Volunteer at the GCR

Discover the true heart of the Great Central Railway — our passionate volunteers. While steam locomotives may steal the spotlight, it’s the dedication of our volunteers that keeps everything on track.

Whether you dream of driving a locomotive, restoring wagons, shunting, helping at stations, cafes and shops, cleaning, maintaining engines, or supporting through fundraising — there’s a role for you.

Be part of preserving the magic of steam and heritage. Your time and effort truly power the railway every single day.

With over 600 volunteers giving their free time across a wide range of roles, joining us means becoming an integral part of the GCR family. Playing a crucial role in maintaining and operating our historic trains, ensuring our stations run smoothly, and helping us organise the memorable events and experiences our guests cherish, every volunteer plays a vital part.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer eager to contribute, we welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, with any level of experience to come and join us!