of Portsmouth College and some South Western Railway colleagues took to Portsmouth Guildhall Square to take part in an unforgettable flashmob performance on the 17 June, marking the 200th anniversary of the modern railway!
As part of a 100-strong troupe of dancers, students joined young people and adults from across Portsmouth’s schools, colleges, and SEND organisations to celebrate Railway 200.. Take a look at some of the highlights in the video below:
Start a career in rail
Railway 200 encourages people to consider a future in the railway industry, no matter which stage of the career journey you're at.
There are plenty of job opportunities at South Western Railway. Check our careers page for all open vacancies, or click here for apprenticeship opportunities.
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