Diesel Driver Experience

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

Experience the unparalleled thrill of commanding a diesel locomotive on the UK’s only double-track, main line heritage railway at the Great Central Railway. Our Driver Experiences offer enthusiasts and adventurers the unique opportunity to take control of historic diesel engines, immersing themselves in the golden age of rail travel.

For those captivated by the raw power and distinctive sounds of diesel engines, our diesel driver experiences are unparalleled. Take the helm of one of our fleet of iconic locomotives, each offering a unique journey through railway history. Packages vary from the Notch One experience, featuring a 16 mile drive, to the Notch Three package, encompassing 48 miles of driving with a full train consisting of over 3 round trips.

Each experience includes a welcome briefing, lunch for you and your guests (number dependent on experience), guided tours, and a 12-month membership to the Friends of Great Central Mainline.

We offer three diesel driving experience packages, along with Heritage Railcar and a special Deltic Driving Experience for those who want to take command of one of the most iconic locomotives in British railway history.

Find out more about our diesel driving experiences here and book your unforgettable adventure today!

Please note that all participants taking part in one of our Driver Experiences must be aged 18 or over at the time of the experience.

Experience Package Details

Notch Three

48-mile drive, 3 full round trips, with coaches, lunch provided for driver and one guest, up to 8 additional guests can be added

£1,700.00 Per Person

Selected Weekdays

Notch Two

32-mile drive, with coaches, lunch provided for driver and one guest

£795.00 Per Person

Selected Weekdays

Notch One

16-mile drive, light engine, lunch provided for driver and one guest

£495.00 Per Person

Selected Weekdays

What To Expect

Welcome Briefing

Meet your experience host who be your guide throughout the day. Including Tea/Coffee for Driver and Guests.

Introductory Film

The introductory film will provide an overview of your day, including important safety features.

Drive Overview

Depending on your chosen experience, you will take part in a driving experience consisting of either a 16-mile, 32-mile or 48-mile drive. With a footplate ride shared with one other customer.

Time to Refuel

Enjoy lunch, provided for the driver and guest(s).

Locomotive Works

Your experience includes a guided tour of our Locomotive Works.

Signal Box Tour

Better understand how the Loughborough Signal Box plays its part in controlling the line.

Complimentary Rail Travel

For experiences scheduled on our passenger running days, we offer complimentary travel for the driver and guest(s). Meaning you can enjoy more rail travel before or after your experience where time allows.

Certificate

At the end of your driver experience, you’ll be presented with a certificate to commemorate completing your driver experience.

Membership Included

12 months membership of Friends of Great Central Main Line for Driver.

Why Choose GCR?

Authentic Main Line Experience

Operate locomotives on the UK’s sole double-track heritage railway, complete with signals and stations, delivering an unmatched and realistic railway adventure.

Comprehensive Packages

Each experience is thoughtfully designed to provide not only driving time but also educational insights, behind-the-scenes access, and opportunities to share the day with family and friends.

Preservation and Education

By participating, you contribute to the preservation of railway heritage and support our educational initiatives, ensuring future generations can appreciate the legacy of rail travel.

Gift Vouchers

Give the Gift of the GCR

The perfect gift for any loved one who would love to experience the unparalleled thrill of commanding a diesel locomotive on the UK’s only double-track, main line heritage railway at the Great Central Railway. Our Driver Experiences offer enthusiasts and adventurers the unique opportunity to take control of historic diesel engines, immersing themselves in the golden age of rail travel.

Ticket Information

All Experiences include a runabout ticket, you will have access to travel on all our standard passenger trains throughout the day, allowing you to hop on and off to explore all our historic stations. If your experience is on a non-train running day, your ticket will be valid for the following running day.

GCR Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 1820 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   James W 
 
 
 
 Verified Autumn Steam Gala 2026
Fantastic railway considering the size of the line. Great line up of locomotives as usual. The GCR always produce a blinder when it comes to their galas. This one focused on smaller rank engines, which was fantastic to see them all getting the spotlight.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   snewton 
 
 
 
 Verified Wedding reception
Wedding reception. We got married at Beaumanor Hall in Quorn, followed by our wedding reception at the railway. All I can say is thank you to everyone who made it such a special occasion. From start to finish the staff were amazing and the food was exceptional. The catering team went above and beyond re food requirements which considering we had a few people with allergies. Everyone who attended said what a fantastic time they had. Its definitely different to your normal wedding reception but with a bit of added fun which we added, photo booth and sweet bar, it added to the fun 😁 plus the veranda car made it even more special ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Alicia B 
 
 
 
 Verified Above and beyond
The station staff could not have been nicer. I had a mix up with meeting my group, Neil and the team helped resolve it and even offered hospitality in the lovely station cafe. Thank you so much to the team! Definitely will be back
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Curious22948543103 
 
 
 
 Verified Steam, Smoke and Memories
I have had the experience before of driving a steam locomotive. Each type is unique and demands its own approach . I had the great pleasure of driving a Stanier Black 5 on the GCR , a masterpiece of railway design and engineering. The Great Central Railway is fortunate in having length and variety enough to give an experience that will linger in the memory for a long time. The regular crew of the locomotive were very patient and willing to share their knowledge and undoubted expertise with a very inexperienced, and at times, ham fisted newcomer. In fact all the staff at GCR were really excellent and made this a most memorable day out. Certainly I can give this experience full marks.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Derek D 
 
 
 
 Verified Great Galas at the GCR
Great diesel gala with me mate who is really into diesels. I'm a steam man myself, but can appreciateBiusy day at the gala on Saturday some diesels once in a while ... especially the call 37's and the Deltic
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   East Somerset R... C 
 
 
 
 Verified A fantastic and well organised Diesel Gala
What a well organized and hugely enjoyable visit (our first to GCR). The whole day was worth every penny, from the vast array of excellent locos, both visiting and home fleet to the very well preserved carriages. Every station along the line was well turned out with historical attention to detail wherever you looked. The staff and volunteers were well turned out and always on hand to give directions or to answer general queries. Great shop and emporium at Loughborough Central as well as a really informative and well laid our museum. Additional stalls form visiting groups and a great opportunity to get up close with some great locos lineside. The station cafe food was a high standard and gave a welcome rest for weary feet in a lovely heritage setting. A highlight for us was seeing Deltic D9015 roar past along with 2 fantastic looking Class 37s Well done GCR - Keep up the amazing work! Cant wait to come back and see your stream locomotives too!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Peter W 
 
 
 
 Verified Great Central Railway - Great day out!
A wonderful day-long experience is on offer at the Great Central Railway. Beautifully preserved stations, enthusiastic & friendly staff & volunteers, interesting museum and train shed at Loughborough - and that all before you get to the trains. Make sure you time your journey to catch the "griddle car" service - Full English breakfast & a cuppa for £12.50. Well worth it compared to the more costly but very enjoyable catered event trains providing restauarant quality meals.

Diesel Driver Experience

Diesel Driver Experience