Great Central Railway

Huge CONGRATULATIONS to Amanda Hutchinson who is our winner of the Villains and Superheroes competition.Amanda and her family will be able to enjoy a family ticket for 5 (worth £35) on any one of the 6 days.
Many thanks to all those who shared and liked the post, but do not despair you can still purchase tickets, follow the link http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/tickets/ticket .php

COMPETITION CLOSED
🕛TIME IS RUNNING OUT🕛 🕛competition closes at midnight🕛
... Just over a week to go to our Villains and Superheroes Family event.
To help get you all in the mood we are giving away 1 x family ticket (2 x adults & 3 x children) for this event.
All you have to do is like and share this post then tag 2 friends in the comments section below.
The competition will close TONIGHT Monday 23rd July at Midnight.
To book your tickets for Villains and Superheroes please visit http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/special-events /
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Some of the Morris Minors (Moggies) are here, come along with yours or just have a look at the splendour of these lovely beauties.

Attention diesel enthusiasts! Due to the very hot and dry weather and the increased risk of lineside fires, our main passenger services will be operated by diesel traction this weekend 21st and 22nd July 2018.. Class 47 1705 and Class 33 D6535 are in service on our main line, while our diesel railcar is in action on trains to and from the Mountsorrel Branch. There's also a gathering of Morris Minor cars at Quorn & Woodhouse. See www.gcrailway.co.uk/special-e…/mountsor rel-running-july-2018

We have a very exciting September Diesel Gala in prospect with 3 star guest locos expected!
Warship D832 "Onslaught" and Deltic 55019 "Royal Highland Fusilier" are the star heritage guests, with a Class 66 from GB Railfreight also joining the lineup alongside up to 8 locos from our impressive home fleet.
Expect an intensive timetable over three days including freight trains (Friday), Travelling Post Office demonstrations during the weekend, and a trip on the Mountsorrel Branc...h (Saturday). More details will follow soon.
For the very latest news on the event see our website at: www.gcrailway.co.uk/special-events/septem ber-diesel-gala
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Once again the Great Central Railway will be running trains from our main line onto the Mountsorrel branch line. For just £6 (or an extra £3 on the daily runabout ticket) you can take a trip on the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) taking a circular route stopping at Quorn, Nunckley Hill, Mountsorrel, Rothley and then back to Quorn.
For information and to book tickets please use both links http://heritage-centre.co.uk/announcemenâ €¦/21-to-22-jul-2018/
http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/s…/mountsorr el-running-july-2018/

Come and see the full range of Morris Minors at Quorn and Woodhouse station some as new, some 60 years old, some used as everyday transport.
Entrance on the gate for the general public is free. Normal train fares apply
Want to bring your own Morris Minor? Or do you belong to another type of vintage vehicle club and want to join us just email marketing@gcrailway.co.uk

This will be an opportunity to enjoy both the GCR main line and the Mountsorrel Branch, with diesel railcar services calling at Quorn & Woodhouse, Nunckley Hill, Mountsorrel, and Rothley before returning to Quorn & Woodhouse.
There will be four services serving the Branch on both days, with our usual summer timetable operating on the main line.

Come and see the full range of Morris Minors at Quorn and Woodhouse station some as new, some 60 years old, some used as everyday transport.
Entrance on the gate for the general public is free. Normal train fares apply
Want to bring your own Morris Minor? Or do you belong to another type of vintage vehicle club and want to join us just email marketing@gcrailway.co.uk

COMPETITION TIME
2 weeks to go to our Villains and Superheroes Family event.
To help get you all in the mood we are giving away 1 x family ticket (2 x adults & 3 x children) for this event.
... All you have to do is like and share this post then tag 2 friends in the comments section below.
The competition will close Monday 23rd July at Midnight.
To book your tickets for Villains and Superheroes please visit http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/special-events /
See More

We celebrate 50 years since the end of steam on British Railways in a very special event over two weekends on 4th, 5th, 11th, and 12th August.
In August 1968 steam gave way to diesel traction on Britain's railways, and steam enthusiasts flocked to witness the final steam services, culminating in the very last train, the Fifteen Guinea Special on 11th August.
Our event features 70013 "Oliver Cromwell" (appearing courtesy of the National Railway Museum) which hauled the final t...rain. This is the only opportunity to travel behind the locomotive on the 50th anniversary.
An exciting timetable is in prospect and will be announced soon.
Tickets are available online now, or from our Booking Offices on arrival. Please see our website at www.gcrailway.co.uk/special-events/end-of -br-steam-gala-2018
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We have two steam locomotives, one diesel loco, and our diesel railcar in service this weekend 14th and 15th July 2018. Due to the recent very hot and dry weather, our steam services will be assisted by a diesel loco to minimise the risk of lineside fires. 70013 "Oliver Cromwell", Ivatt Class 2 46521, and Class 37 diesel 37714 are in action. See www.gcrailway.co.uk/timetables-and-fares< br>

***NEWS JUST IN*** Our Villains and Superheroes have been confirmed and they are joining us once again for some half term fun in the holidays! Join us from Tuesday 31st July through to Thursday 2nd August and Tuesday 7th - Thursday 9th August and meet your favourite characters, including, The Red Power Ranger, Spiderman, Syndrome and the Joker including others on our Superhero Express!
Why not make a day of it, For more details, and to BOOK ONLINE please visit our website http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/tickets/ticket .php

This will be an opportunity to enjoy both the GCR main line and the Mountsorrel Branch, with diesel railcar services calling at Quorn & Woodhouse, Nunckley Hill, Mountsorrel, and Rothley before returning to Quorn & Woodhouse.
There will be four services serving the Branch on both days, with our usual summer timetable operating on the main line with two steam locomotives, and a diesel loco due to be in service.

In conjunction with the Classic Car festival we proudly present Jersey Budd for his return to the Great Central Railway. Join us for some great company and music for only £5 on the gate. Check his page out to get in the mood https://www.facebook.com/Jerseybuddmusic/

🚗🚗🚗 Morris Minor Weekend 🚗🚗🚗 21st and 22nd July 2018
Come and see the full range of Morris Minors at Quorn and Woodhouse station some as new, some 60 years old, some used as everyday transport.
... Entrance on the gate for the general public is free. Normal train fares apply
Want to bring your own Morris Minor? Or do you belong to another type of vintage vehicle club and want to join us just email marketing@gcrailway.co.uk
See More

Are you a Villain or Super Hero??? either way you don't want to miss our next family event.
Best Dressed Competition – dress up in your favourite costume, we will take a photo on the day and at the end of the event we will decide on the winning costume for your chance to win a family ticket to one of our other family events (excluding Santa Specials/Deluxe) here at the Great Central Railway.
The winners will be announced on Monday 3rd August via notification on our Facebook... page.
Face painting – Daisy Janes Face Painting will be with us all day offering full or half face designs! (not available for under 3’s & small charge applicable)
To purchase tickets please follow the link http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/tickets/ticket .php
See More

Due to the recent spell of very hot and dry weather increasing the risk of lineside fires, our main passenger services will be operated by diesel traction on 7th and 8th July 2018. Class 47 1705 (Saturday) and Class 33 D6535 (Sunday) and our diesel railcar are in action.
For timetables please see: www.gcrailway.co.uk/…/saturday-and-sund ay-7th-and-8th-july-…

Our very own Tony Sparks greeting an overseas Great Central Railway supporter - all the way from the Netherlands - Miel Reinen. Miel owns his own model business in the Netherlands and didn't want to miss one of the best models shows in the UK. Welcome Miel and we look forward to seeing you in 2019.

The Four Marque Convention makes a welcome return this year to the Great Central Railway. Join them from 3pm Friday 6th - the last train on the Sunday 8th July. Or just turn up for one of the days, Sunday 8th July being the main show day. Discounted railway tickets to all attending (£10 for an adult all day ticket reduced from £17). Camping available for £10 per night per unit. Show area is in the goods yard at Quorn & Woodhouse station.
Visit GCR website for more details: http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/the-railway/vi ntage-vehicle-club/

What a great day out we had a fantastic day. I fully recommend. Friendly people from start to finish.

My dad was a train driver and it took me back 50 years or more when I was last on a footplate. Good meal in a first class carriage.

What a excellent day day, the staff in catering train were very friendly and helpful. We stopped at north Leicester station, when I was looking at old pictures on the wall, a member of staff came up to me and gave me some very interesting facts about the past times, and the future plans of Great Central Railway, I loved it everyone was so passionate about there jobs and went above and beyond the call of duty. They were all credit to the Great Central Railway 👌👌

We just stayed with friends in our campers at Quorn, even with the snow the staff were wonderful, trains ran, the fires lit in the waiting rooms, the platforms cleared, the cafes open, we had a marvellous weekend. Thank you , we will be back

We had a great day yesterday and last night. Spent the day travelling on the train and getting off at the stations. The evening was the Charnwood Forester meal. Which was superb, the young staff were a delight and very professional. The meal was excellent with such limited facilities. Our trip was a Xmas present and we are so very pleased that we had it, as we didn’t really know much about you. Certainly a great present . One small niggle the starter was out when we boarded the train and in view of the heat the salad had wilted and we were a bit worried about the pate being out in such heat. We are still here to tell the tale . Thank you all again

We did the murder mystery evening (with a 5 course meal) and all day tickets to tide the train today. It was so relaxing and because everyone was enjoying themselves, we didn't meet one unfriendly or unsociable person over the weekend! I'd recommend it to anyone, young and old alike.

Never fail to have a great time visiting. First was a simple return trip, then a full day's travel, Steam and Scream for Halloween, Train to the Flame for bonfire night. Paw Patrol with young members of the family... and now looking forward to the first "Fish Supper Saturday" in April.

My daughter and son treated me to a meal on the train for Mother’s Day , the meal was great ,very hot and enjoyable , the staff were very friendly and efficient.

what a nice afternoon we had.

Great little station going back in time

D.s

Just been to see peppa pig .. Once again such an amazing special event. And hundred percent worth the money. Kiddies love not only the very special events taking place but love the experience of the train rides. Fantastic 5* xx thankyou xx

If you fancy a happy day out on a wonderful railway but funds are a little limited why not pop along to the Great Central Railway one weekend when there isn't a gala or special event. It costs a bit less but there are still loads of things to see and do and because it is a double track mainline the trains still run more frequently than on many other heritage lines. I had a lovely time on Monday travelling up and down the line and getting off at every station for a wander or refreshments. Two egines in steam, a diesel sharing the spot light and the added bonus of a work a day diesel shunter running here and there moving rolling stock. Not that I would want to discourage anyone from visiting on a gala or special event day but the railway has a much quieter more peaceful but wonderful charm on those non event days where it really feels like a railway at work.

I have been coming to the railway my whole life. Never disappointed and always an improvement over the last time. A really special place.

Had an amazing driving experience day today on the bronze package.....staff were all lovely, very knowledgeable and our host John was exceptional. Food was excellent and I really loved every minute..... will definitely be back.

Great day out.......superb steam engines.....great lunch in the refreshment room at Loughborough....friendly staff.

Can't wait to come back on a Pullman dining train next time

Fantastic place for a day out -or more if like me you can't resist.

I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to have a driver experience day, my Christmas gift from my sons.

We had a really informative interesting day between arriving & me getting on the footplate & driving a steam train. The driver Alison & fireman Andy were fantastic on the actual drive. The hosts Tim & Alan were also fantastic. Thank you all!

Attended the 1940 Wartime weekend just gone we were absolutely blown away with the whole event. We took 2 elderly parents in wheelchairs really good facilities to get in and off the trains.

The staff were amazing we absolutely loved it.

A truly unique preservation line. Fantastically presented engines, rolling stock and stations. If possible, I recommend seeing the Royal Mail train in action.

A great day out for the train enthusiast.

My son and I had a great day riding up and down on the diesel railcar which served to recreate the experience of the GC towards the end of its life.

It’s a shame that diesel locos painted in liveries carried between the 70’s and 90’s are now starting to make an appearance which are totally out of keeping with GC and its recreation of the line in times gone by.

It's a great railway but they could really do with improving access from the Loughborough National Rail station. It's a long walk round and if you are visiting the loco sheds (which I suggest you do so you can see the work which goes on behind the scenes) it feels like you have completed a massive circle.



Breakfasts from the on-train griddle are well worth indulging in.

Great night on the first running of the Fish and Chip train. It was great and, no doubt, will get better. Thanks to Michael and his team. Look forward to their next adventure. Did I hear Gin and Canapés? Sign us up.

A wonderful day out. Staff are friendly and helpful. Stations are beautifully recreated. Very relaxing, we went on a diesel and a steam train. My daughter was lucky enough to see water fill up and the coupling and she enjoyed every moment. The only downside is the very rough and dusty car park at Rothley and no shade in the heat so the car was very very hot (35 degrees on the car thermometer) so you can imagine the heat in the car. There is also a miniature railway at rothley.

What a great day out we had a fantastic day. I fully recommend. Friendly people from start to finish.

My dad was a train driver and it took me back 50 years or more when I was last on a footplate. Good meal in a first class carriage.

What a excellent day day, the staff in catering train were very friendly and helpful. We stopped at north Leicester station, when I was looking at old pictures on the wall, a member of staff came up to me and gave me some very interesting facts about the past times, and the future plans of Great Central Railway, I loved it everyone was so passionate about there jobs and went above and beyond the call of duty. They were all credit to the Great Central Railway 👌👌

We just stayed with friends in our campers at Quorn, even with the snow the staff were wonderful, trains ran, the fires lit in the waiting rooms, the platforms cleared, the cafes open, we had a marvellous weekend. Thank you , we will be back

We had a great day yesterday and last night. Spent the day travelling on the train and getting off at the stations. The evening was the Charnwood Forester meal. Which was superb, the young staff were a delight and very professional. The meal was excellent with such limited facilities. Our trip was a Xmas present and we are so very pleased that we had it, as we didn’t really know much about you. Certainly a great present . One small niggle the starter was out when we boarded the train and in view of the heat the salad had wilted and we were a bit worried about the pate being out in such heat. We are still here to tell the tale . Thank you all again

We did the murder mystery evening (with a 5 course meal) and all day tickets to tide the train today. It was so relaxing and because everyone was enjoying themselves, we didn't meet one unfriendly or unsociable person over the weekend! I'd recommend it to anyone, young and old alike.

Never fail to have a great time visiting. First was a simple return trip, then a full day's travel, Steam and Scream for Halloween, Train to the Flame for bonfire night. Paw Patrol with young members of the family... and now looking forward to the first "Fish Supper Saturday" in April.

My daughter and son treated me to a meal on the train for Mother’s Day , the meal was great ,very hot and enjoyable , the staff were very friendly and efficient.

what a nice afternoon we had.

Great little station going back in time

D.s

Just been to see peppa pig .. Once again such an amazing special event. And hundred percent worth the money. Kiddies love not only the very special events taking place but love the experience of the train rides. Fantastic 5* xx thankyou xx

If you fancy a happy day out on a wonderful railway but funds are a little limited why not pop along to the Great Central Railway one weekend when there isn't a gala or special event. It costs a bit less but there are still loads of things to see and do and because it is a double track mainline the trains still run more frequently than on many other heritage lines. I had a lovely time on Monday travelling up and down the line and getting off at every station for a wander or refreshments. Two egines in steam, a diesel sharing the spot light and the added bonus of a work a day diesel shunter running here and there moving rolling stock. Not that I would want to discourage anyone from visiting on a gala or special event day but the railway has a much quieter more peaceful but wonderful charm on those non event days where it really feels like a railway at work.

I have been coming to the railway my whole life. Never disappointed and always an improvement over the last time. A really special place.

Had an amazing driving experience day today on the bronze package.....staff were all lovely, very knowledgeable and our host John was exceptional. Food was excellent and I really loved every minute..... will definitely be back.

Great day out.......superb steam engines.....great lunch in the refreshment room at Loughborough....friendly staff.

Can't wait to come back on a Pullman dining train next time

Fantastic place for a day out -or more if like me you can't resist.

I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to have a driver experience day, my Christmas gift from my sons.

We had a really informative interesting day between arriving & me getting on the footplate & driving a steam train. The driver Alison & fireman Andy were fantastic on the actual drive. The hosts Tim & Alan were also fantastic. Thank you all!

Attended the 1940 Wartime weekend just gone we were absolutely blown away with the whole event. We took 2 elderly parents in wheelchairs really good facilities to get in and off the trains.

The staff were amazing we absolutely loved it.

A truly unique preservation line. Fantastically presented engines, rolling stock and stations. If possible, I recommend seeing the Royal Mail train in action.

A great day out for the train enthusiast.

My son and I had a great day riding up and down on the diesel railcar which served to recreate the experience of the GC towards the end of its life.

It’s a shame that diesel locos painted in liveries carried between the 70’s and 90’s are now starting to make an appearance which are totally out of keeping with GC and its recreation of the line in times gone by.

It's a great railway but they could really do with improving access from the Loughborough National Rail station. It's a long walk round and if you are visiting the loco sheds (which I suggest you do so you can see the work which goes on behind the scenes) it feels like you have completed a massive circle.



Breakfasts from the on-train griddle are well worth indulging in.

Great night on the first running of the Fish and Chip train. It was great and, no doubt, will get better. Thanks to Michael and his team. Look forward to their next adventure. Did I hear Gin and Canapés? Sign us up.

A wonderful day out. Staff are friendly and helpful. Stations are beautifully recreated. Very relaxing, we went on a diesel and a steam train. My daughter was lucky enough to see water fill up and the coupling and she enjoyed every moment. The only downside is the very rough and dusty car park at Rothley and no shade in the heat so the car was very very hot (35 degrees on the car thermometer) so you can imagine the heat in the car. There is also a miniature railway at rothley.

What a great day out we had a fantastic day. I fully recommend. Friendly people from start to finish.

My dad was a train driver and it took me back 50 years or more when I was last on a footplate. Good meal in a first class carriage.

What a excellent day day, the staff in catering train were very friendly and helpful. We stopped at north Leicester station, when I was looking at old pictures on the wall, a member of staff came up to me and gave me some very interesting facts about the past times, and the future plans of Great Central Railway, I loved it everyone was so passionate about there jobs and went above and beyond the call of duty. They were all credit to the Great Central Railway 👌👌

We just stayed with friends in our campers at Quorn, even with the snow the staff were wonderful, trains ran, the fires lit in the waiting rooms, the platforms cleared, the cafes open, we had a marvellous weekend. Thank you , we will be back

We had a great day yesterday and last night. Spent the day travelling on the train and getting off at the stations. The evening was the Charnwood Forester meal. Which was superb, the young staff were a delight and very professional. The meal was excellent with such limited facilities. Our trip was a Xmas present and we are so very pleased that we had it, as we didn’t really know much about you. Certainly a great present . One small niggle the starter was out when we boarded the train and in view of the heat the salad had wilted and we were a bit worried about the pate being out in such heat. We are still here to tell the tale . Thank you all again

We did the murder mystery evening (with a 5 course meal) and all day tickets to tide the train today. It was so relaxing and because everyone was enjoying themselves, we didn't meet one unfriendly or unsociable person over the weekend! I'd recommend it to anyone, young and old alike.

Never fail to have a great time visiting. First was a simple return trip, then a full day's travel, Steam and Scream for Halloween, Train to the Flame for bonfire night. Paw Patrol with young members of the family... and now looking forward to the first "Fish Supper Saturday" in April.

My daughter and son treated me to a meal on the train for Mother’s Day , the meal was great ,very hot and enjoyable , the staff were very friendly and efficient.

what a nice afternoon we had.

Great little station going back in time

D.s

Just been to see peppa pig .. Once again such an amazing special event. And hundred percent worth the money. Kiddies love not only the very special events taking place but love the experience of the train rides. Fantastic 5* xx thankyou xx

If you fancy a happy day out on a wonderful railway but funds are a little limited why not pop along to the Great Central Railway one weekend when there isn't a gala or special event. It costs a bit less but there are still loads of things to see and do and because it is a double track mainline the trains still run more frequently than on many other heritage lines. I had a lovely time on Monday travelling up and down the line and getting off at every station for a wander or refreshments. Two egines in steam, a diesel sharing the spot light and the added bonus of a work a day diesel shunter running here and there moving rolling stock. Not that I would want to discourage anyone from visiting on a gala or special event day but the railway has a much quieter more peaceful but wonderful charm on those non event days where it really feels like a railway at work.

I have been coming to the railway my whole life. Never disappointed and always an improvement over the last time. A really special place.

Had an amazing driving experience day today on the bronze package.....staff were all lovely, very knowledgeable and our host John was exceptional. Food was excellent and I really loved every minute..... will definitely be back.

Great day out.......superb steam engines.....great lunch in the refreshment room at Loughborough....friendly staff.

Can't wait to come back on a Pullman dining train next time

Fantastic place for a day out -or more if like me you can't resist.

I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to have a driver experience day, my Christmas gift from my sons.

We had a really informative interesting day between arriving & me getting on the footplate & driving a steam train. The driver Alison & fireman Andy were fantastic on the actual drive. The hosts Tim & Alan were also fantastic. Thank you all!

Attended the 1940 Wartime weekend just gone we were absolutely blown away with the whole event. We took 2 elderly parents in wheelchairs really good facilities to get in and off the trains.

The staff were amazing we absolutely loved it.

A truly unique preservation line. Fantastically presented engines, rolling stock and stations. If possible, I recommend seeing the Royal Mail train in action.

A great day out for the train enthusiast.

My son and I had a great day riding up and down on the diesel railcar which served to recreate the experience of the GC towards the end of its life.

It’s a shame that diesel locos painted in liveries carried between the 70’s and 90’s are now starting to make an appearance which are totally out of keeping with GC and its recreation of the line in times gone by.

It's a great railway but they could really do with improving access from the Loughborough National Rail station. It's a long walk round and if you are visiting the loco sheds (which I suggest you do so you can see the work which goes on behind the scenes) it feels like you have completed a massive circle.



Breakfasts from the on-train griddle are well worth indulging in.

Great night on the first running of the Fish and Chip train. It was great and, no doubt, will get better. Thanks to Michael and his team. Look forward to their next adventure. Did I hear Gin and Canapés? Sign us up.

A wonderful day out. Staff are friendly and helpful. Stations are beautifully recreated. Very relaxing, we went on a diesel and a steam train. My daughter was lucky enough to see water fill up and the coupling and she enjoyed every moment. The only downside is the very rough and dusty car park at Rothley and no shade in the heat so the car was very very hot (35 degrees on the car thermometer) so you can imagine the heat in the car. There is also a miniature railway at rothley.