Great Central Railway

About the museum

The Great Central Railway was built as the London Extension of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway and opened to coal traffic in 1898 and to passengers and goods in March 1899. It ran from Annesley through Nottingham, Leicester and Rugby to Marylebone in London. The line joined the London and North Eastern Railway in 1923 and passed to British Railways in 1948, and it lost its through express services in 1960.

The line was cut as a through route in 1966 and the last sections closed in 1969. Volunteers formed a preservation group to save the section around Loughborough, and the Main Line Steam Trust was registered as a charity in 1971. A share-funded company raised money, and the local council bought the land between Loughborough Central and Belgrave and Birstall.

Volunteers have since restored a double-track section from Loughborough Central to Rothley and single track onward to Leicester North, together with stations, signal boxes, carriages, wagons and steam and diesel locomotives. The railway runs about eight miles, has the engine shed at Loughborough, and is working on a project to reconnect with the surviving line towards Nottingham.

Highlights

• Steam and diesel trains on a double-track heritage line
• Four stations restored in period style
• Engine shed with locomotives under repair
• Dining trains and a 1960s-style buffet car
• Special galas, Christmas and family events
• Driver experiences

Permanent exhibition

• Engine shed and locomotive works – The working depot at Loughborough where the railway's steam and diesel locomotives are repaired and prepared, with supervised visitor access on most running days.

Founded

1969

Operated by

Great Central Railway PLC / Main Line Steam Trust

Admission & discounts

The railway has no admission charge for the station site itself; tickets are for the train journeys. Day runabout prices are online in advance £24, at the booking office £26, and after 14:30 at the office £23 (adult). Friends of the railway and Privilege card holders have reduced rates. Dining trains and special events are priced separately.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Every station has accessible toilets on the platform. Loughborough Central has a lift from the ticket office to the platform, and the other stations have step-free platform access at ground level or by ramp, though surfaces can be uneven. Trains include an accessible carriage and staff help with ramps at each station. Most other carriages require a step up and some seating is in compartments. Disabled parking is available at all stations, but spaces can fill on gala days. Assistance dogs travel free.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

A family ticket, free children's activity packs from the booking offices and relaxed running days for families with additional needs, such as autism, are offered. Buggies are allowed on trains, though staff may ask for them to be folded or stowed in the guard's van. Baby changing is available at Loughborough Central and Quorn and Woodhouse. Santa Express and other seasonal family trains run in winter.

Getting there & parking

Station addresses: Loughborough Central, Great Central Road, LE11 1RW; Leicester North, The Sidings, LE4 3BA; Rothley, Station Road, LE7 7LA; Quorn and Woodhouse, Woodhouse Road, LE12 8AG.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available in the platform refreshment room at Loughborough Central and in the Butler Henderson Café at Quorn and Woodhouse; it is not available at Rothley or Leicester North. Every station offers refreshments, there is a griddle car on many trains, and first-class and casual dining services run. The main gift shop is on the platform at Loughborough Central, and the Emporium there sells second-hand railway items and books.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Options include the Quorn Marquee at Quorn and Woodhouse (suitable for weddings), the Robinson Centre at Loughborough Central for meetings and conferences, exclusive hire of the Butler Henderson Café, private dining trains and an inspection saloon.

Plan your visit