Great Central Railway

The Great Central Railway is the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway. It's 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.

Board a train at Loughborough station for the journey to Leicester North Station and enjoy the views of the beautiful Charnwood Forest on the way. The train may be steam or diesel hauled from a long gone period of the railways. Or it may be the DMU where you can get a panoramic view through its front and rear windows.

Phone Number: 01509 632323
Website: https://www.gcrailway.co.uk
Email: sales@gcrailway.co.uk
Short Address: Great Central Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1RW

Tickets are valid from Loughborough station on any operating day, except special event dates. Please check the Great Central Railway website for details of when trains are running.

Your StayPlayExplore tickets are NOT valid on any special event days.

10th to 11th August - Railways At Work
24th to 25th August - Vintage Vehicle Weekend
6th to 8th September - Autumn Diesel Gala
15th September - Railway Swapmeet
20th to 22nd September - The Great Central Beer Festival
3rd to 6th October - Autumn Steam Gala
5th November - Bonfire and Fireworks Extravaganza
16th to 17th November - Last Hurrah Gala
23rd to 30th November - 31st December - Christmas Services

Also NOT valid on any pre-bookable Christmas services.

Book your package now

To book your break, simply click on the book now button, enter your dates and number of guests and we’ll show you everything that’s available. You can visit this attraction on these breaks –

Leicestershire Family Plus 2 adults & 1 child

£ - 3 nights, 4 experiences - 2 adults + 1 children

Enjoy more from your holiday with three nights AND an extra attraction ticket.

Leicestershire Family Fun (self catering deluxe studio)

£169.00 - 1 nights, 3 experiences - 2 adults + 2 children

Our self catering family breaks are ideal for families of 2 adults and 2 children. Package includes overnight accommodation in an aparthotel PLUS three attraction tickets for all the family.

Leicestershire Family Fun (2 room self catering apartment)

£315.00 - 1 nights, 3 experiences - 4 adults + 2 children

Our self catering family breaks are ideal for families of up to 4 adults and 2 children or any combination of up to 6 guests but including no more than 4 adults. Package includes overnight accommodation in an aparthotel PLUS three attraction tickets to include all guests.

Leicestershire Family Fun

£169.00 - 1 nights, 3 experiences - 2 adults + 2 children

Our classic break for families of 2 adults and 2 children. Bed and breakfast PLUS three attraction tickets. Add an extra night or two, or if choosing Hilton Leicester, Marriott Leicester or Leonardo's Hinckley Island Hotel, upgrade your holiday to one of our PLUS or MAX breaks and get extra attraction tickets too!

Leicestershire Family Max

£469.00 - 4 nights, 5 experiences - 2 adults + 2 children

Make a week of it with this fantastic four night break that includes FIVE attraction tickets. Currently available in Leicestershire at the Hinckley Island, Hilton Leicester and Marriott Leicester Hotels.

Leicestershire Family Plus

£359.00 - 3 nights, 4 experiences - 2 adults + 2 children

Enjoy more from your holiday with three nights AND an extra attraction ticket. Currently available in Leicestershire at the Hinckley Island, Hilton Leicester and Marriott Leicester Hotels.

Bells and Whistles - Discover Charnwood

£169.00 - 1 nights, 3 experiences - 2 adults + 2 children

Enjoy the fascinating town of Loughborough and discover its amazing heritage and connections with steam railways and bells. As well as the attractions included in your break, follow the new augmented reality heritage trail and visit the Carillon Bell Tower - celebrating its centenary this year. Your break for families of 2 adults and 2 children includes bed and breakfast PLUS three attraction tickets. Why not add an extra night or two?

Leicestershire Couples

£169.00 - 1 nights, 3 experiences - 2 adults + 0 children

A short break just for adults. Bed and breakfast PLUS tickets for three amazing attractions/experiences. Extend your break by adding an extra night or two.