Great Central Railway

Great Central Railway Heritage Railway & Award Winning Tourist Attraction The official Great Central Railway page - accept no substitutes!
(658)

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 where 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 a

ddition, 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

Hop on for a FREE weekend of fun! In partnership with Leicester Transport Heritage Centre, we’re bringing you a weekend ...
27/04/2025

Hop on for a FREE weekend of fun!
In partnership with Leicester Transport Heritage Centre, we’re bringing you a weekend of heritage and modern buses running FREE trips on various routes!
With up to 50 buses each day, featuring preserved vehicles from 1930 to 2010, alongside brand-new buses from local operators, this is a must-see event for any bus enthusiast!
Don’t miss the trade stalls packed with souvenirs, models, and bus ephemera in the marquee, plus free bus rides all weekend long!
• No entry charge
• Free bus rides
• Short-hop train tickets available
• Support the event by purchasing a programme

Mark your calendars, it’s one of the Midlands' biggest bus rallies!

More details and information on the event on our website: Link in our BIO

Calling All Bus & Coach Owners!We're thrilled to welcome up to 50 buses each day at this year’s rally, featuring a stunn...
26/04/2025

Calling All Bus & Coach Owners!
We're thrilled to welcome up to 50 buses each day at this year’s rally, featuring a stunning collection of preserved buses and coaches built between 1930 and 2010, alongside a few brand-new vehicles from local operators.
Join us for one of the Midlands’ biggest bus rallies and step back in time with us on this epic journey!

Want to be part of the action on Sunday, 18 May for the GCR Heritage Bus Rally and Running Days?

Bring your vehicle and join the fun — just email [email protected] to get involved!
Please note:
We’re no longer accepting entries for Saturday, 17 May or applications from stallholders.

For more information and to get tickets for this event visit our website at gcrailway.co.uk

Best in Show – Road Rail Steam Weekend 2025We’re delighted to announce that the Best in Show award has gone to the beaut...
26/04/2025

Best in Show – Road Rail Steam Weekend 2025

We’re delighted to announce that the Best in Show award has gone to the beautifully presented Sentinel Steam Waggon S6T, No. 8821 (Reg: BRF200), owned by Diane Carney and Peter Walker, who brought it all the way from Stockport with their family.
This stunning machine, shown in its original 1933 Tarmac livery, was a true standout across a weekend that featured 13 full-size engines and 12 miniatures. The Sentinel’s remarkable working life included wartime service, a second career with the Cambridge Gas Light & Coke Co., and even a return to duty during the Suez Crisis in 1956—before being fully restored in the 1970s.

A special thank you to Steve Hayes, our esteemed judge and seasoned steam engine owner, for lending his experience to the judging, and to Roger Mills of the Hetherington Oil Can Company for kindly donating the prize—a traditional 1 pint oil pourer.
Congratulations once again to Diane, Peter, and all who contributed to this magnificent showing!

Did you catch a photo of this Sentinel beauty? We’d love to see your shots from our Road Rail Steam weekend in the comments.

All Aboard for Our Heritage Bus Rally & Running Days!In partnership with the Leicester Transport Heritage Centre, we're ...
25/04/2025

All Aboard for Our Heritage Bus Rally & Running Days!

In partnership with the Leicester Transport Heritage Centre, we're thrilled to welcome up to 50 beautifully restored heritage and a few brand-new local buses each day for an unforgettable weekend of transport nostalgia!
• Free Heritage Bus Rides
Hop on and off a wide variety of vintage buses completely free of charge! With several routes running throughout the day, you'll have plenty of chances to ride different buses and even connect with our steam and diesel trains on the railway.
• No Entry Fee & Free Bus Services
There’s no entry fee for the event and all bus services are free.
Regular train fares apply if you fancy a ride on the rails.
• Vintage Trains in Action Experience the golden age of rail travel! A selection of classic steam and diesel trains will be running all day.
• Don’t miss your chance to ride a steam train – tickets are available now on our website or at the station booking office.
• Trade Stalls & More
Visit our marquee filled with souvenirs, models, and transport memorabilia. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts alike!

For more details and to get your Early Bird Tickets visit our website at gcrailway.co.uk
Join us for this unmissable celebration of transport heritage!

Our New Bar Car Is Open… Mostly!We could’ve waited until the paint was dry but then we thought: "Why wait to serve beer?...
25/04/2025

Our New Bar Car Is Open… Mostly!

We could’ve waited until the paint was dry but then we thought: "Why wait to serve beer?"

So yes — our brand new Refreshment Car is in service for this weekend’s Spring Diesel Gala.

This coach, British Rail Mk1 No. 4758, is being transformed from a First Class Lounge Car into an everyday onboard bar — and it’s already pouring pints like a pro. We just couldn't wait to share it with you!

This whole project is made possible by the amazing support of the David Clarke Railway Trust — and by your generous donations. Thank you for helping bring beer to the rails!

We’d love for you to visit again in a few weeks to see the coach fully complete. Until then, come enjoy an early look — and a drink! Please support us if you can: https://gcrailway.enthuse.com/donate #!/

24/04/2025

Murder, Mystery & Mouthwatering Meals-
What did our guests really think of the "I Die with My Little Spy" Murder Mystery Experience?

What could be better than a 3 course fine dining experience and a mystery to solve?

Our next Murder Mystery, No Ration for Murder, takes place on the 2nd May and there's still time to book your place!

Learn more: gcrailway.co.uk/murder-mystery-2025

One more day until the Spring Diesel Gala kicks off! Have you got your tickets? 🛤️There’s so much for you to see and do ...
24/04/2025

One more day until the Spring Diesel Gala kicks off! Have you got your tickets? 🛤️
There’s so much for you to see and do over the weekend, including –

• Visiting locomotive – Class 20 D8001
• Home fleet locomotives – Class 33 D6535, Class 37 37714, Class 37 D6700, Class 50 50017, Class 55 55019, Derby Lightweight Iris, Class 101 DMU!
• Have a go at driving one of our Class 08 locomotives 13101, for just £10
• Explore the fascinating Test Car 2
• Diesel Cab Rides
• Plenty of on train and off train refreshments

📍 See you from tomorrow onwards at the Great Central Railway!
https://tickets.gcrailway.co.uk/events/105519

Test Car 2 will be on display at Quorn and Woodhouse during the Spring Diesel Gala – and it’s well worth a look. Origina...
23/04/2025

Test Car 2 will be on display at Quorn and Woodhouse during the Spring Diesel Gala – and it’s well worth a look. Originally used for vital research and development on the national network, this unique vehicle played a key role in railway testing and innovation.

Now preserved, it offers a rare chance to get up close and explore something you don’t usually see trackside. A brilliant bonus amongst all the other things happening at this fantastic event!

📍Find it at Quorn and Woodhouse Station throughout the event – no extra ticket needed, just pop by. tickets.gcrailway.co.uk/events/105519

Are you joining us? Bluey is coming to Great Central Railway during May half term.There will be lots of family-friendly ...
22/04/2025

Are you joining us? Bluey is coming to Great Central Railway during May half term.

There will be lots of family-friendly fun at intervals on Tuesday 27th, Wednesday 28th &
Thursday 29th May.

Take a steam train ride, see Bluey and more! Don’t forget to bring your camera!

To learn more and book tickets now, visit https://www.foxandedwards.com/family-east-midlands-train.html

In partnership with our friends at Fox & Edwards Events.

Fancy driving a loco for a tenner?During the Spring Diesel Gala (starting from 25th – 27th April), you can take the cont...
22/04/2025

Fancy driving a loco for a tenner?
During the Spring Diesel Gala (starting from 25th – 27th April), you can take the controls of Class 08 shunter 13101 for just £10.
📍 Head to Quorn and Woodhouse between 10:30am and 3:30pm on Sat & Sun.

No booking needed – just follow the signs. One of our most popular experiences!
tickets.gcrailway.co.uk/events/105519

The return of an old friend! Class 33 D6535 will be making a brief return to traffic part way through its current bodywo...
21/04/2025

The return of an old friend!
Class 33 D6535 will be making a brief return to traffic part way through its current bodywork restoration to star at our Spring Diesel Gala!

Come and enjoy some Sulzer action between 25th and 27th April - tickets.gcrailway.co.uk/events/105519

The diesels are taking the spotlight at Great Central Railway- Timetables now online!Our Spring Diesel Gala is back from...
21/04/2025

The diesels are taking the spotlight at Great Central Railway- Timetables now online!

Our Spring Diesel Gala is back from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th April. Expect a fantastic mix of traction, real ales, cab rides, driving experiences and so much more.

You can view the timetables now at https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/timetables-and-fares/

Find out more information and take advantage of the Discounted, Early Bird Tickets at tickets.gcrailway.co.uk/events/105519

No plans this Bank Holiday Monday? Come and join us for the final day of the Road Rail Steam Event. Here’s a some of the...
21/04/2025

No plans this Bank Holiday Monday? Come and join us for the final day of the Road Rail Steam Event. Here’s a some of the things you can expect at this event -
- Watch steam-powered traction engines in action
- See historic road vehicles up close
- Enjoy unlimited heritage steam and diesel train rides
- Experience live demonstrations
- Enjoy vintage fairground rides

Book your tickets online - https://tickets.gcrailway.co.uk/events/99938

Fancy a pint? Our new Buffet Bar will be open for the first time during our Spring Diesel Gala. Hand pulled ales and cid...
20/04/2025

Fancy a pint? Our new Buffet Bar will be open for the first time during our Spring Diesel Gala. Hand pulled ales and ciders as well as a selection of snacks and nonalcoholic beverages will be available on the B set during this event.

If you fancy something more substantial then why not try our Griddle Car which will be rustling up the usual tasty selection of hot and cold food, including our famous all day breakfast!

🍺 First pints poured Friday 25th!
Book your early bird tickets for the Spring Diesel Gala here - tickets.gcrailway.co.uk/events/105519

If you love vintage vehicles, then the Road Run at our Road Rail Steam Weekend is a must-see! This impressive parade of ...
20/04/2025

If you love vintage vehicles, then the Road Run at our Road Rail Steam Weekend is a must-see! This impressive parade of steam traction engines, vintage lorries, classic cars, and road rollers will take to the streets, showcasing the best of early transport technology.
You’ll quite literally be watching history come to life!

Click here for more information - https://tickets.gcrailway.co.uk/events/99938

Happy Easter from everyone at the Great Central Railway, we hope you have a fabulous day! 🐰
20/04/2025

Happy Easter from everyone at the Great Central Railway, we hope you have a fabulous day! 🐰

Say hello (and goodbye) to Class 20 D8001!This chopper is making its final appearance at the GCR before returning to the...
19/04/2025

Say hello (and goodbye) to Class 20 D8001!

This chopper is making its final appearance at the GCR before returning to the Epping and Ongar Railway. Built in 1957, D8001 helped pave the way during the diesel transition – and now you can ride behind it one last time.

🛤 Don’t miss your chance! Book your tickets for the Spring Diesel Gala here - tickets.gcrailway.co.uk/events/105519

Food, Drink and a Fantastic Day out. Join us for our Road Rail Steam Weekend starting today from to 21st April. Where al...
19/04/2025

Food, Drink and a Fantastic Day out. Join us for our Road Rail Steam Weekend starting today from to 21st April. Where all that steam action is bound to work up an appetite! Luckily, we’ve got you covered.

Butler Henderson Café (Quorn & Woodhouse) – Sit down and enjoy a hot meal or light snack in our classic railway café or grab a quick drink and a bite to eat at the Tin Shed before hopping on the next train.

Onboard refreshments – Enjoy a cuppa or something stronger aboard our restored carriages.

More information can be found here - https://tickets.gcrailway.co.uk/events/99938

Address

Great Central Road
Loughborough
LE111RW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Great Central Railway posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Great Central Railway:

Shortcuts

Share