Family Ticket
Less Screen Time, More Steam Time
Our Family ticket offers families a relaxed day out where children explore a real working railway and parents enjoy quality screen-free time together.
Voted Best Day Out in the Leicestershire Travel and Tourism Awards, Great Central Railway offers steam train rides, historic stations, family activities and places to eat—all in one day out. Swap tablets and screens for steam trains, fresh air and real, quality time together as you explore a real, working railway from a bygone age.
Make the day yours: Whether you’re visiting for a couple of hours for a steam train ride and a sweet treat, or making a full day of it, it’s perfect for a family day out in Leicestershire—and one of the region’s most unique things to do with the kids of all ages.
Every visit includes: The chance to ride heritage trains, discover the story of the railway as you wander through characterful stations and enjoy a treat or two along the way.
There are free activity packs available for kids that are designed to take their attention away from their tech and towards the trains so that can have some quality time together making memories that everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, will love.
A visit to the Great Central Railway is all about slowing down and enjoying time together. Here’s a taste of what your day might look like:
What to Expect
Ride on Heritage Steam & Diesel Trains
Climb aboard and settle into vintage carriages as you travel the line, taking in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of a working heritage railway.
Beautiful Period Stations
Each of our stations has been carefully restored by volunteers to reflect a different moment in railway history. Wander at your own pace, soak up the details, and discover the stories behind them.
Plenty to See
You can visit: Railway Museum, platform cafes, period waiting rooms and vintage shop or on special days join a tour of behind-the-scenes part of the railway such as our working Engine Shed and Station Master’s office.
Have Fun & Learn Along the Way
Pick up one of our children’s activity packs to help little explorers get even more from their day, with fun and educational challenges along the way.
Lots of Photo Opportunities
From visits to the footplate of impressive locomotives to picture perfect station scenes and dressing up opportunities, there are countless chances to capture special moments throughout your visit.
Food & Drink Along the Line
Whether it’s a hot chocolate to warm your hands, a sit-down meal for all the family, a quick snack while watching the trains go by, or picnic benches to enjoy your packed lunch, there’s something to suit everyone.
We have platform tea rooms at all our stations as well as the Butler Henderson café, wartime NAAFI and Tin Shed bar at Quorn and Woodhouse station. You can also grab a bite to eat and a drink on our trains in our 1960s style British Rail Griddle Car and Refreshment car.
Friendly Volunteers on Hand to Help
Our passionate team of volunteer staff and enthusiasts is here to welcome you, answer questions, and bring the railway to life with their passion and knowledge.
Easy to Get To
Located in the Leicestershire countryside with stations in Loughborough, Rothley, Quorn and Leicester, we’re easy to get to from Leicester, Nottingham and Derby with parking available at our stations.
Family ticket Sample Itinerary
Sample Itinerary
2-3 Hour Visit
Explore Loughborough Station and Museum
Ride the Steam Train from Loughborough to Leicester North
Grab a Hot Chocolate at the Platform Café
Visit the footplate and pose for a picture
Ride the Steam Train back to Loughborough
4-6 Hour Visit
Ride the steam train all day
Explore our period stations and discover their history
Grab an ice cream
Visit the footplate and pose for a picture
Visit the Engine Shed
Enjoy lunch aboard the train or at our café
Visit the footplate and pose for a picture
Ride all day for as long as you want!
Discover more at the GCR
Discover More
Fish & Chips Express Train
Railwayana Swapmeet
Bonfire & Fireworks Night
Winter Steam Gala
Autumn Steam Gala
Extinct Express
The Steam & Whistle
Diesel Driver Experience
English Electric Running Day
