Railway 200: Celebrating Two Centuries of Rail
The Railway 200 touring train, a partnership between the National Railway Museum and the University of Portsmouth, is on a 60‑stop, year‑long journey across Britain. Launched to mark the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, the train offers interactive displays that trace the evolution of rail transport, showcase engineering milestones, and highlight the people who built and operated the network. With more than 40,000 visitors to date, the exhibition has become a flagship event for UK railway history enthusiasts and families alike.
Portsmouth’s Role in the Exhibition
When the train stops in Southampton on 16 December 2025, it will feature a University‑led exhibition titled The South Coast’s Forgotten Railway Workers. The project, led by Senior Lecturer Dr Mike Esbester of the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature, brings together archival research, oral histories and community collaboration to tell the stories of railway workers from the 1850s to the Second World War.
Co‑curated with the Havant Local History Group, the exhibition was produced with funding from the University’s Centre of Excellence for Heritage Innovation. It demonstrates how local history can be woven into national celebrations, giving visitors a personal connection to the broader narrative of UK railway history.
Why the Exhibition Matters
- It preserves the legacy of workers whose contributions are often overlooked.
- It provides a tangible link between past and present, showing how railways shaped the South Coast’s development.
- It offers educational material for students, researchers and the general public.
What to Expect at the Southampton Stop
The Southampton Central station stop is a highlight of the Railway 200 tour. Visitors will find:
- Interactive displays that allow hands‑on exploration of railway technology.
- Personal stories and photographs of local workers, presented in a narrative format.
- Guided talks by Dr Esbester and other experts, offering deeper insight into the social history of the railways.
- Live demonstrations of railway firsts, such as the earliest steam engines and signalling systems.
Because the event is family‑friendly, it is suitable for all ages. Children can engage with the interactive elements, while adults can appreciate the historical context and research behind the exhibition.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets for the Southampton stop are limited and sell quickly. To secure a place, follow these steps:
- Visit the ticketing page and select your preferred time slot.
- Complete the online booking form and confirm your payment.
- Print your ticket or save it to your mobile device for entry.
For those who cannot attend in person, the University offers a virtual tour of the exhibition on its website. Check the University of Portsmouth news section for updates.
How the University of Portsmouth Contributes
The University’s involvement extends beyond the exhibition. Dr Esbester’s research project, Railway Work, Life & Death, investigates the hazardous conditions faced by railway workers in the early 20th century. The findings are integrated into the exhibition, providing a scholarly foundation for the stories presented.
Students from the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature have the opportunity to participate in the research, gaining hands‑on experience in archival work, oral history collection and public history presentation.
Opportunities for Students and Researchers
- Internship positions with the Heritage Innovation Centre.
- Research projects that can be showcased at the Railway 200 train.
- Collaborations with local history groups and museums.
Beyond the Train: Exploring South Coast Events
The Railway 200 stop in Southampton is part of a broader calendar of South Coast events. Visitors can combine the exhibition with other local attractions:
- Historic sites such as the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
- Family‑friendly festivals in the surrounding towns.
- Guided walking tours that highlight the region’s railway heritage.
For a comprehensive guide to South Coast events, consult the University’s news portal and local tourism websites.
Take Action Today
Don’t miss the chance to experience a unique blend of history, community storytelling and interactive learning. Secure your spot on the Railway 200 train and explore the rich heritage of the South Coast.
- Reserve your ticket for the Southampton stop now.
- Learn more about the University of Portsmouth’s research projects.
- Share your experience on social media using #Railway200Southampton and tag @PortsmouthUni.
- Contact the University’s School of Area Studies for collaboration opportunities: [email protected].
- Explore related events on the University’s news page to plan a full day of South Coast exploration.
By engaging with the Railway 200 exhibition, you support the preservation of local history and contribute to a national celebration of UK railway history.
