Step into the past and take control of a heritage railcar on the UK’s only double-track, main line heritage railway at the Great Central Railway. The Heritage Railcar Driver Experience offers a unique opportunity to take control and drive a historic railcar for 16 miles, surrounded by the charm of a bygone era. This hands-on experience is perfect for any railway enthusiast or adventurer looking for an authentic and memorable experience.
This experience includes lunch for the driver and one guest – who can also travel on the railcar during the driving experience!
Please note that all participants taking part in one of our Driver Experiences must be aged 18 or over at the time of the experience.
Meet your experience host who be your guide throughout the day. Including Tea/Coffee for Driver and Guests.
The introductory film will provide an overview of your day, including important safety features.
You will take part in a driving experience consisting of a 16-mile drive, one round trip from Loughborough Central Station
Enjoy lunch, provided for the driver and one guest.
Your experience includes a guided tour of our Locomotive Works.
Better understand how the Loughborough Signal Box plays its part in controlling the line.
For experiences scheduled on our passenger running days, we offer complimentary travel for the driver and guest(s). Meaning you can enjoy more rail travel before or after your experience where time allows.
At the end of your driver experience, you’ll be presented with a certificate to commemorate completing your driver experience.
12 months membership of Friends of Great Central Main Line for Driver.
Operate locomotives on the UK’s sole double-track heritage railway, complete with signals and stations, delivering an unmatched and realistic railway adventure.
Each experience is thoughtfully designed to provide not only driving time but also educational insights, behind-the-scenes access, and opportunities to share the day with family and friends.
By participating, you contribute to the preservation of railway heritage and support our educational initiatives, ensuring future generations can appreciate the legacy of rail travel.
Give the enjoyment of controlling of a heritage railcar on the UK’s only double-track, main line heritage railway at the Great Central Railway for one of your loved ones. The Heritage Railcar Driver Experience offers a unique opportunity to take control and drive a historic railcar for 16 miles and makes a perfect gift for the any heritage railway enthusiast.
EXCELLENT
Based on 1820 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
James WVerified
Autumn Steam Gala 2026 Fantastic railway considering the size of the line. Great line up of locomotives as usual. The GCR always produce a blinder when it comes to their galas. This one focused on smaller rank engines, which was fantastic to see them all getting the spotlight.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
snewtonVerified
Wedding reception Wedding reception. We got married at Beaumanor Hall in Quorn, followed by our wedding reception at the railway. All I can say is thank you to everyone who made it such a special occasion. From start to finish the staff were amazing and the food was exceptional. The catering team went above and beyond re food requirements which considering we had a few people with allergies. Everyone who attended said what a fantastic time they had. Its definitely different to your normal wedding reception but with a bit of added fun which we added, photo booth and sweet bar, it added to the fun 😁 plus the veranda car made it even more special ❤️Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Alicia BVerified
Above and beyond The station staff could not have been nicer. I had a mix up with meeting my group, Neil and the team helped resolve it and even offered hospitality in the lovely station cafe. Thank you so much to the team! Definitely will be backPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Curious22948543103Verified
Steam, Smoke and Memories I have had the experience before of driving a steam locomotive. Each type is unique and demands its own approach . I had the great pleasure of driving a Stanier Black 5 on the GCR , a masterpiece of railway design and engineering. The Great Central Railway is fortunate in having length and variety enough to give an experience that will linger in the memory for a long time. The regular crew of the locomotive were very patient and willing to share their knowledge and undoubted expertise with a very inexperienced, and at times, ham fisted newcomer. In fact all the staff at GCR were really excellent and made this a most memorable day out. Certainly I can give this experience full marks.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Derek DVerified
Great Galas at the GCR Great diesel gala with me mate who is really into diesels. I'm a steam man myself, but can appreciateBiusy day at the gala on Saturday some diesels once in a while ... especially the call 37's and the DelticPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
East Somerset R... CVerified
A fantastic and well organised Diesel Gala What a well organized and hugely enjoyable visit (our first to GCR). The whole day was worth every penny, from the vast array of excellent locos, both visiting and home fleet to the very well preserved carriages. Every station along the line was well turned out with historical attention to detail wherever you looked. The staff and volunteers were well turned out and always on hand to give directions or to answer general queries. Great shop and emporium at Loughborough Central as well as a really informative and well laid our museum. Additional stalls form visiting groups and a great opportunity to get up close with some great locos lineside. The station cafe food was a high standard and gave a welcome rest for weary feet in a lovely heritage setting. A highlight for us was seeing Deltic D9015 roar past along with 2 fantastic looking Class 37s Well done GCR - Keep up the amazing work! Cant wait to come back and see your stream locomotives too!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Peter WVerified
Great Central Railway - Great day out! A wonderful day-long experience is on offer at the Great Central Railway. Beautifully preserved stations, enthusiastic & friendly staff & volunteers, interesting museum and train shed at Loughborough - and that all before you get to the trains. Make sure you time your journey to catch the "griddle car" service - Full English breakfast & a cuppa for £12.50. Well worth it compared to the more costly but very enjoyable catered event trains providing restauarant quality meals.
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