Railway 200

What is Railway 200?
Hitachi Rail is proud to be a key partner in Railway 200 celebrations, marking two centuries of railway progress and heritage.
Railway 200 is a nationwide celebration in the United Kingdom marking the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. It commemorates the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway on September 27, 1825, which was the world's first public railway to use steam locomotives and is considered the birth of the modern railway era. Launching in January 2025, Railway 200 will feature a year-long programme of activities and events across the country.
Railway 200 invites communities and rail organisations to come together to mark the railway’s impact on the nation and inspire future generations. By engaging young people from all backgrounds, it aims to encourage new talent to join the railway industry and help shape its next chapter.

The Rail Industry in the North East

Railway 200 holds special significance for Hitachi Rail, whose Newton Aycliffe factory is situated near the historic Stockton & Darlington Railway—the birthplace of the modern railway in 1825. This proximity symbolises a full-circle moment, connecting two centuries of rail innovation in the same region.

Hitachi Rail in the North East

Centred in Newton Aycliffe, Hitachi Rail supports thousands of highly skilled jobs across the North East through its manufacturing facilities and extensive supply chain. It is home to the UK’s first intercity battery train trial and the birthplace of several of Hitachi’s most innovative fleets.

Celebrate 200 Years of Railway at Hitachi Rail’s Open Day

Join us on Saturday 4th October for a once-in-a-lifetime Railway 200 Open Day at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe factory—right in the heart of where railway history began. As part of the national Railway 200 celebrations, this special event marks not only 200 years since the world’s first public steam railway, the Stockton & Darlington Railway, but also 10 years since Hitachi opened the doors of its state-of-the-art UK factory.

This is the first time the general public will be welcomed inside, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most advanced train manufacturing sites.

Attractions include:

Locomotion No.1 – the world’s first steam locomotive to carry passengers on a public railway, returning to the North East where it made history in 1825
The Railway 200 Exhibition Train – an interactive travelling exhibition showcasing the wide range of careers available in the modern rail industry
Factory tours offering a rare chance to see Hitachi’s pioneering trains up close, and speak directly with the team that make them
A special exhibition of winning entries from the “Past, Present & Future of Train Travel” schools drawing competition

The Open Day will also feature food stalls, family activities, heritage displays and talks, and the opportunity to meet some of the people shaping the next generation of rail travel.