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 for generations to come.
Your Next Adventure
Upcoming GCR Event
Beer, Cider & Gin Festival
- Starting: 18/09/2025
- Finishing: 21/09/2025
- Tickets from: £15.00
Next Departure
GCR Explorer Ticket
GCR Fine-Dining
The Midlander
GCR Experience
The Christmas Midlander
The Explorer Ticket offers the ultimate stress-free day out for families and railway enthusiasts, with everything perfectly planned for you with a thoughtfully designed itinerary and engaging activities for kids with immersive storytelling. From the moment you’re welcomed at our stations, the Explorer Ticket ensures you can focus on enjoying quality time with your loved ones while we take care of the details.
The GCR Explorer Ticket
Explorer Ticket
Step One
Step Two
Upcoming Events at the GCR
Upcoming Events
Beer, Cider & Gin Festival
- Tickets from: £15.00
Autumn Steam Gala
- Tickets from: £26.00
Sulzer Running Day
- Tickets from: £24.00
Beer, Cider & Gin Festival
- Tickets from: £15.00
Autumn Steam Gala
- Tickets from: £26.00
Beer, Cider & Gin Festival
- 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 Master Cutler
The Midlander
The Steam & Whistle
The Elizabethan
The Carolean
The Master Cutler
After something Different? Try a GCR Experience
GCR Experiences
Bahamas Fine Dining Experience
New Year's Eve Celebration
Goods Experiences
The Christmas Forester
New Year's Eve Celebration
The Christmas Forester
GCR Home Fleet
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.
