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
Diesel Running Day
- Starting: 12/06/2026
- Finishing: 12/06/2026
- Tickets from: £24.00
GCR Fine-Dining
The Charnwood Forester
GCR Experience
Goods Experiences
Goods Experiences
Explore the next Seven Days
Upcoming Seven Days
- Buy Running Day Tickets
- Daily Running Timetable
- Find out what's on
Our Monthly Calendars
Monthly Calendars
Our Family Ticket
Family Ticket
The Great Central Railway offers local families a relaxed half-day adventure where children explore a real working railway and parents enjoy quality screen-free time together.
Voted Best Day Out in the Leicestershire Travel and Tourism Awards, Great Central Railway offers steam train rides, historic stations, family activities and places to eat—all in one day out. Swap tablets and screens for steam trains, fresh air and real, quality time together as you explore a real, working railway from a bygone age.
What to Expect
Your day out can be Big or Small
Every visit Includes
Upcoming Events at the GCR
Upcoming Events
Diesel Running Day
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Dads For A Quid
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Railwayana Swapmeet
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Diesel Running Day
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Dads For A Quid
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Diesel Running Day
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First-Class Dining Service at the GCR
First-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 Carolean
Murder Mystery Express
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The Raleway Ale Train
- Departing: 27/06/2026
- Tickets from: £24.00
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GCR Afternoon Tea
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The Charnwood Forester
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The Steam & Whistle
After something Different? Try a GCR Experience
GCR Experiences
Goods Experiences
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Class 55 Deltic Experience
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The GCR Guided Tour
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Diesel Driver Experience
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Heritage Railcar Driver
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Steam Driver Experience
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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 50 – 50017
Nickname (Loco)
Royal Oak
Engine Output
2,700 bhp
Max Speed
100 mph
No. 30777
Type
N15 “King Arthur” Class
Designer
Richard Maunsell
Configuration
4-6-0
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.
