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

Explore the next Seven Days

Upcoming Seven Days

Mon 18 May

Tue 19 May

Wed 20 May

Thu 21 May

Fri 22 May

Sat 23 May

Sun 24 May

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

Whether you’re visiting for a couple of hours for a steam train ride and a sweet treat, or making a full day of it, it’s perfect for a family day out in Leicestershire—and one of the region’s most unique things to do with the kids of all ages.

Every visit Includes

The chance to ride heritage trains, discover the story of the railway as you wander through characterful stations and enjoy a treat or two along the way. There are free activity packs available for kids that are designed to take their attention away from their tech and towards the trains giving you quality time together.

Upcoming Events at the GCR

Upcoming Events

Sulzer Running Day

Sulzers Takes The Spotlight

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Join us on Friday 22nd May for our Sulzer Running Day featuring our home fleet Diesel Engines, with an intensive timetable running into the evening.

Discover Your Railway

Less Screen Time and More Steam Time

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Explore behind the scenes and enjoy a great day out! LE, DE, & NG postcode residents get tickets for £12 with code LOCAL50. Includes unlimited train travel — plus Kids for a Quid!

Reunification Evening

You are invited to a Reunification Fundraising Evening

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Wine, dine and raise a glass while fundraising to the continued progress of Reunification Project at the GCR

Sulzer Running Day

Sulzers Takes The Spotlight

More Information

Join us on Friday 22nd May for our Sulzer Running Day featuring our home fleet Diesel Engines, with an intensive timetable running into the evening.

Discover Your Railway

Less Screen Time and More Steam Time

More Information

Explore behind the scenes and enjoy a great day out! LE, DE, & NG postcode residents get tickets for £12 with code LOCAL50. Includes unlimited train travel — plus Kids for a Quid!

Sulzer Running Day

Sulzers Takes The Spotlight

More Information

Join us on Friday 22nd May for our Sulzer Running Day featuring our home fleet Diesel Engines, with an intensive timetable running into the evening.

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

GCR Afternoon Tea

A treat for loved ones or a spot of indulgence for oneself

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Our much-loved First-Class Afternoon Tea offers guests a luxurious and decadent afternoon adventure that runs throughout the year. Choose from our classic, savoury or chocolate afternoon teas.

The Steam & Whistle

Our Gastro train, perfect for a Saturday night out with friends

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The Steam and Whistle combines the charm of a heritage railway with a gastro pub style seasonal menu, this immersive dining journey offers a unique way dine with friends and family.

Fish & Chips Express Train

A traditional Fish and Chip Supper on a vintage steam train

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What could be better than a vintage steam train with traditional Fish and Chips? Join us on selected evenings throughout the year as we depart from Loughborough Central Station.

The Master Cutler

One for the foodies! Enjoy a four-course evening meal

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Seasonal Starters, Mains, Desserts and a Cheeseboard, this four course Friday lunch made with seasonal ingredients is one for the foodies.

Pie & Mash Express

The GCR Supper Club: All aboard for Pie & Mash Night

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There’s something deeply comforting about a proper pie and mash — and there’s no better place to enjoy it than on board one of our first-class evening dining trains.

Fish & Chips Express Train

A traditional Fish and Chip Supper on a vintage steam train

More Information

What could be better than a vintage steam train with traditional Fish and Chips? Join us on selected evenings throughout the year as we depart from Loughborough Central Station.