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.
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.
Featured Festive Experiences
The Great Central Santa Express
Santa Express
New Year's Eve Celebration
The Christmas Forester
The Christmas Midlander
The Great Central Santa Express
The Christmas Murder Mystery
The Christmas Midlander
The Boxing Day Special
The Christmas Forester
Your Next Adventure
Upcoming GCR Event
Christmas Cracker
- Starting: 25/12/2025
- Finishing: 25/12/2025
GCR Fine-Dining
The Steam & Whistle
GCR Experience
Steam Driver Experience
Upcoming Events at the GCR
Upcoming Events
Christmas Cracker
Betwixtmas Steam Days
- Tickets from: £6.50
Christmas Cracker
Betwixtmas Steam Days
- Tickets from: £6.50
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 Charnwood Forester
The Master Cutler
The Steam & Whistle
The Midlander
The Carolean
After something Different? Try a GCR Experience
GCR Experiences
Wine, Cheese & Steam
Diesel Driver Experience
Fish & Chips Express Train
Steam Driver Experience
Heritage Railcar Driver
GCR Home Fleet
Class 101 DMUs
Power Output
~300 bhp total from two engines
Engine
Two BUT (AEC or Leyland) 150 bhp each
Max Speed
~70 mph
79900 Iris
Transmission
Mechanical via Wilson epicyclic gearbox and final drive on bogie axle
Engine
Two AEC 220 engines, each ~150 bhp
Max Speed
~70 mph
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.
