There’s something special about stepping onto a platform and feeling the hum of railway history all around you. This year, that history is being celebrated like never before — because 2025 marks 200 years since the birth of the modern railway, a moment that changed Britain and the world forever.
Railway 200 is a year-long celebration of the past, present and future of train travel, honouring the people, innovations, and stories that have kept the railway moving for two centuries.
We headed to Norwich Station to see the Travelling Exhibition Train, part of the nationwide Railway 200 events. On board, we explored a treasure trove of railway heritage — from the introduction of Railway Time in 1840, the first Edmondson ticket in 1842, and the first printed timetable in 1839, to real-time travel information introduced in 1974 and the pioneering first women train drivers in 1979.
There were also fascinating, expert-led talks on track laying and the intricate world of signalling, giving us a deeper appreciation of the skills, teamwork, and dedication that keep the rails running smoothly.
🎥 Here’s a clip from our visit…
It was a wonderful day out and a fitting tribute to our railway heritage — and a reminder of just how far the journey has taken us in 200 years. 🚆✨
1840 – Railway time
1842 – Edmondson ticket
1839 – First timetable
1974 – Real-time info
1979 – First women drivers
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