Great Central Railway

Britain's only main line steam railway, the Great Central Railway is one of the few places in the world where scheduled full size steam trains pass in motion on double track

Main Line Steam trains - every weekend throughout the year, re-creating the experience of famous expresses of the steam age. Passenger trains also run on weekdays, June to August. See one of our classic demonstration freight or parcel trains. Relax in the comfort of our classic corridor trains - steam heated in Winter. Just like British Railways in the great years of steam.

Great Central Railway - The Ultimate Dining Experience

"Our aim is to re-create, for present and future generations, the experience of British main line railway operation during the best years of steam locomotives."

Railway travel offers countless pleasures, but best of all must be dining aboard a steam train. Back in the 1950s, travellers could take their seats in the restaurant cars of crack expresses like the 'South Yorkshireman' and the 'Master Cutler'.

They could become immersed in the thrilling experience of combining good food with excellent service at speed, whilst enjoying the ever absorbing countryside flashing by. As their train ran into a busy platform those people waiting opposite could only enviously regret that they were travelling second class.

Today, on Britain's only main line steam railway, passengers can reserve a table and be wined and dined in similar style, savouring sumptuous first class fare with every detail catered for. So, whether you're old or young, climb aboard, relax, and prepare yourself for an experience without equal.

Subscriptions for first class friends or Restaurant Car gift vouchers make good Christmas, anniversary, birthday presents or are a great way to say thank you to someone.

Our first Class Restaurant Car operates Saturday & Sunday lunches, Saturday evenings all year and selected Friday evenings

Griddle Car Service
What better way to start the day than with a hearty Great Central All Day Breakfast, with eggs, bacon, Lincolnshire sausages, black pudding, fried bread, sauté potatoes and tomatoes, all served aboard a steam train. For breakfast connoisseurs, our griddle car service provides this veritable feast all day long.

You'll find these favourites aboard our griddle car, along with a bar serving beers, wines, spirits and hot drinks on most trains. Children's meals are also available.

The Griddle car is available on selected trains (see the website for details)

Afternoon Teas & Refreshments
Imagine taking tea on board a famous steam train in the fifties. Now you don't have to. Today on the Great Central Railway you can relive that experience and enjoy a pot of tea, sandwiches and scones, available on selected trains. Perhaps you'd prefer to tuck into a slice of Melton Mowbray Hunt Cake or savour an early Irish Malt or Armagnac as you steam through miles of Leicestershire countryside towards the setting sun.

Clotted Cream Teas
A giant fruit scone, jam and clotted cream served with a cup of tea. Usually available on Griddle car services, please order before the train leaves Loughborough.

Afternoon teas are available to pre-booked parties on some afternoon trains.

Please phone for details.

Your Own Private Train
With a choice of meals of up to 6 courses, chartering your very own train could prove a highly individual alternative for a wedding reception or special birthday or anniversary celebration, providing your loved ones with a day to remember.

Corporate Hospitality with a Difference
The Great Central Railway is a popular East Midlands tourist attraction, creating a lasting impression with over 100,000 visitors a year, both young and old. Parties on a grand scale can be organised to provide business people with a unique day out. Whole trains can be chartered for those companies seeking a memorable experience for their staff or clients.

We Cater For All
On The Great Central Railway we are happy to cater for vegetarians or other special dietary needs if prior notice is given.
Remember that we need at least five days advance notice to prepare these dishes.

To make a reservation simply contact our Loughborough office. We are open seven days a week between 9.00am and 5.30pm and can accept payment simply and quickly over the telephone by credit card. Postal payments can be made by cheque payable to 'Great Central Railway PLC'.

Gift vouchers are available and can be purchased on-line at our store, an ideal gift.