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Trains & Railways

Great Central Railway - Loughborough

šŸ“ Loughborough, Greater London

ā˜…4.7(3,809 Google reviews)šŸ‘¶All ages

Heritage steam railway from Loughborough Central station, recreated in 1950s style, with over 500 railway objects in the platform museum, locomotive shed tours, signal box access, and a platform buffet. Day tickets allow unlimited travel.

āœ“ Authentic steam atmosphereāœ“ Outstanding volunteersāœ“ Gala eventsāœ“ Full day experienceāœ“ Period station and carriages
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ā˜…ā˜…ā˜…ā˜…ā˜…Featured review by Andrew Taylor

Fantastic day out at the diesel gala! Ā£35 for a day run about having loads of fun hopping on and off trains all day. For me I loved the 37's and the Deltic. And it also restored my faith in the class 14's "teddy bear" after a break down with one when I was at dean forest. šŸ™„)

šŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families who can dedicate a full day and have at least one train enthusiast in the group. The combination of riding, exploring the platform museum, visiting the locomotive shed, and browsing the shop fills the day without rushing.

ā„¹ļø What to Know Before You Go

šŸ’”Day tickets allow unlimited boarding — plan multiple rides to see the full route
ā°Gala event days bring visiting locomotives and create the most varied experience on the line
šŸŽŸļøCheck the signal box and locomotive shed tour schedules on arrival
šŸš—The platform buffet covers food and drinks for the full day

šŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.7
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3,809 Google reviews

Exceptional volunteer staff and atmosphere40%
Authentic heritage railway experience30%
Gala events are the highlight20%
Period features and station detail10%
A

Andrew Taylor

6 months ago

ā˜…ā˜…ā˜…ā˜…ā˜…

ā€œFantastic day out at the diesel gala! Ā£35 for a day run about having loads of fun hopping on and off trains all day. For me I loved the 37's and the Deltic. And it also restored my faith in the class 14's "teddy bear" after a break down with one when I was at dean forest. šŸ™„)ā€

D

Dave Baxter

2 months ago

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ā€œA wonderful heritage railway. Well looked after stations and rolling stock and friendly staff. Good food and a decent selection of merch. Allow a full day to take advantage of all the services and rolling stock offered!ā€

J

John Wright

6 months ago

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ā€œI visited the GC railway for their autumn gala and had a great time. As well as their own fleet of locos they also had a few visiting ones. I also went on a very informative tour of their reunification location.ā€

D

Darren Barrett

3 months ago

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ā€œWe came to this amazing attraction for the Christmas day train journey behind a magnificent steam locomotive. From the moment we walked through the doors it was an amazing site to be seen. The loco was waiting at full steam, the fireman was a fabulous chap who took time to explain the controls and the skilled role of the fireman absolutely fascinating. It was also very humbling to know they were all volunteers helping preserve the railway and make it a magical day for us and our guests. The railway is amazing with period features everywhere as though you have just stepped onto the set of a brief encounter! The entire day was just magical with period carriages setup for our meal wonderfully and the staff were superb at every point, polite courteous and generous with their time. I cannot recommend the Great central Railway enough I would give 10 stars if it were possible. Our meal on the day was delicious and piping hot, the service superb and timely and the views during the train ride were spectacular. The entire attraction is an immense credit to the countless people whom have put time and effort into preserving this wonderful piece of history. It has to go on everyone's bucket list!ā€

Reviews from Google

Overview

Great Central Railway runs authentic steam trains from a beautifully restored 1950s station, with period carriages, signal box visits, and close-up access to the locomotive shed. The platform museum holds more than 500 railway objects. Day tickets allow unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel.

šŸ• Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday10:00 – 16:00
Thursday10:00 – 16:00
Friday10:00 – 16:00
Saturday10:00 – 16:00
Sunday10:00 – 16:00

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