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.
GCR Christmas Experiences
Give the gift of a GCR Christmas Experience
This festive season, the Great Central Railway invites you to celebrate in style with a programme of dining experiences aboard our First-Class heritage trains. From festive afternoon teas to traditional Christmas lunches and dinners with a modern twist, each journey combines freshly prepared seasonal menus with the unique atmosphere of steam travel through the glorious Charnwood countryside.
For younger visitors and the young at heart, our GCR Santa Express trains offer a delightful festive adventure. Meet Santa himself, enjoy seasonal treats, and experience the excitement of a winter wonderland onboard, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Featured Festive Experiences
The Christmas Jubilee
The Christmas Murder Mystery
The Boxing Day Special
The Christmas Midlander
New Year's Eve Celebration
The Christmas Forester
The Great Central Santa Express
Fish & Chips Express Train
The Christmas Murder Mystery
Your Next Adventure
Upcoming GCR Event
Bonfire & Fireworks Night
- Starting: 05/11/2026
- Finishing: 05/11/2026
- Tickets from: £7.00
GCR Fine-Dining
The Carolean
GCR Experience
Heritage Railcar Driver
Upcoming Events at the GCR
Upcoming Events
Bonfire & Fireworks Night
Last Hurrah Gala
- Tickets from: £11.00
Betwixtmas Steam Days
- Tickets from: £6.50
Bonfire & Fireworks Night
Last Hurrah Gala
- Tickets from: £11.00
First-Class Dining Service at the GCR
Frist-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 Charnwood Forester
The Master Cutler
The Carolean
The Elizabethan
The Master Cutler
After something Different? Try a GCR Experience
GCR Experiences
Murder Mystery Express
Heritage Railcar Driver
Fish & Chips Express Train
Wine, Cheese & Steam
Heritage Railcar Driver
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 37 – 37714
Power Output
Rated 1,750 bhp
Engine
English Electric 12CSVT V12 diesel,
Max Speed
90 mph (80 mph on some bogie variants)
Reunification Project
Reunification
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You can also text UNIFY to 70970 to donate £5.
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