The Christmas Forester

Good company, delicious food, and an incredible atmosphere

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate the festive season with friends, family, or colleagues? Join us on our Christmas Forester First-Class Dining Train experience – it’s a treat for everyone!

Good company, delicious food, and an incredible atmosphere. Why stress over cooking a Christmas Dinner when our amazing on-train dining staff will serve you a delicious five-course meal, inclusive of Tea, Coffee and Mince Pies behind one of our historic main line steam locomotives.

To top it all off, your journey will include an interlude at the delightfully atmospheric Rothley Station complete with original Edwardian gas lights, a beautiful sight to see.

Our Christmas train departs from Loughborough Central at 7:00 PM and returns at approximately 10:00 PM (please arrive by 6:30pm)

Only £89.00 per person, Tables of Two and Four available in our First-Class Dining Carriages.

First-Class Dining Menu

Festive Menu for the Forester

Gift Vouchers

Give the Gift of the GCR

This year, give the gift of the Charnwood Forester First-class dining experience at the Great Central Railway, with this presentation voucher, you can give a loved one a utterly unforgettable experience in 2027.

Buy today and give the gift of the GCR this Christmas.

The Christmas Forester

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.