Railway 200
2025 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway, which changed Britain and the world forever. Railway 200 is a nationwide event which celebrates the past, present and future of rail, something which is also at the heart of the Barrow Hill Roundhouse story.
The Stockton & Darlington Railway opened on 27th September 1825, offering the world’s first passenger train service. It connected places, people, communities and ideas and ultimately transformed the world.
Here at the Roundhouse we will be celebrating this historical milestone over the next 12 months and invite you to join us.
Railway 200 Merchandise
In partnership with the National Railway Museum, we have a selection of Railway 200 merchandise in the Roundhouse Shop. From pens, magnets and badges to teddy bears and 00 and N gauge wagons, there is something for all ages and budgets. These are unique mementos which will only be available during the Railway 200 celebrations.
Miles’ Magical Journey
Miles, the East Midlands Railway mascot, is on an adventure through railway past to celebrate Railway 200. He is visiting various East Midlands Railway stations, heritage railways and places of interest including, of course, Barrow Hill Roundhouse.
A number of Railway 200 rubbing posts with rubbing plaques, which feature in the book, have also been installed at several locations, including the Roundhouse. Our rubbing post is right outside the entrance to our Shop & Café so you can’t miss it.
6000 copies of this unique limited-edition book have been published by East Midlands Railway and distributed to children around the East Midlands. If your child is lucky enough to have been given a copy, they can bring it to the Roundhouse and they will get free entry.
More information about the book, rubbing trail, competitions, special offers and the terms and conditions of our free entry offer can be found here: https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/railway200.
We also have a limited number of books in the Roundhouse Shop to give away. If you are visiting the Roundhouse with children and they can give the secret code word to the Shop staff, they will be given a copy of the book.
The secret code word is “RAILWAY200”.
Please note that the free child entry offer is not valid for books given out in the Roundhouse Shop but all other offers shown on the East Midlands Railway website will apply.
Barrow Hill Roundhouse Celebrates Railway 200
Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October 2025
Barrow Hill Roundhouse Presents…A Celebration of 200 Years of Railways
Celebrating 200 years of the Railway with a star-studded line up of locomotives from the steam and diesel/electric eras.
Starring the world-famous A3 60103 “Flying Scotsman” courtesy of the National Railway Museum.
Also starring Class 55 “Deltic” and LMS 3F “Jinty” 16440 and many other locomotive exhibits.
Train rides, trade stands, food and drink, free parking and much more including…
The World Premiere of “I am George Stephenson”, a play created by the young people of Graves Youth Theatre in Sheffield and Paul Whitfield
A humorous look at the life and achievements of railway pioneer, George Stephenson, the play has been devised using letters, newspaper articles and other historical sources. Enjoy the imaginative physical storytelling the young people have employed to share George Stephenson’s story as part of the Railway 200 celebrations.
Tickets go on sale on Friday 25th July https://www.seetickets.com/event/barrow-hill-presents-a-celebration-of-200-years-of-railways/barrow-hill-roundhouse/3457337
And into 2026…
There’s still more to come with a very special event in 2026…so watch this space!