Private Hire from the GCR
Make Your Event a Journey to Remember
What could be more memorable than hosting your event at Britain’s only award-winning double-track heritage railways? Whether you’re planning a corporate gathering, family celebration, wedding, photoshoot or private dining experience, the Great Central Railway offers a collection of unique venues and historic spaces that your guests will never forget.
From elegant heritage carriages, private dining trains and our special Veranda Car and Inspection Saloon Car, to charming station settings and exclusive event spaces, we can help you create an experience that’s truly out of the ordinary.
Why Choose the Great Central Railway?
Why Choose the GCR?
Private Dining on the Rails
Step aboard and experience the golden age of railway travel. Our beautifully restored Dining Carriages, pulled by our home fleet of heritage Steam Locomotives offers an unforgettable setting for private lunches, dinners, celebrations and corporate hospitality.
Enjoy exceptional food and service as you travel through the Leicestershire countryside in authentic heritage surroundings. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, a private dining train experience is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Hire the Veranda Car
One of the most distinctive vehicles on the railway, our Veranda Car offers guests the opportunity to enjoy open-air views from its covered terrace while travelling behind a steam or diesel locomotive.
With a beautifully restored interior featuring it’s own bar, the Veranda Car is perfect for special celebrations, enthusiast charters, corporate hospitality or photography groups, and provides a unique perspective on Britain’s heritage railway scene.
Travel in the Inspection Saloon
For the ultimate railway experience, hire our beautifully appointed Inspection Saloon. Once reserved for railway officials and VIP guests and designed to give a a clear panoramic view of the tracks and infrastructure, this exclusive carriage offers comfort, privacy and character in equal measure.
Ideal for small groups, business entertaining, family celebrations or special occasions, the Inspection Saloon can be attached to selected services, allowing your guests to enjoy first-class heritage travel in style.
The Robinson Centre
Situated at Loughborough Central Station, the Robinson Centre provides a flexible and characterful venue for meetings, conferences, presentations and private events.
Combining modern facilities with the atmosphere of a working heritage railway, it’s a unique setting for corporate events, community gatherings and celebrations of all kinds.
Butler Henderson Café
The Butler Henderson Café is available for exclusive hire and offers a welcoming space for parties, receptions, networking events and private gatherings.
Located within the heart of the railway, guests can enjoy excellent catering alongside views of heritage trains arriving and departing throughout the day, with plenty of on-site parking.
Quorn Marquee
Set within the picturesque surroundings of Quorn & Woodhouse Station, our marquee provides a spacious and versatile venue for weddings, celebrations, exhibitions and corporate functions, with plenty of on-site parking.
With the backdrop of one of Britain’s finest preserved stations, your event will enjoy a setting unlike any other.
Our Historic Stations
Our stations offer a range of unique locations available for hire. From Victorian architecture and period waiting rooms to atmospheric platforms and signal boxes, they provide a truly distinctive backdrop for events, filming, photography and corporate functions.
The Bar Car
Further information and enquiries
For enquiries
Whether you’re planning a private celebration, corporate event, wedding or community gathering, our team will help you find the perfect venue and package to suit your needs. Get in touch via email: charters@gcrailway.co.uk to discuss your requirements and discover how the Great Central Railway can help make your event truly unforgettable.
