Celebrating Railway 200: Lancashire on Track for a Historic Year

This year marks a monumental milestone in British history as we look back on 200 years of the modern railway. As the birthplace of the world’s first passenger railway, the UK is pulling out all the stops to celebrate, and Lancashire is no different.

Why Railway 200 Matters

The railway revolution began in the North East of England, transforming how people lived, worked, and travelled. Lancashire, with its rich industrial heritage and iconic railways, saw the benefits of the rail lines and followed suite in 1838 when the Preston & Wigan Railway line opened, and in 1847 with the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway reaching further into the county. From the cotton mills of Preston to the bustling docks around Morecambe Bay, the railway became vital to the running of many trade routes.

Railway 200 isn’t just about looking back though. It’s also about celebrating how rail continues to connect communities, support tourism, and inspire future generations.

Lancashire’s Railway Gems

Lancashire is home to some of the UK’s most beloved heritage railways that are open to the public, as well as some significant modern day stations. Take a look at the railway links you can find around the county below

East Lancashire Railway:

Running between Bury and Rawtenstall, this steam and diesel hauled line is a nostalgic journey through time as you travel the Irwell Valley. Look out for themed train days and family-friendly events including Day Out with Thomas, The Wizarding Academy and their popular Santa Specials later in the year.

Ribble Steam Railway & Museum:

A working museum in Preston that brings the industrial age to life with interactive exhibits and steam train rides, Ribble Steam Railway is a must for steam train fans. The railway volunteers bring the entrepreneurial spirit of the docklands alive through talks and insights into the world of steam. Visitors are also invited to climb aboard the trains and travel along the Preston Dock and Riverside railway line, including over the impressive Marina swing bridge.

West Lancashire Light Railway:

This charming narrow-gauge railway in Hesketh Bank features locomotives, wagons and other equipment from bygone industrial age. With steam hauled passenger trains in operation every Sunday and Bank Holiday through the summer months, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a ride. The Railway is hosting a two-day summer steam gala, complete with model railway displays, vintage bus rides, and traditional games, plus tea room and hot food over the weekend of 2^nd – 3^rd August.

Carnforth Railway Station and Heritage Centre:

A modern day station on the Morecambe to Leeds line, the station has its own place in history due to its filming links. During the Second World War the station was used as the setting of the infamous meeting of the main characters in A Brief Encounter. Shot almost exclusively on site and within close proximity of the station, there's a dedicated Heritage Centre telling stories of the cast and crew and you can even watch the movie as it plays on a loop in the cinema room. There are photo prop areas and the Bistro on site offers mouthwatering food and drink in an exact replica to what you see on screen in the movie.

What’s On

The Railway 200 anniversary is being marked on 27^th September, as the day that the Darlington and Stockton Railway opened to the public. However, due to such a significant anniversary, there are events happening throughout the year and across the country.

Lancashire is buzzing with events that tie into the celebrations and the county’s vibrant cultural calendar:

7^th May – 30^th October 2025

Pheonix Railway Photographic Circle 2025, Carnforth Railway Station

Head to Carnforth Railway Station for a photographic exhibition showcasing the change in railway imagery from across the years, from glass to film, to digital and even exploring modern day AI.

5^th June – 21^st September

Tracks Through Time Exhibition, The Whitaker Museum, Rossendale

Visit Diane Muldowney’s exhibition ‘Tracks Through Time’, a record of social history on the East Lancashire Railway, in the 200th year of Railway Transport. The exhibition showcases the locomotive engineers, mechanics, railway staff, and volunteers who keep the railway alive.

28th & 29th June

Carnforth 1940s Weekend, Carnforth, Lancashire

A special 1940s event to mark the 80^th Anniversary of Brief Encounter will take place over June 28^th-29^th. The event, based in and around the centre at the railway station, is set to feature live music, jive classes, military vehicles, Mr & Mrs Churchill impersonators, best dressed competitions, children’s entertainment, a 1940s fairground, vintage stalls, model railways, bar and much more.

Find out more: https://www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on/carnforth-1940s-weekend-p1141110

19^th July

The First Rails to the Seaside, Tramtown Blackpool

An illustrated talk, with a difference, given by local historian and Tramtown guide Mr David Evans, about the first time in history a railway line was laid down to the seaside, and how this caused Blackpool to explode onto the tourism scene.

12^th – 14^th September

Railway 200 celebration weekend, East Lancashire Railway

Head along to East Lancashire Railway as they put on an intensive weekend of engines to celebrate 200 years of modern railways. More information about the exciting event will be launched soon but will include attractions up and down the 12-mile heritage line.

4^th – 7^th November

Inspiration Exhibition, Blackpool North Station, Blackpool

Throughout the year Inspiration, a touring exhibition showcasing the past, present and future of the railways will park at selected stations across the country. In November one of the host stations will be Lancashire's very own Blackpool North. Head along to enjoy an eye-catching livery, interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities.

Whether you're a railway enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a unique day out, Lancashire’s railway attractions and events offer something for everyone. It’s a chance to rediscover the county’s proud past, enjoy its present, and steam ahead into the future.

So grab your event ticket, hop on board a heritage train, and let Lancashire take you on a journey through 200 years of railways