Great Central Railway
Golden Age of Mainline Rail Travel in the United kingdom
The UK’s only double track, main line heritage railway, the Great Central Railway exists today after a group of determined volunteers in 1969, saved the line following its closure by British Rail to recreate the experience of a main line steam railway for generations to come.
Today we proudly cherish and develop their legacy as a contemporary visitor attraction that’s open all year running steam and heritage diesel locomotives, as well as heritage railcars to educate and entertain our visitors whilst preserving the story of the railway.
Your Next Adventure
Upcoming GCR Event
Sulzer Running Day
- Starting: 17/10/2025
- Finishing: 17/10/2025
- Tickets from: £24.00
GCR Fine-Dining
The Midlander
GCR Experience
New Year's Eve Celebration
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve
GCR Christmas Experiences
Give the gift of a GCR Christmas Experience
This festive season, the Great Central Railway invites you to celebrate in style with a programme of dining experiences aboard our First-Class heritage trains. From festive afternoon teas to traditional Christmas lunches and dinners with a modern twist, each journey combines freshly prepared seasonal menus with the unique atmosphere of steam travel through the glorious Charnwood countryside.
For younger visitors and the young at heart, our GCR Santa Express trains offer a delightful festive adventure. Meet Santa himself, enjoy seasonal treats, and experience the excitement of a winter wonderland onboard, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Festive Experiences
Featured Festive Experiences
The Great Central Santa Express
The Christmas Day Feast
New Year's Eve Celebration
The Boxing Day Special
The Festive Afternoon Tea
The Christmas Midlander
The Christmas Murder Mystery
The Christmas Forester
Upcoming Events at the GCR
Upcoming Events
Sulzer Running Day
- Tickets from: £24.00
Open Weekend
- Tickets from: £15.00
Bonfire & Fireworks Night
Sulzer Running Day
- Tickets from: £24.00
Open Weekend
- Tickets from: £15.00
First-Class Dining Service at the GCR
Frist-Class Dining
Welcome Aboard the Great Central Railway’s First-Class Dining Service. Join us for a journey through time, savour fine dining, and immerse yourself in vintage luxury aboard our lovingly restored, first-class dining carriages.
The perfect setting for a family celebration, a catch-up with friends, or a romantic dinner, our stewards are ready to pamper you. Whether it’s a leisurely Saturday or Sunday lunch or a grand night out, relax in style on a sixteen-mile return journey.
Departing Services
The Rothley Rose
The Charnwood Forester
The Midlander
The Elizabethan
The Midlander
After something Different? Try a GCR Experience
GCR Experiences
Fish & Chips Express Train
Goods Experiences
Heritage Railcar Driver
Steam Driver Experience
Heritage Railcar Driver
GCR Home Fleet
Class 37 – D6700
Power Output
Rated 1,750 bhp
Engine
English Electric 12CSVT V12 diesel
Max Speed
90 mph (80 mph on some bogie variants)
Class 55 – 55019
Max Speed
100 mph (25mph on heritage railways)
Power Output
3,300 bhp (≈2,460 kW at engine; ~2,650 hp at rail)
Year of Manufacture
1962
Reunification Project
Reunification
Its easy to donate. Click below and make a one off donation online, or even set up a regular monthly contribution. If you prefer, download our latest appeal leaflet to donate using a cheque. Just a few pounds every month soon adds up to a generous gift. A regular income also gives other potential funders confidence in our plans.
You can also text UNIFY to 70970 to donate £5.
(For full terms see: platform.nationalfundingscheme.org/terms-and-conditions)
Thank you for your support. Every pound matters and makes a difference. Together we’re making Reunification happen.
