Train spotting is a hobby that celebrates the legacy of rail travel. With the UK marking 200 years of railway history in 2025, this pastime is drawing new attention. Train spotters, both experienced and new, are coming together to admire the trains that have shaped our world.

In this article, we’ll explore the passion behind train spotting. We’ll look at its origins, how it’s grown, and why it continues to inspire people of all ages. From spotting techniques to personal stories, discover why this tradition remains popular today.

What is Train Spotting?

Train spotting involves observing, identifying, and documenting trains. Enthusiasts, often called train spotters or ‘Locospotters’, log locomotive details.

These can include the train’s type, number, and operator. Many train spotters photograph their finds and keep notebooks to record their sightings.

The appeal of train spotting spans all ages. For children, it might begin with the wonder of seeing a steam engine for the first time. For seasoned hobbyists, it’s the satisfaction of tracking rare locomotives or completing a collection.

Train spotting combines the excitement of discovery with the joy of connecting with the rich history of the railway.

A brief history of train spotting

Train spotting has been an activity for almost as long as trains have existed. Here is a quick history of the pastime.

1. Early days (1840s-1890s)

Train spotting began as enthusiasts recorded locomotive details in journals. Back in the 1840s, Colonel James Pennyman was already noting down passing locomotives in journals. By 1861, Fanny Johnson had filled one of the earliest known spotter’s logs with the locomotive numbers and names of trains she’d seen

By the late 19th century, there were printed lists like S. Cotterell and GH Wilkinson’s compendium for the London & North Western Railway (LNWR). These provided enthusiasts with more formal ways to track locomotives.

2. The boom years (1940s-1950s)

Train spotting became a national craze in the mid-20th century. Ian Allan helped bring it into the mainstream with his ABC spotter books, which were easy-to-carry guides that let fans log and identify locomotives. In 1948, he also launched the Ian Allan Locospotters’ Club, which gave young enthusiasts across Britain a sense of community. For many, it was their first introduction to railways as both a leisure activity and a shared passion.

By the 1950s, stations were packed with spotters. Notebooks in hand, they would eagerly document passing trains.

3. Adapting to change (1960s-1970s)

The end of steam trains in the 1960s marked a shift in train spotting, causing many to lose interest as steam locomotives disappeared. However, for others, it sparked a new wave of enthusiasm focused on preservation.

Efforts to restore and celebrate historic engines gained momentum, while new spotting guides like the Motive Power Pocket Book helped fans follow the growing diesel fleet.

4. Train spotting today (1980s-Now)

Train spotting has evolved with modern technology. Enthusiasts use apps, websites, and social media to track locomotives in real time.

Photography has also become a key part of train spotting, capturing the visual awe and variety of trains. Though the tools have changed, the love for railways remains timeless.

The Different Aspects of Train Spotting

Whether you’re watching from a quiet platform or chasing rare locomotives across the country, train spotting evolves a mix of patience, skill and curiosity. Each sighting offers a chance to learn something new or witness a unique moment on the rails.

Techniques for train spotting

• Notebook logging: Train spotters use a variety of methods to record their sightings. Many enthusiasts carry notebooks to log train types, numbers, and operators. This traditional method is simple and effective for tracking sightings.
  
  
• Photography: Capture trains in action with a camera or smartphone. Focus on rare liveries, historic locomotives, or even scenic backdrops. You’ll want a camera that has a good zoom and low-light performance for night sightings.
  
  
• Apps and digital tools: Use apps like Trainspotter or online platforms to log sightings and stay updated on train movements. Digital tools make it easy to organise your records and share your findings with others.
  
  
• Train class identification: Identifying trains often involves learning about their classifications. Most trains are grouped by a “class” number, introduced under the TOPS system in the late 1960s. The class tells you the type of train, like a diesel loco or an electric multiple unit - while the number that follows identifies the specific vehicle.

For example, a train marked 377442 belongs to Class 377, with 442 representing its unique number.

Popular locations for train spotters

Train spotting is as much about where you go as what you see. Some locations are perfect for spotting a wide variety of trains, while others offer unique or scenic experiences.

Whether you prefer bustling hubs or quiet countryside spots, here are some top choices for train spotting in the UK.

• Major transport hubs: Stations like Clapham Junction and York Station are ideal for spotting modern trains. These busy hubs see a high volume of trains daily, making them perfect for logging a variety of classes and operators.
  
  
• Scenic spots: The Bluebell Railway in Sussex offers picturesque views with heritage steam trains in action. Another unique location is Corrour Railway Station. This Scottish Highlands station appeared in the 1996 film Trainspotting.
  
  
• Heritage railways: Many preserved steam railways across the UK let you see working steam locomotives. The Severn Valley Railway and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway are two great spots for those who want to experience rail history in motion.
  
  
• Freight lines and rare finds: Some spotters enjoy tracking trains on less-used freight lines or rural routes. These tracks often turn up unusual locomotives that don’t appear on regular passenger routes.

Trains that attract enthusiasts

Some trains capture the imagination of rail enthusiasts more than others. Whether it’s a famous steam engine or a modern high-speed service, these locomotives capture attention. Their design, history, or performance makes them favourites among rail enthusiasts across the UK.

Flying Scotsman

The Flying Scotsman is perhaps the most famous train in the UK. First introduced in 1862 as the Special Scotch Express, it connects London and Edinburgh, cutting travel time between the two capitals. It was actually the service it ran on that adopted the name of Flying Scotsman, with the train then given the same name shortly after.

This historic steam locomotive is a symbol of British railway heritage and continues to draw crowds.

Eurostar

The Eurostar revolutionised travel between England and France. Running through the Channel Tunnel at speeds of up to 300 km/h, connecting France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK. 

For enthusiasts, it’s a marvel of modern rail engineering and a chance to experience high-speed travel firsthand.

Golden Arrow

The Golden Arrow was once a luxurious express linking London and Paris, known for its elegant Pullman carriages and fine dining. While the original service ended decades ago, its legacy lives on at the Bluebell Railway in Sussex.

Here, enthusiasts can see the beautifully restored Golden Arrow train, complete with historic Pullman cars, running through scenic countryside on special dining services.

Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV)

France’s TGV is one of the world’s fastest and most recognisable trains. TGV services run regularly from Paris to cities like Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux. Reaching speeds of 320 km/h, they’ve inspired high-speed rail networks across the world.

With regular routes to Paris and beyond, they’re an example of cutting-edge rail technology for UK spotters to experience when taking a short journey across to France.

The Train Spotting community

When you become a train spotter, you discover a wealth of stories. Many longstanding members of the community are some of the most interesting individuals you’ll ever meet.

Experiences from seasoned enthusiasts

Train spotting has long been a cherished pastime, but modern platforms are giving it a fresh twist. Enthusiasts are using social media to share their passion and connect with new audiences. This has brought the excitement of trains to a wider community.

Francis Bourgeois is one of these train spotters bringing new life to the activity. Through TikTok and Instagram, his videos showcase the joy of spotting trains. His videos often feature his signature fisheye lens.

Bourgeois rediscovered spotting during the COVID-19 lockdowns and quickly gained millions of followers. His success has grown with partnerships with brands like Gucci and a book, The Trainspotter’s Notebook. He’s shown how new generations can connect with the railways.

Connecting with other Train Spotters

Train spotting becomes even more rewarding when shared with others. Joining networks or communities lets enthusiasts exchange tips and share their passion.

Here are some ways to connect with other spotters:

• Online forums: RailUK Forums and the National Preservation Forum are popular platforms. They offer spaces for enthusiasts to share insights, ask questions, and learn from others.

  These forums are especially helpful for beginners or those seeking specific advice.

• Specialised resources: Paid services like Freightmaster provide detailed train timetables and locomotive data. These resources are useful for tracking specific train movements or planning your next spotting trip.
  
  
• Local clubs: Many towns and cities have train spotting or railway clubs. These groups often organise visits to spotting locations and events to help you connect with other enthusiasts.
  
  
• Social media groups: Facebook and Reddit have communities of enthusiasts who share updates, photos, and tips. Searching for groups in your area or interest can help you find like-minded spotters.

Why Train Spotting Endures as a Beloved Hobby

Trains have always brought people together, connecting cities, towns, and even generations. For train spotters, it’s not just about the trains themselves but also the thrill of the search and the stories of each train.

With modern tools like apps and social media, spotting trains has never been easier. But whether you’re using a notebook or a smartphone, the joy stays the same.

It’s a hobby that brings people closer to the railways and each other, celebrating the wonder of trains in every form.