Get your ration cards ready and victory rolls set as you…
Step back in time for our much-loved 1940s Weekend! With vintage trains, live entertainment and re-enactments, period displays, and an atmosphere bringing the era of wartime Britain vividly to life.
Step outside and explore an impressive display of classic vehicles, including military transport, vintage cars, motorbikes, and steam traction engines. From wartime utility vehicles to elegant pre-war motors, these machines help bring the 1940s to life – off the rails and onto the roads!
Soak up the sounds of the 1940s with live bands, singers, and dance demonstrations throughout the weekend. From swing and big band classics to the melodies that kept morale high, get ready to tap your feet. Plus, with a newly installed dance floor in the Quorn and Woodhouse Marquee, so you can jive and relive the music of the era! New for this year will be an entertainments marquee at Rothley station.
The past comes to life with reenactors in period clothing, recreating the spirit of the Home Front and wartime Britain. From soldiers on duty to land girls and civilians, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into the 1940s. Highlights will include a re-enaction involving Merchant navy seamen and a demonstration of war time firefighting. And don’t forget – make sure you have your ID card ready!
Watch history in motion with authentic steam-hauled passenger and goods trains running throughout the weekend. See how vital wartime freight was transported and experience travel as it was during the 1940s – pulled by the power of steam.
With wartime rationing in full swing, we’re bringing the flavours of the decade to life. Enjoy a pint of Quorn Tin Shed Real Ale, indulge in a traditional Afternoon Tea party, and tuck into special 1940s-themed menus at all our food outlets.
Our trader village is being re-located to Quorn, with stalls offering vintage clothes, accessories and jewellery.
Delve deeper into the decade that was dominated by war with authentic displays of Allied forces, civilian life, and local history. From military encampments to Home Front exhibits, discover how ordinary people played their part in Britain’s wartime effort. Learn about the challenges of daily life, the resilience of communities, and the vital role of railways in keeping the country moving.
Re-live the atmosphere of a 1940s dance hall with live music on both Friday and Saturday evenings. Dancing to Lady Lindy Sings and DJ Woody on the Friday, and Ding Dong Daddios on the Saturday, these two FREE dances will evoke the spirit of a different age.
On Saturday, trains and vintage buses will shuttle between Quorn and Loughborough Central stations all evening, right up to the end of the dance, to help revellers get home.
EXCELLENT Based on 1732 reviews Posted on Liz ZIentekVerified An amazing bucket list tick We booked Dad and the lad on the Bronze steam driver experience as it was top of Dad’s bucket list and he wanted to share the experience with his son. The day was amazing from start to finish. We were greeted by Andy who is a font of knowledge about the GCR and he looked after us brilliantly throughout . We visited the shed and working signal box which was so interesting but the highlight was watching the enormous loco pulling out of Loughborough station with Dad at the controls and returning driven by the son. The meal following the driving on the train was lovely with excellent service and was a fantastic end to the experience. All the staff on the station were friendly and very helpful making a lovely day. There were so many smiles and loads of photos and video to keep the memories fresh. We would thoroughly recommend GCR ‘s steam experience.Posted on ellenc661Verified A wonderful day out, fit for royalty! This was an amazing trip. Our family had treated to a first class lunch aboard the Carolean steam train. The setting, food and hospitality were impeccable. We loved every moment, nothing was too much trouble. This railway is the best because everything from the tea shops, to station flowers, station staff in uniforms, old leather cases etc. made our experience so authentic, it was like stepping back in time. I felt like royalty!! Thank you to everyone for making this a special experience.Posted on rossijamVerified A great day out We visited recently for the 1st time, we enjoyed our ride along the line, each of the stations are very nicely restored and chatt2d to a few friendly volunteers, plenty to see and do, walking up to the engine shed was interesting and some nice shops to look in at Loughborough Central.All except one station had a cafe / place to eat, and every station had something different to offer.Its a long way up for us to visit, but will definitely again and will love to visit on a Gala or event dayShall look forward to that day in the future.Highly recommend a visit to the GCR.Posted on snewtonVerified Gastro grub A friend is due to celebrate his 80th in a few weeks time, so we decided to treat him to a day on the trains plus a meal in the evening. Gastro grub it was then.The meals we had chosen were well presented and altho we had to wait a while for drinks..the staff were friendly and polite. Nothing was to much trouble. A massive thank you to Sophie and her team for making it a night to remember 💙Posted on jeanandmarkVerified Great lunch again on The Midlander - thank you GCR We had a great lunch on the Midlander again. Lovely food and service. This time we booked the accessible carriage, it was perfect for our needs. Even though neither of us are wheelchair users it was really helpful to be able to book this space - it made a big difference. Having said that the normal carriages (that we have used before) are spacious and perfect too. Thank you GCR.Posted on OnAir25896802641Verified A day on great central railway Along time since going to GCR.As friendly as I remember. 3 trsin service 2 steam 1 diesel .Excellent pricing compared you other heratige railways.Very clean,food lovely & well priced.Will not be long before I'm back.Posted on ursula BVerified Exceptional service by the catering team at Quorn station A big shout out for the catering team at the Butler Henderson cafe at Quorn station. We were a group of 33 seniors and they bent over backwards to accommodate us at very short notice. Each order was dealt with by the pleasant, smiling girls at the counter, and when prepared was brought to our tables. A huge thank you to all, especially those who beavered away in the kitchen and to Adriana for arranging everything for us, before our train ride.