Great Central Railway

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
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 Push1961 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Fantastic Fish & Chips Steam Train Experience with Fox & Edwards Events!
Fantastic Fish & Chips Steam Train Experience with Fox & Edwards Events! My name is Pushpa, and I am writing this review to share what a wonderful experience we had! My husband, Jay, did the online booking for us and two other lovely couple friends of ours. In total, we were a party of six friends traveling together. At just £75 per couple, we all agreed the tickets were incredibly reasonable and fantastic value for money. In fact, our friends kept thanking us so much throughout the day because they had never heard of this steam train experience before, and they were so glad we brought them! We traveled today, Saturday, 13th June 2026, for the 12 noon journey with Fox & Edwards Events on the Great Central Railway, departing from Loughborough Central. The entire 75-minute steam train experience was absolutely brilliant from start to finish. As part of our booking, we enjoyed a lunch pack featuring that all-time British national favorite: Fish & Chips! It was a complete meal that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in our group. The food arrived beautifully presented in a cardboard box, fresh and piping hot. It came complete with a complimentary bottle of water, cutlery, salt and vinegar, and a wrapped flapjack for dessert, which was incredibly yummy. The service on board was exceptional. We were looked after by a lovely representative named Trish, who was wonderfully attentive. Two other friendly members of staff also came through the carriage with large bin bags to collect all of our rubbish, ensuring the litter was disposed of safely and keeping our seating area clean and tidy. There was also a bar on board where we could purchase beverages and beers, which was a lovely touch that helped us celebrate our special moments and make great memories together. The experience didn't end when the train ride finished. After our journey, we had a delightful time exploring the historic station platform. It is beautifully preserved with vintage trunks, old prams, and a classic red telephone box, making it the perfect backdrop for photos. There is a brilliant small museum on the platform where you can learn all about the history of steam engine trains, and a charming little gift shop filled with great souvenir ideas, looked after by two very friendly ladies. We also loved the little picnic area at the end of the platform. It has a beautifully cordoned-off grass area for safety, lovely flowers growing in plant pots, and picnic benches to sit on. It was the perfect spot to stand and watch the train carriages being prepared with coal and see them joining the carriages together—it was fascinating to see! On our first trip here with friends we took non stop pictures and the weather was definitely in our favour. As someone with weak legs who struggles to use wooden stairs comfortably, I was incredibly grateful to find that the station is equipped with a lift to get up and down to the platform. This accessibility made our day completely stress-free. I highly recommend this special trip as a treat for all age groups—whether for young families or older adults who love the nostalgia of the good old steam engines. There were plenty of staff on duty, and every single one of them was friendly and helpful, both on the platform and throughout the journey. It was 100% worth the day out, made absolutely perfect by the fantastic company of our closest friends! Pushpa 🌺🌹💐
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sam W 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Loved it
Great Sunday lunch today on the great central railway, could not fault it, the meal was served hot and very tasty staff were very pleasant, views from the train journey were great, will be booking again that’s for sure.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jackie M 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Excellent day out.
Excellent day out, amazing atmosphere and loved the 40's theme. Train journeys brought back childhood memories.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Graham C 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Loughborough 1930s Musical Festival 31/5/26 .
This was a brilliant way to spend a Sunday afternoon being entertained by a host of incredibly talented artists/ vocalists / entertaiers gifted in vintage ,swing and jazz music of a bygone era which is related to the 1930/ 40s.... Not to mention the gifted re inactors, stalls, vendors, displays, Steam trains,the fayre/ food/ and drink on offer during that weekend.Everything was top notch and to the highest of standards ... Everything was incredibly well done. A big thanks to everyone involved in making that weekend special and the huge success that it was.... Thank you.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Mark S 
 
 
 
 Verified 
An absolute Gem
What a superb heritage railway this is. Such friendly staff that you feel welcome, wether you are a steam buff or like myself into the heritage diesels, some lines in The West Country should come here and see how to treat your diesel fans, this line knows our money is as good, and helps to keep the line running. On this occasion we went for their diesel gala, which was a superb, and very well attended weekend, we were also there in our capacity as The Western Locomotive Association sales team, with our sales stall on the Saturday, they provided a superb marquee which was ideally situated, one of the best vantage points, between two running lines we have held. We will all be back, both as travellers on the line and with our stall again. Thank you all for making us so welcome. I enjoyed this visit and my previous one in November so much, I have now become a member, so see you again later in the year...
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sue J 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Another fabulous day at the GCR!
We went to the Spring Diesel Gala on Saturday April which was another fabulous day at the GCR again. Lots of engines to see and journeys between the stations on this scenic line. We spent most of our time at Loughborough this time, exploring the engine shed, buying merchandise on the stalls (far too much temptation!), looking round the bookshops, watching trains come in and out and my son enjoyed the Driver for a Tenner on a Class 08. We particularly enjoyed our chat with the lovely Station Master at Rothley station as we returned to our car at the end of a wonderful day. Looking forward to our next visit which will be for afternoon tea, using the very generous voucher my son and daughter-in-law gave me for my birthday :)
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Paul S 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Fantastic day
Absolutely fantastic railway. Staff and trains were brilliant
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Ian C 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Great Central Railway diesel Gala
Today for the first time we went to the great Central Railway for there diesel gala. Parking ther is limited parking at both Leicester North and als on road parking only at Loughborough stations. All the stations are the set in and decorated in different time periods of the railway’s history. The stations and staff are outstanding great customers service and very knowledgeable, this is mainly run my Volunteers. The Diesel Gala was very good with a lot of home fleet and also visiting engines . They have 8 miles of line most double tracked this is the on,y heritage railway in the UK that has this layout.. This is an out standing railway and well worth the visit. It is also a dog friendly heritage railway.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Chris T 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Great experience
We had my mother's 95th birthday party on the Sunday dinner service, the Elizabethan. All 31 one of us were very happy with the experience, with good food and excellent service. I thoroughly recommend the GCR dinner services. It does not matter if you are into steam trains or not, what you get is a great experience.