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
Heritage Bus & Rail Weekend
- Starting: 16/05/2026
- Finishing: 17/05/2026
- Tickets from: £8.00
GCR Fine-Dining
The Steam & Whistle
GCR Experience
Diesel Driver Experience
Diesel Driver
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
You day out can be Big or Small
Every visit Includes
Upcoming Events at the GCR
Upcoming Events
Heritage Bus & Rail Weekend
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Sulzer Running Day
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Discover Your Railway
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Heritage Bus & Rail Weekend
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Sulzer Running Day
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Heritage Bus & Rail Weekend
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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
Pie & Mash Express
The Wimbledon Experience
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The Master Cutler
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Fish & Chips Express Train
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The Wimbledon Experience
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The Carolean
After something Different? Try a GCR Experience
GCR Experiences
The GCR Guided Tour
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Heritage Railcar Driver
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Diesel Driver Experience
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Diesel Driver Experience
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Steam Driver Experience
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Diesel Driver Experience
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GCR Home Fleet
Class 153s
Transmission
Mechanical via Wilson epicyclic gearbox and final drive on bogie axle
Engine
Cummins NT855-R5
Max Speed
75 mph (121 km/h)
Class 45 – D123
Power Output
2,500 bhp
Engine
Sulzer 12LDA28B, 12-cylinder diesel
Max Speed
90 mph
Class 55 – 55019
Max Speed
100 mph (25mph on heritage railways)
Power Output
3,300 bhp (≈2,460 kW at engine; ~2,650 hp at rail)
Year of Manufacture
1962
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.
