GCR Experiences

The Great Central Railway, A Place to Make Lasting Memories

The Great Central Railway is all about creating special moments – whether it’s ticking something off your bucket list, spending quality time with friends and family, or just enjoying a day out with a difference.

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of driving a steam or diesel engine. Perhaps you’d love the thrill of riding in a vintage brake van behind a historic goods train. You might fancy cracking a case during one of our murder mystery dining nights, or simply relaxing with fish and chips as the countryside rolls by.

Whatever kind of experience you’re looking for, you’ll find it here – full of character, charm, and memories waiting to be made.

Driver Experiences

Experience the unparalleled thrill of commanding a locomotive on the UK’s only double-track, main line heritage railway at the Great Central Railway. Our Driver Experiences offer enthusiasts and adventurers the unique opportunity to take control of historic steam or diesel engines, immersing themselves in the golden age of rail travel.

Steam Driver Experience

Imagine the thrill of taking control of a steam locomotive. On the Great Central Railway you can! Our line has double track, signals and stations, it’s the stuff of childhood dreams.

Diesel Driver Experience

Experience the thrill of commanding a diesel locomotive on the UK’s only double-track, main line heritage railway. Our line has double track, signals and stations, it’s the stuff of childhood dreams.

Deltic Driver Experience

Take the Controls of the Legendary Class 55 55019 ‘Royal Highland Fusilier. Step into the driver’s seat of one of Britain’s most iconic diesel locomotives at the Great Central Railway!

Heritage Railcar Driver

The Heritage Railcar Driver Experience offers a unique opportunity to take control and drive a historic railcar for 16 miles, surrounded by the charm of a bygone era.

Uncover More Experiences Experiences

GCR Experiences

Filter Experiences

Christmas

General

Fish & Chips Express Train

A traditional Fish and Chip Supper on a vintage steam train

What could be better than a vintage steam train with traditional Fish and Chips? Join us on selected evenings throughout the year as we depart from Loughborough Central Station.

GCR Afternoon Tea

A wonderful treat for loved ones or a spot of indulgence for oneself.

A treat for all, our renowned Great Central First-Class Afternoon Tea offers guests a luxurious and decadent afternoon adventure that runs throughout the year.

The Great Central Santa Express

Santa Express

A Magical Christmas Adventure

Step aboard the Santa Express for a magical Christmas adventure with the Great Central Railway!

The Christmas Midlander

A festive lunch filled with joy, flavour, and unforgettable moments.

Join us on The Christmas Midlander, a First-Class Steam Train dining experience, a delightful three-course festive lunch that promises quality time and lasting memories.

The Christmas Jubilee

Indulge in a four-course meal crafted with seasonal flavours

Embark on a magical journey this holiday season on the Christmas Jubilee, where you can indulge in a four-course meal crafted with seasonal flavours that capture the essence of Christmas.

The Christmas Forester

Good company, delicious food, and an incredible atmosphere

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate the festive season with friends, family, or colleagues? Join us on our Christmas Forester First-Class Dining Train experience – it’s a treat for everyone!

The Christmas Murder Mystery

Christmas Murder

Step into world of intrigue and festive excitement

Step into world of intrigue and festive excitement with our First-Class Christmas Murder Mystery Dining Train – ‘Ding Dong Merrily Die’ and enjoy a delicious 4-course meal.

The Festive Afternoon Tea

Fresh, Festive Flavours

Enjoy hand crafted finger sandwiches, each bite a burst of festive flavours, freshly baked cakes and scones served with jam clotted cream and a steaming pot of English tea.

The Christmas Day Feast

Elevate your Christmas Day celebrations

Savour the festive spirit as you embark on a culinary journey featuring a delicious 6-course meal, inclusive of Tea, Coffee and Mince Pies, thoughtfully curated to delight your tastebuds.

The Boxing Day Special

gourmet cuisine, scenic beauty, and festive merriment

Indulge in a sumptuous 5-course meal, complete with the warmth of Tea, Coffee, and Mince Pies, making this Boxing Day an occasion to remember.

Uncover More at the GCR

Uncover More

GCR Event

Christmas Cracker

A Christmas Day Journey for Everyone – Pay What You Can Afford at Great Central Railway.

First-Class Dining

The Carolean

Join us on selected Saturdays throughout the year at 1:00PM as we serve you a delightful three-course meal, topped off with a serving of tea, coffee and hand finished chocolates.

GCR Experience

Steam Driver Experience

Imagine the thrill of taking control of a steam locomotive. On the Great Central Railway you can! Our line has double track, signals and stations, it’s the stuff of childhood dreams.

GCR Experiences