
This month sees the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the West Coast Mainline in Cumbria.
Commemorative plaques will be unveiled and displays of photographs of the line, stations and trains will be on show at both Penrith and Carlisle stations from December 13.
On December 15 1846 the inaugural train from Lancaster arrived in Carlisle.
Two days later, timetabled passenger services started.
The 69-mile railway from Lancaster to Carlisle, across Shap summit, stations and viaducts, took just 30 months to complete.
Cumbrian Railways Association, Avanti West Coast, Network Rail, and the Cumbria Community Rail Partnership are joining together to mark the significant event.
CRA chairman Philip Tuer said: “The CRA and our other partners believe that this milestone of railway construction should be properly recognised and celebrated as a key event for Cumbria, Penrith, Carlisle and the railway network as a whole.”
Mark Green, station manager at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re proud to be playing our part in this important celebration with the railway community and local people.
“Penrith and Carlisle stations are key destinations on our route.”
Displays will be on view at Penrith Station from Monday December 13 to Wednesday December 15 at the old Station House from 10am to 3pm.
At Carlisle Station, they will be on display from Thursday December 16 to Saturday December 18 on the station concourse. There will also be stands and displays from other organisations at the station over the three days.