Great Central Railway is springing into May with a lineup of events that are sure to appeal to families and enthusiasts alike including a bank holiday full of beer! The railway, which is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2024 is Britain’s only mainline heritage railway and operates across multiple stations in Leicestershire.
May highlights include:
REAL ALE TRAIN 4 May 2024 18:30
Join us as we take you on a relaxing journey through the Leicestershire countryside in not one, but two of our premium charter vehicles for an evening of real ale. You’ll find the bar in our luxurious lounge car offering a selection of beers from local breweries, ciders and snacks; and where better to enjoy these than on our open-ended veranda coach offering a unique perspective of our railway and a chance to get up close with one of our giants of steam!
There will be a choice of at least 6 real ales from local breweries, together with cask cider and a range of wines and soft drinks as well as a selection of bar snacks.
Great Central Railway – Loughborough Central, Cost: £10.00 – £18.00
THE GREAT CENTRAL OPEN EXTRAVAGANZA! 11th-12th May
Get ready for an amazing adventure this May 11-12 at Great Central Railway! Join us for behind-the-scenes tours to up close encounters with vintage locomotives, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Plus, Leicester and Leicestershire residents can enjoy special fares of just £12.50 with proof of residency. And that’s not all – when you purchase an adult ticket, add up to 3
Explore behind the scenes with guided tours of the Loco Shed, Loughborough Central Station, and Quorn and Woodhouse Station, offering fascinating insights into our railway’s heritage.
Activities include:
- Witness steam locomotives being stripped down, restored, and repaired, as our knowledgeable guides take you through the shed.
- Loughborough Central Station Tour: Explore history with our family-friendly guided tours, discover the railway’s past and delve into the story of this historic station.
- Quorn & Woodhouse Station Tour: This guided walking tour will delve into Quorn station’s fascinating past, including its role in the Second World War and insights into its present operations.
- Quorn Wagon & Wagon Display: Enjoy a stunning display of rail vehicles preserved and maintained by the volunteers at Quorn Wagon & Wagon in our Quorn Station Yard.
- 9F Static Display: The iconic 9F will be on display in Quorn Yard, giving you a chance to view this vintage locomotive up close.
- Bus Tours: Bus tours from Quorn YardTin Shed
- Our Tin Shed will be open for you to enjoy a pint of beer whilst watching the trains go by… perfect! Serving Real Ale, soft drinks, tea, coffee and light refreshments.
HERITAGE BUS RALLY AND RAILCAR WEEKEND 18th -19th May
Join us at the historic Quorn & Woodhouse station yard In conjunction with Leicester Transport Heritage Trust, where entry is absolutely FREE! And get ready for a nostalgic weekend as we celebrate the charm of vintage buses and railcars.
Step into a world of vintage charm at the Heritage Bus Rally and Railcar Weekend – where admission is free, but the memories are priceless. Find out what’s in store below…
- Free Bus Rides: Enjoy FREE bus rides on a variety of urban and rural routes (including to and from Loughborough Midland (EMR) and nearby Loughborough Central (GCR) stations).
- Enhanced Train Services: Enhanced train service with steam and diesel locomotives and diesel railcars (including Metro-Cammell 101 and Derby Lightweight “Iris”. Our more modern Class 153, which is not normally in passenger service, will be operating. Mountsorrel branch trains will be running frequently. A total of 35 train departures from Quorn & Woodhouse each day.
- Travel Across All Stations: Day Runabout fares allow you to travel on any train for the day.
- Short-hop train fares also available, enabling you to travel between Quorn & Woodhouse and Loughborough Central or between Quorn & Woodhouse and Mountsorrel Halt one way by free heritage bus and one way by steam or diesel train.
- Transport Sales Stands: Explore a variety of transportation-themed sales stands located both inside the marquee and throughout the station yard at Quorn.
- Large Bus Display Area: Experience an impressive showcase of buses at our in our large display area, with over 50 buses anticipated for Saturday and many already booked for Sunday.
- Locomotives In Action: Witness two steam locomotives, one diesel loco, and three diesel railcars in action throughout the weekend.
STEAM TO MOUNTSORREL 29th to 31st May
Enjoy a weekend of steam with the addition of trains running on the restored Mountsorrel 1¼ mile branch line.
Keep up to date with what trains will be running and find out more at www.gcrailway.co.uk
