Wednesday 3rd December 2025 saw representatives from GCR attend the Leicestershire Promotions Tourism & Hospitality Awards where the railway scooped the most prestigious award for “Best Day Out in Leicestershire” alongside silver and bronze awards in a massive four categories against some incredibly tough competition!
The results for us were as follows:
Malcolm Holmes, General Manager of the Great Central Railway, said: “It’s a huge achievement for our volunteers, staff and community. Winning Best Day Out in Leicestershire is an incredible honour – especially as this was the only category voted for by the public. Placing in every category we entered as well, makes this a truly remarkable night for the railway.
“As a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organisation, recognition like this means the world to us. It reflects the passion, skill and hard work of our teams who strive every day to preserve our heritage and create unforgettable experiences for our visitors.
“We are deeply grateful for this recognition and for the continued support of our community.”
The UK’s only double-track, main line heritage railway, the Great Central Railway survives today thanks to a group of determined volunteers who, in 1969, saved the line from closure and set out to recreate the experience of a main line steam railway for generations to come.
The railway now continues that legacy as a year-round visitor attraction, operating steam and heritage diesel locomotives, as well as historic railcars, to educate and entertain visitors while preserving the story of Britain’s railways.
This commitment to authentic heritage and memorable experiences attracts thousands of visitors each year. Its events, dining trains and hands-on encounters with locomotives offer something for all ages, bringing the country’s railway history vividly to life.
Winning Best Day Out in Leicestershire celebrates everything the railway represents – living history, traditional engineering and unforgettable journeys through the county’s countryside, all built on the foundations laid by those early volunteers.
A huge thank you to all those who voted for us as well as the volunteers and staff for all your hard work keeping the railway steaming along and ensuring that our visitors have the “The Best Day Out in Leicestershire”.
