Heritage Railcar Driver

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

Step into the past and take control of a heritage railcar on the UK’s only double-track, main line heritage railway at the Great Central Railway. The Heritage Railcar Driver Experience offers a unique opportunity to take control and drive a historic railcar for 16 miles, surrounded by the charm of a bygone era.  This hands-on experience is perfect for any railway enthusiast or adventurer looking for an authentic and memorable experience.

This experience includes lunch for the driver and one guest – who can also travel on the railcar during the driving experience!

Experience Package Details

Heritage Railcar

16-mile drive

£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

You will take part in a driving experience consisting of a 16-mile drive, one round trip from Loughborough Central Station

Time to Refuel

Enjoy lunch, provided for the driver and one guest.

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

Give the enjoyment of controlling of a heritage railcar on the UK’s only double-track, main line heritage railway at the Great Central Railway for one of your loved ones. The Heritage Railcar Driver Experience offers a unique opportunity to take control and drive a historic railcar for 16 miles and makes a perfect gift for the any heritage railway enthusiast.

Stations Information

All Experiences include a Run-About Ticket providing you access to travel on all our trains through-out the day, allowing you to hop on and off to explore all out historic stations.

GCR Reviews

Loughborough Central

Leicester North

Rothley Station

Quorn & Woodhouse