Great Central Railway

Great Central Railway Step back in time to the golden age of travel at GCR! 🚂 We’re a heritage railway and award-winning tourist attraction.
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Open all year round, visit us for our Running Days, Dining or Drive a Train experiences - all in the heart of the East Midlands. The official Great Central Railway page - accept no substitutes! Voted number 12 on the list of the 50 greatest railway journeys in the world the Great Central Railway is the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway. It’s the only place in the world wh

ere full size steam engines can be seen passing each other – just as it was when steam ruled the rails. Trains run every weekend of the year, bank holidays and selected week days through the summer. In addition, First Class Restaurant Car Services provide 5 course meals, whilst travelling between Loughborough and Leicester. For a very special night out, step aboard the Great Central Pullman and return to an age of luxury and glamour, the quintessential orient express experience. Childhood dreams can come true with a Drive a Train Experience. We also run many family events, including Bonfire Night, Wartime Weekend and Santa Specials

Get Involved!Get stuck in at Loughborough Central Station helping the fantastic carriage cleaning team on a Monday and T...
11/06/2026

Get Involved!

Get stuck in at Loughborough Central Station helping the fantastic carriage cleaning team on a Monday and Tuesday, helping with interior cleaning and exterior washing of the carriages so our heritage coaches look their best for visitors and passengers.

Each job our volunteers and staff undertake at the Great Central Railway plays an important role in giving every visitor an authentic and enjoyable experience, and you can be part of keeping the nostalgia alive! đźš‚

If you would like to get involved with hands-on tasks and are willing to dedicate a small amount of time to help with maintenance duties around the station, email [email protected]

Rack Up Miles with Guest Locomotive Class 14 D9525 🛤️It’s going to be an amazing diesel running day on 12 June, where yo...
10/06/2026

Rack Up Miles with Guest Locomotive Class 14 D9525 🛤️

It’s going to be an amazing diesel running day on 12 June, where you can rack up plenty of miles with Class 14 D9525 and experience the Mountsorrel Branch Line with our railcar Iris.

🎟️Pre-book your tickets on our website at www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/events/20260712-diesel-running-day/

📸Image Credit- Clive Hanley

Exciting improvements are coming to Leicester North Station!As part of the first stage of renovations for the Loving Lei...
09/06/2026

Exciting improvements are coming to Leicester North Station!

As part of the first stage of renovations for the Loving Leicester North Campaign, some improvement works will be taking place from 15–26 June.

đźš‚ Train services will continue to run as normal; however, due to scaffolding being in place, there will be limited catering and toilet facilities available during this period.

Please note: ordinary train services will be affected on Thursday 18, Saturday 20, Sunday 21, and Thursday 25 June.

Thank you for your patience while we work to give Leicester North the love it deserves!đź’›

The Telecommunications Heritage Group will be joining us at this month’s Swapmeet on 21 June! 🎉They’ll be setting up sta...
09/06/2026

The Telecommunications Heritage Group will be joining us at this month’s Swapmeet on 21 June! 🎉
They’ll be setting up stalls inside the marquee at Quorn and Woodhouse Station Yard, bringing along a fascinating selection of telephony items to browse, buy, and explore.

THG members looking to book a stall can do so via the THG website: https://thg.org.uk/

🎟️Get your tickets for the Railwayana Swap meet here www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/events/20260329-railwayana-swapmeet/

08/06/2026

If you're planning a visit to the railway this weekend, please note that the accessible carriage on our A-Set will not be available due to a fault.

We're working to get it repaired as quickly as possible and hope to have it back in service soon. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

This Father’s Day Dads and Grandads Travel for a Quid!Celebrate Father’s Day in style on the 20th & 21st June, aboard ou...
08/06/2026

This Father’s Day Dads and Grandads Travel for a Quid!

Celebrate Father’s Day in style on the 20th & 21st June, aboard our heritage steam and diesel locomotives with Dads and Grandads travelling for just £1 when purchasing another child or adult runabout ticket meaning offspring both big and small can accompany Dad for a day on the railway!🛤️

Bring the whole family to experience the golden age of steam travel, explore our beautifully restored stations, relax in our cosy Butler Henderson Café and best of all spend quality time with Dad this Father’s Day.

🎟️Discover more and get your Dads for a Quid tickets on our website now at www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/timetables-fares/

Mountsorrel Branch Line Running!Iris, our diesel railcar, will be taking trips down the Mountsorrel Branch Line during o...
07/06/2026

Mountsorrel Branch Line Running!

Iris, our diesel railcar, will be taking trips down the Mountsorrel Branch Line during our Diesel Running Day on 12 June alongside visiting engine Class 14 D9525, which will be operating on our A Set coaches throughout the day, with food and beverages available on board so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.🍻

🎟️Book your tickets on our website all at our standard fares here www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/events/20260712-diesel-running-day/

📸Image Credit: Clive Hanley

Did you know we run on Thursdays too?🚂Our Thursday running days offer all the atmosphere, heritage and enjoyment of the ...
07/06/2026

Did you know we run on Thursdays too?đźš‚

Our Thursday running days offer all the atmosphere, heritage and enjoyment of the Great Central Railway at a gentler pace.
It's a chance to take your time, explore our stations, enjoy a journey through the Leicestershire countryside and appreciate the unique experience of Britain's only double-track heritage railway without the bustle of our busiest days. 🛤️

Whether you're a regular visitor, a photographer seeking the perfect shot, or simply looking for an enjoyable day out, Thursdays can be one of the best times to visit, we’d would love to welcome you aboard!

Book your tickets and plan your visit- www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/timetables-fares/

Dine with Dad on the Father's Day Express!🍽️What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than with a slap-up lunch aboard a...
06/06/2026

Dine with Dad on the Father's Day Express!🍽️
What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than with a slap-up lunch aboard a vintage steam train!
Indulge in a delightful 3-course lunch experience, plus Tea & Coffee, on board our luxury First-Class Restaurant Cars as you embark on a leisurely journey through the picturesque Charnwood countryside using the power of steam.

What’s more, your ticket includes a full day of travel at the railway so you can explore the line and our beautifully restored period stations at leisure. Treat Dad and make memories that will last forever. 🚂

🎟️Book now at www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/dining/gcrfd-fathers-day-express/

🎥Watch the Great Central Railway General Manager's news update June 2026! www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQkOBhhKL6EYou can wat...
06/06/2026

🎥Watch the Great Central Railway General Manager's news update June 2026! www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQkOBhhKL6E

You can watch these GM update videos and other YouTube videos early PLUS AD free by becoming a member on our Patreon
đź’›Join the Patreon family starting from just ÂŁ3.33 (+VAT) www.patreon.com/cw/GreatCentralRailway

The latest happenings at the Great Central Railway in Leicestershir...

Address

Great Central Road
Loughborough
LE111RW

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

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