Winners of Leicestershire's Best Day Out 2025 and voted number 12 on the list of the 50 greatest railway journeys in the world, the Great Central Railway (GCR) is the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway. It is 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. 

The GCR is a not-for-profit organisation supported by the David Clarke Railway Trust (charity number 1104839). 

Running along an eight-mile nature corridor from Loughborough to Leicester, the Railway was saved by volunteers in 1969 and is now under conservation for enjoyment of future generations.

Trains run every weekend of the year, on bank holidays, and daily throughout the summer season. 

The GCR has won several awards including Independent Railway of the Year, a Gold Award for the East Midlands Best Visitor Experience, and is a Quality Assured Visitor Attraction, as designated by Enjoy England.

Our beautiful First-Class Restaurant Car offers fine dining in vintage style, whilst for extra special occasions, the GCR Pullman offers the quintessential Orient Express experience. For corporate and private events, a GCR Private Charter offers tailored menus designed to delight your guests and create a truly memorable journey through Charnwood’s glorious countryside.

For details on how you can support the GCR, become a volunteer, or buy tickets to our events, please visit our website or call the Booking Office on 01509 632323.

Great Central Railway

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