Great Central Railway
Voted Best Day Out in Leicestershire
A day at the Great Central Railway isn’t just a train ride, it’s a step back in time. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by the sights, sounds and atmosphere of Britain’s railway heritage, with traditional stations, historic carriages and steam and diesel locomotives in action.
Our heritage trains run through the Leicestershire countryside between beautifully restored, period-dressed stations. Enjoy the whistle at departure, the rhythm of the train and countryside views rolling past your window. Travel the full line, hopping off to explore stations along the way.
Make a day of it with good food and refreshments, plenty to see and time to explore. Whether you’re joining us for a family day out, a special event or a first-class experience, you’ll receive a warm welcome from our friendly volunteer team.
As a not-for-profit heritage railway saved by a group of determined volunteers in 1969, every visit helps us care for and preserve the Great Central Railway for generations to come. By travelling with us, you’re helping to keep railway history alive.
GCR Christmas Experiences
Give the gift of the a GCR Christmas Experience
This festive season, the Great Central Railway invites you to celebrate in style with a programme of dining experiences aboard our First-Class heritage trains. From festive afternoon teas to traditional Christmas lunches and dinners with a modern twist, each journey combines freshly prepared seasonal menus with the unique atmosphere of steam travel through the glorious Charnwood countryside.
For younger visitors and the young at heart, our GCR Santa Express trains offer a delightful festive adventure. Meet Santa himself, enjoy seasonal treats, and experience the excitement of a winter wonderland onboard, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Festive Experiences
Featured Festive Experiences
Christmas At the GCR
The Great Central Santa Express
The Christmas Murder Mystery
The Festive Afternoon Tea
The Christmas Forester
Boxing Day Experience
The Christmas Midlander
New Years Eve Dinner
The Christmas Jubilee
Deck the Rails
Explore the next Seven Days
Upcoming Seven Days
- Tickets
- Daily Timetable
- Branch Line
- Event Timetable
- What's on
- Special Serivce
Our Monthly Calendars
Monthly Calendars
Our Family Ticket
Family Ticket
The Great Central Railway offers local families a relaxed half-day adventure 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.
What to Expect
Your day out can be Big or Small
Every visit Includes
Upcoming Events at the GCR
Upcoming Events
Last Hurrah Steam Gala
Diesel Mileage Weekend
The Nightrider
Last Hurrah Steam Gala
Diesel Mileage Weekend
Last Hurrah Steam Gala
Dining Services at the GCR
Dining Services
Welcome Aboard the Great Central Railway’s First-Class Dining Service. Join us for a journey through time, savour fine dining, and immerse yourself in vintage luxury aboard our lovingly restored, first-class dining carriages.
The perfect setting for a family celebration, a catch-up with friends, or a romantic dinner, our stewards are ready to pamper you. Whether it’s a leisurely Saturday or Sunday lunch or a grand night out, relax in style on a sixteen-mile return journey.
Departing Services
The Elizabethan
Murder Mystery Express
The Rothley Rose
Wine, Cheese & Steam
The Charnwood Forester
The Midlander
After something Different? Try a GCR Experience
GCR Experiences
Goods Experiences
Diesel Driver Experience
Class 55 Deltic Experience
Diesel Driver Experience
Goods Experiences
Diesel Driver Experience
GCR Home Fleet
Class 45 – D123
Power Output
2,500 bhp
Engine
Sulzer 12LDA28B, 12-cylinder diesel
Max Speed
90 mph
Reunification Project
Reunification
Its easy to donate. Click below and make a one off donation online, or even set up a regular monthly contribution. If you prefer, download our latest appeal leaflet to donate using a cheque. Just a few pounds every month soon adds up to a generous gift. A regular income also gives other potential funders confidence in our plans.
You can also text UNIFY to 70970 to donate £5.
(For full terms see: platform.nationalfundingscheme.org/terms-and-conditions)
Thank you for your support. Every pound matters and makes a difference. Together we’re making Reunification happen.
