Steam trains are returning to the Great Central Railway on 10th September!

GCR Experiences

The Great Central Railway, A Place to Make Lasting Memories

The Great Central Railway is all about creating special moments – whether it’s ticking something off your bucket list, spending quality time with friends and family, or just enjoying a day out with a difference.

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of driving a steam or diesel engine. Perhaps you’d love the thrill of riding in a vintage brake van behind a historic goods train. You might fancy cracking a case during one of our murder mystery dining nights, or simply relaxing with fish and chips as the countryside rolls by.

Whatever kind of experience you’re looking for, you’ll find it here – full of character, charm, and memories waiting to be made.

Christmas At the GCR

The Great Central Santa Express

Step aboard the Santa Express for a magical Christmas adventure with the Great Central Railway! Booking early is essential for this highly popular festive experience.

Uncover our GCR Experiences

GCR Experiences

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Experiences Filter – General

Goods Experiences

Step into the fascinating world of railway freight

The GCR Guided Tour

A behind the scenes inspection tour of the GCR

Steam Driver Experience

Double track, signals and stations, it’s what dreams are made of

Diesel Driver Experience

Double track, signals and stations, it’s what dreams are made of

Class 55 Deltic Experience

Double track, signals and stations, it’s what dreams are made of

Heritage Railcar Driver

Double track, signals and stations, it’s what dreams are made of

Special Dining Services

Special Dining

Wine, Cheese & Steam

An Evening of Wine, Cheese & Steam with GCR and Rothley Vineyard

Fish & Chips Express Train

A traditional Fish and Chip Supper on a vintage steam train

Uncover all of our First-Class Dining Services

GCR First-Class Dining

The Rothley Rose

A Three course meal paired with award-winning wines.

GCR Afternoon Tea

A treat for loved ones or a spot of indulgence for oneself

The Steam & Whistle

Our Gastro train, perfect for a Saturday night out with friends

The Charnwood Forester

Time to get dressed for dinner and step into an era of timeless elegance

The Master Cutler

One for the foodies! Enjoy a four-course evening meal

The Elizabethan

Sundays are for a classic British roast

The Master Cutler

One for the foodies! Enjoy a four-course evening meal

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Allergen Policy

If you have concerns about allergens, please contact us before booking your dining experience to request to view the information in our Allergen Information File.

When you join us for a dining experience, please ask any member of the On-Train Dining Team before your meal is served if you are concerned about the presence of allergens in your food, or would like further information on our vegan and vegetarian dish preparation.

Please be aware that all our dishes are prepared in kitchens where gluten, nuts and other allergens are present, therefore, we cannot guarantee that any food item is completely ‘free from’ traces of allergens. Some dishes may contain alcohol which may not be listed on the menu,

Full allergen information on the ingredients in the food we serve is available on request from any member of the On-Train Dining Team.

Loughborough Central

Leicester North

Rothley Station

Quorn & Woodhouse

GCR Experience

The GCR Guided Tour

Step beyond the platform and experience the Great Central Railway like never before with our brand-new Premium Guided Package for 2026.