Interactive train exhibit celebrates 200 years of the railway
A project by the National Railway Museum, Inspiration features exhibits on how railways changed the world, hands-on displays on railway engineering and on how the future of the industry might look.The Bluebell Railway will be running extra services from its other stations in East Grinstead and Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes to link up with the display.
Jon Beardmore, business development manager at the Bluebell Railway, said: "We're delighted to have Inspiration with us for a week at the start of the school holidays."This will be the best chance for people in Sussex and Surrey to see it in 2025."Tickets are available in advance, with the national tour ending with visits to Paddington and Victoria stations in December.
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The Guardian
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Times
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Stylli took the first class gently (somewhere between the vinyasa and hatha styles I'm used to), starting with breathing exercises that moved into a flow of poses. Everyone worked to a pace they felt comfortable with, no contortions needed. The focus was on loosening the legs before the next day's big walk and feeling present in the moment. • Now's the perfect time to visit Wales. Here's where to stay Later, dinner was in the upstairs dining room of the house, which looked like a Plantagenet king's banqueting room. The long, heavy table was set with candles and the high-backed chairs gave off a grand air. We were all thinking it: 'It looks a bit like the Traitors' castle — where's Claudia Winkleman and which one of us is going to get banished at the end of the night?' Jo joked, as we sat down to proper portions of Sri Lankan beetroot curry with tofu, heaps of salad and sambal, and, after, a chia seed pudding. 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It was properly challenging and I was puffed out — this isn't a climb for the faint-hearted or unfit. At the summit, though, I realised that for the first time in months I was untroubled by the constant noise in my head: thoughts of work, an impending remortgage and my recurring paranoia of whether I've left the gas on back in London all simply stopped. Sorry to say it, but the summit of Yr Wyddfa wasn't as much fun as the ascent itself. There was a whiff of sewage around the back of the café and the queue to check in at trig point 10684 on the man-made plinth was at least an hour. We didn't join it. I was troubled by the fact I didn't see a single bird up there, other than chonky gulls. But it's a truth universally acknowledged that a sandwich at the top of a mountain tastes better than it does at the bottom, and Whitfield's packed lunch of a cheese and chutney roll proved the point again. After 20 minutes or so we all agreed to head back down. 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Beyond the formal section of perfectly trimmed lawns and pyramid-shaped hedges was a steep valley. A maze of pathways edged by ferns, rhododendrons, late tulips, hibiscus and roses about to bud led to a secluded waterfall. Zest Life had done exactly what it promised: I felt stretched by nature in all the best possible Jackson was a guest of Zest Life, which has two nights' full board from £695pp, including yoga, guided walks and accommodation at Plas Cadnant, departing on October 3, 2025 (
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
How to see the Flying Scotsman as Severn Valley Railway reopens
This week, the Severn Valley Railway fully reopens for the first time since an embankment collapse earlier in the tracks have been re-laid over the newly repaired bridge, the popular heritage railway will reopen on Friday with one of the most iconic trains in the world making an appearance. The Flying Scotsman will be making three return trips a day on Friday, then on Saturday and Sunday, as part of Severn Valley Railway's Swingin' Sixties event, which celebrates the 60th anniversary of the the famous steam train can still be seen at various railway stations and areas across the county for people to enjoy. The Flying Scotsman is described by National Museums Scotland as "the world's most famous train service" and by the National Railway Museum as "the world's most famous steam locomotive".It first entered service in 1923 and broke records by hauling the first non-stop London to Edinburgh service in years later, it became the UK's first locomotive to officially reach a speed of 100mph. How can I see the Flying Scotsman? Severn Valley Railway said the best place to see the famous locomotive was by purchasing Day Rover tickets to their Swingin' Sixties event on Saturday and Sunday - however, separate tickets to ride behind the train have sold those with tickets, the Flying Scotsman trains depart from Kidderminster for one round trip - the train will not be stopping at intermediate stations - at 09:00 BST, 13:00 BST and 17:15 Valley Railway advised people without tickets not to attend Kidderminster or Bridgnorth Station as access was restricted to ticket-holders railway operators also advised people not to access via Northwood Halt and Country Park who wants to see the Flying Scotsman without attending the Swingin' Sixties event is advised to go to one of the following locations:Bewdley StationArley StationArley ArboretumCoombys FarmHighley Station and The Engine HouseWellness Woodlands, HighleySevern Valley Country ParkHampton Loade StationEardington StationEardington Nature Reserve What else is happening at the event? As part of the Swingin' Sixties event on Saturday and Sunday, ticket holders can ride on steam and diesel trains in historical carriages - although tickets to ride behind the Flying Scotsman have sold is the first time visitors will be able to travel over the full Severn Valley Railway between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, following the landslip and subsequent will be a ferris wheel at The Engine House in Bridgnorth, with live music at The Engine House and the Kidderminster end of the there will be classic cars on display at Kidderminster, The Engine House and include train travel all day and access to the attractions. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
