Great Central Railway
Golden Age of Mainline Rail Travel in the United kingdom
The UK’s only double track, main line heritage railway, the Great Central Railway exists today after a group of determined volunteers in 1969, saved the line following its closure by British Rail to recreate the experience of a main line steam railway for generations to come.
Today we proudly cherish and develop their legacy as a contemporary visitor attraction that’s open all year running steam and heritage diesel locomotives, as well as heritage railcars to educate and entertain our visitors whilst preserving the story of the railway.
Your Next Adventure
Upcoming GCR Event
Discover Your Railway
- Starting: 14/02/2026
- Finishing: 19/02/2026
- Tickets from: £12.00
GCR Fine-Dining
The Carolean
GCR Experience
Mother's Day Express
Mother's Day Express
GCR Family Ticket
Less Screen Time, More Steam Time
- Tickets from: £38.00
The GCR Family Explorer Ticket offers the ultimate stress-free day out for families and railway enthusiasts, with everything perfectly planned for you with a thoughtfully designed itineraries available from our main stations and engaging activities for kids with immersive storytelling.
The Family Ticket offers the ultimate stress-free day out for families and railway enthusiasts, with everything perfectly planned for you with a thoughtfully designed itinerary and engaging activities for kids with immersive storytelling. From the moment you’re welcomed at our stations, the Family Ticket ensures you can focus on enjoying quality time with your loved ones while we take care of the details.
The GCR Family Ticket
Family Ticket
Step One
Step Two
Upcoming Events at the GCR
Upcoming Events
Discover Your Railway
- Tickets from: £12.00
Spring Steam Weekend
- Tickets from: £10.00
Remembering The Somerset & Dorset Railway
- Tickets from: £10.00
Discover Your Railway
- Tickets from: £12.00
Spring Steam Weekend
- Tickets from: £10.00
First-Class Dining Service at the GCR
Frist-Class Dining
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 Charnwood Forester
The Carolean
The Rothley Rose Wine Pairing Experience
The Rothley Rose Wine Pairing Experience
The Midlander
After something Different? Try a GCR Experience
GCR Experiences
Goods Experiences
Steam Driver Experience
Diesel Driver Experience
The Great Central Supper Club: Pie & Mash Express
Murder Mystery Express
GCR Home Fleet
Class 37 – 37714
Power Output
Rated 1,750 bhp
Engine
English Electric 12CSVT V12 diesel,
Max Speed
90 mph (80 mph on some bogie variants)
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.
