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 Event

Summer of Discovery

Kick-start the school holidays with an unforgettable family day out as the Great Central Railway launches its Summer of Discovery with a special Summer Fun Weekend — plus Kids for a Quid!

Christmas At the GCR

The Great Central Santa Express

Step aboard the Santa Express for a magical Christmas adventure with the Great Central Railway! Booking early is essential for this highly popular festive experience.

First-class Dining Service

The Midlander

Start the weekend in style and enjoy a 16-mile return journey whilst being served a seasonal two-course meal, followed by tea & coffee.

GCR Experience

Goods Experiences

Step into the fascinating world of railway freight with our exclusive Goods Experience, featuring a unique ride in a Brake Van as the highlight of the day!

Explore the next Seven Days

Upcoming Seven Days

Mon 10 August

Tue 11 August

Wed 12 August

Thu 13 August

Fri 14 August

Sat 15 August

Sun 16 August

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

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

Summer of Discovery

Children Travel for Just £1

Autumn Diesel Gala

Diesel Engines take over the railway for a fantastic gala

Photo Charter: Inter-regional Express

An evening at Loughborough Central with English Electric Type 3 D6700

Summer of Discovery

Children Travel for Just £1

Autumn Diesel Gala

Diesel Engines take over the railway for a fantastic gala

Summer of Discovery

Children Travel for Just £1

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

Murder Mystery Express

Can you crack the case between courses?

The Rothley Rose

A Three course meal paired with award-winning wines.

Fish & Chips Express Train

A traditional Fish and Chip Supper on a vintage steam train

The Midlander

A leisurely two course lunch

The Rothley Rose

A Three course meal paired with award-winning wines.

GCR Afternoon Tea

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

After something Different? Try a GCR Experience

GCR Experiences

Goods Experiences

Step into the fascinating world of railway freight

Diesel Driver Experience

Double track, signals and stations, it’s what dreams are made of

Steam Driver Experience

Double track, signals and stations, it’s what dreams are made of

Diesel Driver Experience

Double track, signals and stations, it’s what dreams are made of

Steam Driver Experience

Double track, signals and stations, it’s what dreams are made of

Goods Experiences

Step into the fascinating world of railway freight

GCR Home Fleet

No. 68067

Type

Saddle tank

Designer

Hudswell Clarke

Configuration

0-6-0

No. 70013

Type

BR Standard 7

Designer

R.A. Riddles

Configuration

4-6-2

No. 63601

Type

8K (later O4)

Designer

John G. Robinson

Configuration

2-8-0

No. 5305

Type

5MT

Designer

Sir William Stanier

Configuration

4-6-0

No. 78019

Type

BR Standard 2

Designer

R. A. Riddles

Configuration

2-6-0

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.

The Great Central Railway

The GCR

Support the future of the Great Central Railway by donating today.

Your generous contribution helps safeguard this unique heritage line, not only through the landmark Reunification project—which will reconnect two separate heritage railways to create an eighteen-mile route from the north of Leicester to the south of Nottingham—but also in the vital day-to-day running of the railway.

Donations directly support the maintenance and restoration of our stations and locomotives, the preservation of historic infrastructure, and the training and development of our dedicated staff and volunteers. They ensure the railway continues to thrive as both a living museum and a community resource.

By giving, you’re helping us preserve one of Britain’s most cherished heritage railways, so that future generations can step aboard, experience authentic steam and diesel travel, and discover the stories of the past. Every contribution, large or small, makes a lasting difference in keeping the spirit of the Great Central Railway alive.

GCR Reviews