To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.

Allow cookies
  • Language

Great Central Railway

Great Central Railway, Great Central Road, Loughborough, LE11 1RW

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1654 reviews1654 reviews
Great Central Railway

Book Tickets Online

About

The Great Central Railway is one of Leicestershire’s most successful, iconic tourist attractions. It is the UK’s only 
double track, mainline heritage railway.

Our aim in recent years has been to develop GCR as a family orientated business where young and old enjoy access to some of the best preserved locomotives, rolling stock and memorabilia from a bygone era.

Each of the stations between Loughborough and Leicester has a tearoom/café with additional attractions at each location.

  • Loughborough Station has a café, emporium, retail outlet, ticket office, Loco Shed and museum
  • Quorn has a café, turntable and restored features such as cattle docks
  • Rothley has a miniature railway, the C & W works and a café
  • Leicester North has a platform café and rest area, here you can see the train change ends.

Activities:
GCR is open all year round with steam and diesel locomotives running every weekend.  From Easter on wards, 
trains run during the week as well on selected weekdays and a programme of events caters for the whole range of our visitors.

Steam and Diesel Galas, popular events such as Peppa Pig, Santa Specials and Summer Fun days are there to cater to all tastes
 whether you’re a heritage railway enthusiast or a family who loves everything about Steam and trains.

On Train Dining services:
Our on train catering facilities allow the discerning diner to enjoy a sumptuous meal in carriages which hark
 back to the golden age of luxury travel.  Currently dining trains operate every weekend lunchtimes/evenings and selected lunchtimes 
and evening’s mid-week.


Corporate Hire/Charters:
Over the past few years the Charter business has grown and can now cater for parties 
of all sizes with our fleet of carriages, ranging from a small directors coach to a rake of carriages catering for 100 guests. For larger 
events we can also offer our marquee located on the Quorn and Woodhouse yard, this comes with its very own ‘Tin Shed Shanty Bar’ serving real 
ales and ciders along with the option for a specialist drinks menu.

Filming:
A number of films and TV programmes have used GCR as a location. The BBC filmed an episode of Casualty and previously Top Gear was filmed at GCR, we also boast of hit period dramas like The Crown and Victoria with films being as recent as Stan and Ollie, among our filming portfolio. CGI is a wonderful tool for a lot of film makers, why not come along and see if you recognise any more locations from the TV and Film world.

Additional Information:

  • Private Tours available
  • Groups: Min pax 15, Max pax 100
  • We are wheelchair friendly at all 4 stations with allocated disabled parking available.

Book Tickets

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      1216
    • Very Good
      286
    • Average
      62
    • Poor
      38
    • Terrible
      52

    Recent Reviews:

      Map & Directions

      Tel: 01509632315

      Add Great Central Railway to your Itinerary

      Opening Times

      * Dates: 1st January - 31st December
      Days: Sunday- Saturday
      Times: 09:00 - 17:00

      Follow Us

      What's nearby

      1. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre

        The Country Park was developed in the early 1970’s to provide an environment to…

        14.56 miles away
      2. Reopening Monday 12 April! Come face-to-face with over 900 animals of more than 150…

        16.17 miles away
      3. A Community Archive by Friends of Atherstone Heritage since 1995 to record and celebrate…

        19.81 miles away
      1. We are a UK registered charity and 150-acre visitor site on the edge of the National…

        22.57 miles away
      2. Step back in time and experience life in a Medieval Castle. Explore Tudor and Stuart…

        23 miles away
      3. Arbury Estate is a complete example of early Gothic Revival architecture and is regarded…

        23.64 miles away
      4. 23.78 miles away
      5. Whether you’re after a fun filled family ride or seeking adrenaline pumping fun, look no…

        24.28 miles away
      6. A full sporting complex based in Coventry, this venue includes a 32,609-seater stadium…

        25.42 miles away
      7. Middleton Hall, Gardens & Courtyard

        Middleton Hall is set in 42 acres of the peaceful North Warwickshire countryside and run…

        25.42 miles away
      8. So much to see and do at Warwickshire's premier waterside attraction! Kingsbury Water…

        25.57 miles away
      9. The trail will get you and the children out in the fresh air hunting for the answers to…

        27.07 miles away
      10. This biographical museum and bookshop is located in the center of the city of Lichfield.

        27.1 miles away
      11. Lichfield Cathedral is a hidden gem in the heart of the country. We invite you to come…

        27.21 miles away
      12. With 500 acres of beautiful gardens, woodland, lakeside walks, and bird hides, there's…

        27.22 miles away
      Previous Next
      WestMidlands

      Don't miss

      Don't miss

      Don't miss

      Don't miss