GCR Stations
Loughborough, Quorn , Rothley & Leicester
The Great Central Railway in Leicestershire features four stations, each with its own unique history and charm. Loughborough Central serves as the railway’s main hub. Quorn & Woodhouse has a World War II atmosphere, while Rothley features original gas lighting to show off its Edwardian history. Leicester North was opened in 1991. It was built following the demolition of the original Belgrave and Birstall station when we rebuilt our tracks back to the city.
One heritage mainline track, four stations.
One mainline, 4 Stations
Loughborough Central
Loughborough Central station was opened in 1899. Besides the handsome platform, glass canopy and buildings there was a large goods yard and goods office (still in use today as our main offices). The station is restored to reflect the style of the 1950s.
Quorn & Woodhouse
Quorn & Woodhouse Station was intended to serve the villages of Quorn, Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves. A goods yard and a Station Master’s house were also provided. The station is of typical GCR London Extension design, with an island platform between the tracks, reached from the road bridge.
Swithland Sidings
Sidings were provided here to handle stone trains from a nearby quarry. There were plans to build a station, but it was put at Rothley instead. Over the years we have re-laid the sidings thanks to a major benefactor, the late David Clarke. There are four tracks in the style of Great Western/Great Central Joint Line in the home counties.
Rothley Station
Never connected to mains electricity until it’s restoration in 1970, Rothley station retains original gas lighting and buildings and is a wonderful place to watch the trains. A modest goods shed has been restored as a popular tearoom and there is an original GCR signal box that was re-sited from Wembley.
Leicester North
Leicester North Station is the southernmost station on our line. It replaces the original station (Belgrave & Birstall) which was slightly further north of today’s platform. It closed in 1963, and Leicester North opened in 1991, when a heritage style building and canopy were added.
Expanding the Line with reunification
Reunificaiton
The Reunification Adventure
It’s one of the most exciting projects, not only in UK railway preservation but internationally too. We’re putting together two surviving halves of the Great Central Railway to create an eighteen mile heritage main line, stretching across the East Midlands.
Uncover More at the GCR
Uncover More
GCR Experience
The Great Central Santa Express
First-Class Dining
The Steam & Whistle
GCR Event
