![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dluxe-magazine.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/IJKM.jpg\")
<\/figure>Great Central Railway is a historic railway line in Leicestershire, operating from its main station in Loughborough. It\u2019s a recommissioned railway line that transports you back to a bygone era; an age of the steam train. The line takes on Loughborough, Quorn, Rothley and Leicester North.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having lived in Charnwood for the best part of 20 years, I had visited the quaint village station in Quorn many times before \u2013 it\u2019s always been a firm favourite of my parents. There\u2019s something romantic about Quorn station in particular, as it\u2019s dressed as if wartime Britain. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
But, I digress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Departing from the ridiculously cute, Victorian Loughborough train station, we are welcomed at the wooden panelled and festively festooned ticket office before descending onto the platform. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everything runs like clockwork, so we don\u2019t wait long before we are welcomed onto the vintage steam train and its assortment of carriages by the army of Elves. Excitement levels build as the kids are offered their own refreshments, along with a complimentary activity pad and colouring pencils. Chaperones get the harder stuff \u2013 a tot of sherry or cream liqueur and a warm mince pie. The carriages are snug and full of chatter and laughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And then we hear his bell<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
And through the billowing steam, there he is: Father Christmas, looking resplendent in his scarlet red robes and, of course, his enormous sack stuffed full of toys. He waves and rings his bell as he walks the length of the platform, waving at the grinning children inside the carriages, before embarking. And with a chuff, chuff, chuff, we pull out of the station and into the beautiful Charnwood countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Santa and his merry Elf helpers take the time to stop at the table of every child, before handing a very special present to each one. I loved the inclusivity of the present giving \u2013 every child could choose whether they wanted a boy or girl present. Some traditions are right to be reinvented for a modern age. And the kids love it. They\u2019re enraptured and giddy, which is contagious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 45 minutes later, we stop at Leicester North where we embark for a few moments \u2013 long enough to get a selfie with Santa, with the giant steam train behind us, billowing smoke from its funnels, raring to get moving again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Selfies done, we\u2019re back in our seats \u2013 with Santa safely on board, too – for the return journey back to Loughborough. It\u2019s turned dark now and the landscape changes yet again, as we whizz through open fields, woodlands and what looks like to be a giant star curtain, but is a lake with hundreds of swans. Stunning. Should it snow in the build-up to the 25th<\/sup>, this can only be even more magical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we arrive back in Loughborough, our adventure is not quite over. There are more opportunities to see Santa, explore the gift shops and, as you leave, take your own goodie bag home with you. What an adventure. As the grinning faces suggest, you\u2019re sure to be taking home plenty of happy memories, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Santa Express runs until Christmas Eve, as the Big Man is busy from then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information on the Great Central Railway and to book, visit: https:\/\/www.gcrailway.co.uk\/santa-steam-trains\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many thanks to Great Central Railway for the opportunity to travel with you on the Santa Express. Although the ticket was gifted, the words, pictures and views are our own.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dluxe-magazine.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/KHYJK-599x800.jpg\")
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