Railway 200

Celebrating 200 years of the modern railway

Countdown to 27 September:

the 200th anniversary of the modern railway

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.

Railway 200: be part of the journey

Railway 200 events

We’re a hosting a series of events throughout the year to celebrate Rail 200 across our network, including at Waterloo, Weymouth, Pokesdown, Richmond, Dorchester and more. Enjoy the likes of choir performances, history lessons, walks on disused railway lines, and food and drink.

Check back on this page to see a list of upcoming SWR Rail 200 events to join.

Here are some of the highlights so far, in pictures.

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.