Nationwide events mark the bicentenary of the world’s first passenger railway between Stockton and Darlington.
2025 marked a defining moment in the history of rail travel, 200 years of the world’s first passenger railway, which ran between Stockton and Darlington. While railways had existed in various forms before, this pioneering line symbolised the birth of modern rail travel. Over the past two centuries, continued innovation has shaped and expanded the railway network, not only across the United Kingdom but around the globe.
To commemorate this milestone, the UK’s main line operators, heritage railways, museums, and countless partners came together for a year-long celebration. From locomotive parades and grand galas to exhibitions and the largest gathering of rolling stock in a generation, the festivities united communities and rail enthusiasts alike. Virtually every location with a railway heritage played its part in honouring 200 years of progress, passion, and pride.
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A new publication, Railway 200, captures these memorable moments in vivid detail. Featuring a rich collection of photographs and stories from across the network, it showcases the creativity, collaboration, and enduring spirit that define Britain’s railway legacy. Whether your passion lies in the earliest steam engines or the cutting-edge trains of today, this commemorative bookazine offers something for every railway enthusiast. Railway 200 is available for just £9.99 from www.classicmagazines.co.uk with free UK delivery.
