Group Travel at the GCR
Step back in time with your group
Step aboard a heritage steam or diesel-hauled train to enjoy a memorable journey on the Great Central Railway, Britain’s only preserved double-track mainline railway and a fantastic group destination in the heart of Leicestershire.
Settle into your seat in one of our carefully restored heritage carriages and experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the golden age of railway travel. Journey along our unique double-track main line, passing through picturesque period stations and the beautiful Leicestershire countryside.
Save up to 10% with our group travel rates (minimum group size 15 people), available throughout the season, including some special event days such as popular steam and diesel galas, and our famous 1940s weekends. We are also pleased to welcome Schools and Educational Groups, with itineraries tailored to meet specific teaching needs relating to the National Curriculum, or to provide experience of specific events.
Discounts are also available on our First Class fine-dining experiences running throughout the year. From a Friday lunchtime on-board The Midlander, a Saturday evening for a Murder Mystery or The Elizabethan for a traditional Sunday Roast, there’s plenty to choose from to elevate your next group visit.
Whether you’re planning a full day out, adding the railway to a wider coach tour itinerary, or simply looking for somewhere special to enjoy lunch or afternoon tea, the Great Central Railway offers a flexible and memorable experience for groups.
Group visits to the GCR
Group Visits
Group visits made easy
We know that every group is different. Our team can work with you to create a visit that suits your itinerary, timings and requirements, with options to make your day even more special.
Your journey could include:
Reserved seating in open tables with carriages, or in private compartments
Choose from steam or diesel-hauled train, or trips on our scenic railcar
Refreshment and catering packages, including breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas and other dining options
Accessible carriages and stations
FREE coach parking
FREE travel for the group organiser and/or coach driver
FREE hot drink and sandwich for the group organiser and/or coach driver
A great day out for groups
There’s much more to discover than the train journey itself. Highlights of a visit can include:
Heritage steam and diesel locomotives and beautifully restored vintage carriages
The experience of travelling on Britain's only double-track main line heritage railway
Special events throughout the year
Lovingly restored period stations made famous in film and TV
Museum and refreshment rooms, as well as meeting facilities
Gift shops and opportunities to take home a souvenir of your visit
First Class and dining experiences for groups looking for something extra special
From the moment your group arrives, we want a visit to the Great Central Railway to feel like a real journey back in time.
Make a day of it in Leicestershire
Your Journey Starts Here
Our central location and easy access from the M1 makes the Great Central Railway an ideal addition to a group tour or short break in Leicestershire. A railway visit can be combined with the county’s many other attractions, historic destinations, gardens, museums and places to eat and stay.
A visit can easily be combined with other popular attractions in the area, including the National Space Centre and Abbey Pumping Station in Leicester, King Richard III Visitor Centre and Leicester Cathedral, Bradgate Park, Belvoir Castle, or a visit to the vibrant Loughborough town centre. With plenty to discover across Leicestershire and the East Midlands, we can help group organisers incorporate a journey on the Great Central Railway into a memorable full-day itinerary or multi-day tour.
Whether you’re organising a coach tour, club outing, U3A visit, society trip, retirement group, special-interest tour or family gathering, we’ll help you build an itinerary that works for you.
Leicestershire Attractions
Your journey starts here
Bring your group together for a day of heritage trains, great food, historic surroundings and traditional railway atmosphere at the Great Central Railway.
Contact our team to discuss your group visit, available dates, catering options and bespoke packages: sales@gcrailway.co.uk
