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Great Central Railway

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Home > See & Do > Great Central Railway

Step back in time and ride the rails as you board a steam train straight out of classic literature. Relive the early days of tourism as you take the same journey as Thomas Cook’s first day trip passengers. Experience the thrill of passing trains as you travel through the rolling Leicestershire countryside.

Remember the days when steam ruled the rails at Great Central Railway!

Here you will find the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway – and the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other! Trains run every weekend of the year, bank holidays and selected week days in the summer months. 

There are four stations on the line, all of which have are wheelchair accessible: Loughborough Central Station (LE11 1RW), Quorn & Woodhouse Station (LE12 8AG), Rothley Station (LE7 7LD) and Leicester North Station (LE4 3BR). See the Great Central Railway for the latest timetable and fares.

For a first class experience, why book onto the restaurant car service which provides a five course meal whilst travelling between Loughborough and Leicester? Or you can make your childhood dreams come true and try out the ‘Drive a Locomotive’ experience, where you can take the regulator on a mighty steam locomotive or notch up on a powerful diesel. With all this as well as special events, Great Central Railway is a great day out for all the family!

Visitor Details

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Tel: +44 (0) 1509632323

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• Uncover the story - Pioneer of popular tourism, Thomas Cook, arranged his first one-day rail excursion in 1841 by chartering a steam train to take 500 passengers from Leicester to Loughborough and back for a shilling. <hr> The success of this and other excursions led Thomas Cook to set up his own travel agency business, earning Leicester the title of the ‘birthplace of popular tourism’. Thomas Cook was one of the oldest travel firms in the world and a company credited with changing the global tourism landscape. <hr> Today visitors can still follow the same landmark route through the Leicestershire countryside, taking a restored steam train from Leicester North station to Loughborough Central. <hr> An excursion on the Great Central Railway will truly recreate the magic of the golden age of steam. It has a double track section giving passengers the thrill of full-size steam trains passing each other at speed and is in fact the only place in the world where this can be experienced. <hr> In its heyday the Great Central Railway linked cities in the north and Midlands to London. Today it’s not the destination that’s important, but the journey passengers take on this delightful heritage railway. Steam and diesel trains take passengers between a series of charming restored stations, past working signal boxes and water towers, over viaducts and through the rolling fields of the beautiful Leicestershire countryside. <hr> Trains run every weekend of the year, bank holidays and selected weekdays through the summer. In addition, First Class Restaurant Car services provide five course meals whilst travelling between Loughborough and Leicester. As passengers wait for their next train, they can enjoy the refreshments provided at station buffets or browse for gifts at the Emporium. <hr> A full programme of events includes Steam Galas, 1940s Wartime Weekend and themed events for the family.

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Our day trips are the ideal full-day adventure. Our destinations include some Britain’s most loved national treasures, Areas of Outstanding National Beauty, ancient Cathedral cities, maritime favourites, Celtic adventures, and medieval wonders.

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• Days Out and Tours

Great Central Railway Steam Train Experience for Two

• Flexible Booking
• Instant Delivery
• Free Exchanges

Go back in time to the golden age of steam locomotion to the UK’s only double track, main line heritage railway.

Enjoy a day’s unlimited travel on the award-winning Great Central Railway. The only place in the world where full-size steam engines pass each other. Board at any of the railway’s stations, and take some time to visit the museum, restored station buildings and gift shop. Set a date for the 12th greatest railway journey in the world.

The round trip takes about 1 hour 30 minutes but you will enjoy unlimited travel throughout the day so feel free to take your time and hop on and off as often as you like.

What's Included

• Enjoy a day's unlimited travel on the Great Central Railway’s heritage trains
• Hop aboard at any of the four stations along the railway
• Check out the restored station buildings and visit the museum
• Experience gift pack including personalised voucher and message card

What happens on the day?

On the day of your visit you will be able to board a train at any of the four stations on The Great Central Railway and enjoy unlimited travel for the whole day. Take some time to visit the museum, restored station buildings and gifts shop and discover the history of this fascinating stretch of heritage railway. 

Participant guidelines

• Under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult
• The experience content, equipment used and restrictions may vary 

Availability

Steam & heritage diesel trains run January to October on every weekend of the year, on bank holidays and on selected week days, mostly during the summer.

There's no need to book but you will need to check opening times prior to your visit. Please note that your voucher is valid for days when a standard published timetable and ordinary fares apply. This excludes Special Event days including galas and themed events.

Please be sure to take your physical voucher on the day, as you will need to hand this over in exchange for the tickets. 

The round trip lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. However, unlimited travel throughout the day is yours to enjoy.

Please note this experience is not available until 2021.

What about insurance?

The centres contracted with us hold public liability insurance. We also hold contingency liability cover. You will not be liable for accidental damage to equipment, except where damage has been caused as a result of recklessness or wilful negligence.

Please ensure you are familiar with the terms and conditions of the experience.

How it works

All you have to do is pay for the experience you wish to purchase and we’ll send a voucher and booking information to you or directly to the recipient, then you just need to check the info and book your experience.

Customer Reviews

out of 5 stars

Based on 75 reviews

Find out what others have to say about this experience

Absolutely fabulous day with the sights and sounds of days gone by, remembering past memories,we spend six hours here just taking it all in, well worth the money and with lovely staff too, couldn’t fault it, would visit again 😃

Deborah Watson

Great Central Railway

Great day, went up and down the line twice (Loughborough - Leicester 30 minute run) Staff were very friendly and we were transported back to a much nicer period. The smell of the engine was irresistable. Thoroughly recommended. There is an engine shed and museum to look round also, although we didn't get the time to visit these.

Great central railway

Very nice interesting day

Very good day staff very helpful and knowledgeable

Enjoyed the experience

Great day out!

I had a great day out with my Dad who enjoyed the experience immensely. Very nostalgic in every way!

excellent day out

everything went like clockwork, except that it was steam powered! Fab day out, fabulous breakfast on train. Brill.

A great day

Lovely train ride through the countryside. Able to stay at each station to explore and get on the next train. Staff very smart in appropriate era uniforms. Very friendly and helpful. Station cafes have an old railway station ambience. We had lunch in a one of the cafes. Really good. We travelled on a steam train and a diesel. Well worth a visit.

Great day of nostalgia

Spent the day riding up and down the Great Central Railway, dipping in the stations, cafes and exhibits. Volunteer staff so smart in their uniforms and so helpful with their knowledge. Loved every minute.

Good day out

I love steam trains. Friendly and helpful staff. Warm sunny day. What's not to like

This is a super railway, excellently run and the stations are brilliantly done up to reflect different periods. My absolute favourite is Quorn & Woodhouse which is the World War II themed station. Do not miss the NAAFI tea room tucked away at the end of the platform. There’s too much good stuff to mention. Just go and enjoy it!

A lovely Day

Had a wonderful day lots to do and see. Freedom to get off at each station to look around. Enjoyed the themed stations. Made to feel welcome where ever we went a lovely experience. It would have been helpful if voucher said could not be used for the special event days which were the same price anyway.

This was a day to remember. It was a gift from my son, who sadly had died. It was shared with my grandson and great grandson. There was much to do, and travelling on trains and seeing how everything works was great.

Alan Moseley

Great Central day out

Very enjoyable, we rode on two trains, a steamer and a diesel. We also had a look around the stations, and we walked the route where the existing GC is going to link up with the GC North. The day passed quite quickly.

Steam train experience

Good day out no matter what your age

a day on the Great Central Railway

We had a great day travelling on the trains. A ll the trains ran as advertised so we were able to do some walking as well at the various stops on the line. All the staff on the railway were excellent helping to make it an extremely good day out.

Steve and Rachel

Good day out! Very friendly staff. Would definitely recommend.

Ron Pinnick

Golden years

Such a wonderful experience reminders of our youth,so well maintained,staff throughout the day so helpful and knowledgeable.

Paul Terrett

For train lovers it's a day worth doing.

Great day out

We had a great day out at the Great Western Train museum. The staff were excellent at all four stations. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic who went the extra mile to make sure you enjoyed your visit. It was a real step back in time the carriages brought back lots of fond memories of travelling when I was a child. All the stations were kitted out with authentic props etc. There was eating venues on each station and the food was very reasonable and tasted good. I would definitely recommend.

A very enjoyable day

We had a lovely day on the steam train , taking us back in time , and bringing back memories.

best day out

we had a lovely day out and your volunteers could not be more helpful to us, the weather was great

Great Central RailwaySteam Experience

Very enjoyable day weather perfect.

Mark Hughes

Lovely day on the train from Leicester North to Loghborough and back . Special thanks to the railway volunteer who transported us from Rothley station to Leicester North due to. Problem with train stuck at Leicester North. He went above and beyond for us - will go again soon.

Great day on the steam railway

Great day friendly service and loads of sun

Super day being hauled by 2 different steam engines and 1 diesel ,very friendly staff. managed to meet a old friend who just happened to be one of the drivers of the steam engine.

Excellent afternoon out

If you like steam trains this place is a real gem complete with well preserved stations - like stepping back in time. The all day ticket is worthwhile you can travel the line as much as you want and hop off at the different stations where there are lovely cafe facilities along the route. Really glad we found this place.

A lovely nostalgic day.

A lovely nostalgic day, all 4 stations along the journey were lovely, clean and pretty...with the old fashioned taste theme, really enjoyed it ..

Great day steam train was lovely. Stations are exceptional. Staff were brilliant. Thoroughly recommend.

Nice day out

Well run heritage railway. Not the longest journey (although they are working to change that by connecting up with another preserved portion of the GCR) but they make a real effort to not only run trains but also to give a period feel to the stations along the route. Parking at Leicester North was no problem and all of the staff were friendly. If you're going to go for this which is billed as a 'steam train experience' do check the website first as not all services are steam hauled.

Fun day out

All the charm of the yester year. Chill out to the clickety clack of the railway line, explore the villages and have a nice cuppa at the Stations

Excellent day simply wonderful staff. Well done and thank you one and all.

A step back in time

Great experience, well worth the visit. The stations are set up brilliantly to make you feel like you are in a bygone age. The staff are very helpful and hard working. The line is set in wonderful countryside. There is plenty going on in and around Loughborough station and lots to see. The museum and waiting room is packed with very interesting artefacts. I would recommend a visit to anyone looking for a day out

Unlimited train journey

Loved how easy it was to hop on and off the train having a steam engine and diesel fun day with the family. Stopping at stations and looking at memorabilia. Didn't realise it was tea for 2 as well

Emlyn and Frances Davies

Great Central Train Experience

every thing went brilliantly

Staff very helpful and knowledgable

Excellent day from start to finish.

John Remnant

Great Steam

We can give this experience a 5* rating and would recommend it to everyone. if you like steam trains then this is the place for you GREAT

Paul Robertson

Great Centrsl Railway

Friendly, enthusiast and helpful staff. Facilities clean and inviting. Enjoyable experience and would both recommend and revisit in the future.

Steam train

Excellent day out highly recommended for all the family.

great central railway

Excellent day went to richard the third museum

The best heritage railway by far !

All engine and building restoration done to a very high standard, All staff really friendly and knowledgeable. Lovely scenery and good facilities - a great day out !

Enjoyable experience

Most enjoyable day, not enough hours in the day, very nice experience

Take a step back in time!

This was a wonderful day out. The Great Central Railway is a preserved part of an original railway. All of the staff are really accessible and friendly - even the maintenance team in their flourescent jackets! We explored Leicester North and Rothley stations to the full. The sights and smells are lovely, and the bacon, brie and cranberry sandwiches at Ellis's Tea room. I could go on, but just do this and enjoy. We did not even go on one of the special event days!

Railway trip

Fabulous day bought back many memories

Very good day out. Plenty of facilities along the route. Worth stopping off at each station to explore. Railway staff were very helpful.

An amazing experience.

A thoroughly enjoyable day and I am in awe of the incredible amount of effort that so many people have put in over the years,to bring back such an amazing part of what is such a rich part of our heritage. What a shame that so much was destroyed in the first place by government ministers. All I spoke with,especially the footplate crews,were unstinting with their time in answering all of my many questions. A big 'thank you' to all. As a well known actor once said,"I'll be back"!

Malc Pownall

A great day out

Brilliant experience, the staff were very informative. Stopped of at each station. Plenty to see and do.

Memories return

Fantastic day, breakfast in the buffet car, awesome! Everyone so friendly, pint at Loughborough station went down a treat. Highly recommended.

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4 locations across the UK

• East Midlands ( 4 locations) Arrow Right Icon

Locations shown shouldn't be used for route planning

East Midlands

• Loughborough, Leicestershire
• Rothley, Leicestershire
• Birstall, Leicestershire
• Gifts for Explorers
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THE RIBBLEHEAD RAMBLER

Join us for Tornado' s first main line railtour since overhaul as we venture across the beautifully rugged Settle and Carlisle Railway on this superb steam train excursion from the East Midlands and Yorkshire. 

SATURDAY 31st AUGUST

Join us from:

East Midlands Parkway

Chesterfield

Book Online Below

Call Our Booking Office on 01325488215

The Settle and Carlisle Railway

Join us for a steam train excursion across the iconic Settle and Carlisle Railway.  Eminent railway engineers of the age proclaimed that it would be impossible to build a main line railway through this hostile terrain. Building the Settle & Carlisle almost broke the Midland Railway but determination was rewarded with a magnificent double-track main line railway sweeping through the hills. Passengers will enjoy breath-taking scenery as the landscape becomes more wild and beautiful as the train steams north, through tunnels and across viaducts to reach Carlisle. Come along and enjoy the experience of No. 60163 Tornado climbing to Blea Moor and Ais Gill summits once again!

Your Journey

Starting in Leicester, and pausing for passengers at East Midlands Parkway, Chesterfield, Doncaster and Leeds, the train leaves the bustle of towns beind as it heads northwest towards the border town of Carlisle. 

From Skipton, the Settle and Carlisle Railway awaits, famed for its beauty within the rolling landscape of the Dales and North Pennines. This stretch of railway demonstrates the skill and determination of Victorian civil engineering prowess in challenging and inhospitable terrain. Highlights of the journey include Tornado hard at work to complete the climb to Ais Gill summit, the highest point of the line at 1,169ft, and Dent Station is the highest in England at 1150ft. To accommodate for the rolling landscape, the railway was built along many viaducts and cuts through long tunnels, the longest tunnel at Blea Moor is over two miles long! One of the most iconic sights on the route is the Ribblehead Viaduct; the 24 arches stretch a quarter of a mile over 100ft above the ground and offer spectacular uninterrupted views of the landscape. 

The northern most section of the Settle and Carlisle Railway takes us through The Eden Valley. This is one of the most picturesque sections of the route with wooded valleys and open vistas following the course of the River Eden. Passengers can enjoy travelling through the lush green landscape and the views of the Lakeland Fells.

'The Ribblehead Rambler' returns via its outward route, crossing the Settle and Carlisle line in both directions. Much is said of the beauty and scale of this railway, but to fully appreciate it, it must be experienced first-hand!

Carlisle is England’s biggest city by area and is the county town of Cumbria. The city sits on the doorstep of both the Lakes and Hadrian’s Wall and blends 2000 years of human occupation with everything you would expect from a vibrant 21st century city.

The Cathedral is within a few minutes’ walk of the spacious pedestrianised Greenmarket – a focal point for street entertainment and Farmers’ Markets. Nearby, the formidable fortress of Carlisle Castle stands proud over the cityscape.

Overlying this rich heritage is a vibrant town centre of modern shops, pavement cafes and leisure facilities, that rivals most other cities in the north of England. 

Armed Forces

We are offering 15% off Tourist Class tickets and £15 off Premier Dining tickets for Armed Forces Card holders. To make your discounted booking, please call the Booking Office on 01325 488215

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60163 TORNADO

2007 PRINCE OF WALES

Important notice.

We are moving to our new works this week and our office will be closed during this time and we will not be available to answer any calls or emails. Online donations and bookings will be unaffected.

The country railway at the heart of rural England...

There’s so much more to see and do on the Battlefield Line than first meets the eye. Climb aboard one of our trains and you’re transported back in time on an historical journey, courtesy of a country railway in the heart of rural England.

The Battlefield Line is the last remaining part of the former Ashby and Nuneaton Joint Railway which was opened in 1873. It runs from Shackerstone via Market Bosworth to Shenton in Leicestershire and is operated by the Shackerstone Railway Society. Shackerstone Station is at the northern end of the line, and is the headquarters of the railway with museum, Victorian tea room souvenir shop, loco shed and main rolling stock located here. There is ample free parking, and the Ashby Canal is just a stones throw away. Our remarkable railway captures the very essence of a country line, with steam, diesel and railcar train services along with small stations meandering along a single track line. It really does convey something of the feeling and atmosphere of heady days past. For anyone who retains a sense of nostalgia for times gone by, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at this place - one of Leicestershire’s best kept secrets, not just a train ride but a journey into history as well. Whether you visit us on one of our special event days or on a more quieter day there is plenty to see and do on your visit. Why not extend your stay and join us for the weekend many of our special events run for several days and there is also plenty of other attractions near by to suit all generations.

Upcoming train services...

Saturday 22nd June

Heritage Diesel Railcar

• Brief History
• Company Directors
• Guide to the Line
• Locomotives
• Accessibility
• Accommodation
• BR MK1 Stock
• Railway Vehicle Preservations
• The Windcutter Project
• Walks around the Line
• The Mountsorrel Branch
• Signal Box – Swithland Sidings
• Vintage Vehicle Club
• Job Vacancies
• Timetables & Fares
• What’s On 2024
• First Class Dining Trains
• Griddle Car
• Fish and Chip Trains
• Private Charters & Group Dining
• Buffet – Loughborough Central
• Shop – Loughborough Central
• Museum – Loughborough Central
• Emporium – Loughborough Central
• Loughborough Central Canopy
• Locomotive Shed – Loughborough Central
• Signal Box – Loughborough Central
• Butler Henderson Café – Quorn & Woodhouse
• NAAFI Style Tearoom – Quorn & Woodhouse
• Turntable – Quorn & Woodhouse
• Signal Box – Quorn & Woodhouse
• Ellis’s Tearoom – Rothley
• Station Tearoom – Rothley
• Garden Railway – Rothley
• Signal Box – Rothley
• Greenacres – Leicester North
• Station Tearoom – Leicester North

Steam Locomotive Driver Experiences

• Diesel Locomotive Driver Experiences
• Filming at the GCR
• Testing and training at the GCR

Imagine the thrill of taking control of a living, breathing steam engine.  On the Great Central Railway you can!  Our line has double track, signals and stations, it's the stuff of childhood dreams...

Budding drivers can get behind the controls and for a few hours, or even a day, enjoy the thrill of driving a giant express passenger or freight engine on Britain's only main line steam railway.  As the only place in  this country where you can drive a steam locomotive on a main line, this is truly  the experi ence of a lifetime .

We have 3 steam experience packages to choose from:

Bronze - £595

• Shared Drive of a Steam Locomotive (no coaches) - 8 mile drive, plus 8 mile footplate ride with one other customer

Bronze packages take place on selected weekends.

• Welcome Briefing with Tea/Coffee for Driver and Guests
• Viewing of Introductory Film
• Lunch for Driver plus one Guest
• Guided Tour of Loco works
• Visit to Loughborough Signal Box
• Complimentary travel for driver and one guest (for passenger services for rest of day)
• Presentation Certificate
• 12 months membership of Friends of Great Central Mainline for Driver

Silver - £995

• Shared Drive of a Steam Train (Locomotive and coaches) - 16 mile drive, plus 16 mile footplate ride with one other customer

Silver packages can take place on selected Fridays.

• Lunch for Driver plus Two Guests
• Complimentary travel for Two Guests

Gold - £3,600

The ultimate footplate experience. This is your opportunity to drive a train all day long. Set the controls and stoke up the boiler for four full round trips with a break for lunch.

Gold packages can takes place on selected weekdays.

• Drive of a Steam Train (Locomotive and coaches) - 64 mile drive, 4 full round trips
• Choice of Traditional Breakfast or Afternoon Tea (both served at lunchtime) for Driver plus up to Eight Guests
• Exclusive GCR Gift Bag for Driver
• Complimentary travel for up to Eight Guests.

If you already have a gift voucher for one of our driving experiences which is close to its expiry date, please contact the Booking Office on 01509 632323 to arrange the date to enjoy your experience.

"Drive a Locomotive and Drive a Train” - Booking Conditions

Following receipt of your voucher, you should contact the Booking Office by emailing [email protected] , or by calling 01509 632323 for a range of dates upon which the chosen package may be booked; once the date has been agreed, this is treated as a firm booking. • All bookings are made in accordance with the Company’s Conditions of Carriage, www.gcrailway.co.uk/terms and the special condition that the Company reserves the right to cancel, amend or alter any service offered and that no refunds will be provided where an alternative or amended service has been offered. • Participants must be over 18 years of age and be physically and mentally fit with reasonable hearing and vision. Participants must be capable of climbing up and descending the vertical steps between the footplate of the locomotive and ground level (approximately 6 feet). • The Company reserves the right to refuse access onto locomotives to anyone who appears to be unfit to operate them. This includes anyone who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Please note that cameras (still or video), or mobile phones, should not be used on the locomotive when it is in motion. • Applicants need not have any previous locomotive driving experience. • If you are unsure whether the person for whom the booking is intended can meet all of these conditions please call our booking office for advice before purchasing an experience.

Validity A date for your experience must be arranged within 12 months of the date of purchase of your voucher. Vouchers may be exchanged for a higher priced product upon payment of a sum equal to the price difference.

Refunds A full refund will only be offered up to 14 days from the date of purchase subject to a £20.00 administration fee. Thereafter refunds will only be considered in exceptional and unforeseen cases where, for instance, the recipient has suffered serious injury or illness within the unexpired term of the voucher and in the opinion of the Company would be unable to undertake the experience.

Cancellations The following fee will be payable for change of date or cancellation once a date has been confirmed for your experience :- • Within 2 weeks of experience date - 20% of purchase price • Between 2 weeks and 6 weeks of your experience date - 10% of purchase price • More than 6 weeks before your experience date - no fee • Failure to turn up on the day of your experience, without prior notification will result in the voucher being considered redeemed.

Photo courtesy of Vincent Scothern

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• 2024 events calendar - 01 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024

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Great Central Railway PLC, Great Central Road, Loughborough, LE11 1RW

Tel: 01509 632323 | Email: [email protected]

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THE SHAKESPEARE EXPRESS TO STRATFORD (RETURN): DEPARTING FROM DERBY, LEICESTER OR WORCESTER

DERBY SUNDAY 26TH MAY, WORCESTER SUNDAY 30TH JUNE OR LEICESTER SUNDAY 14TH JULY

Quick Details

• Tag Category: The Shakespeare Express
• Calendar Availability: May - July

Departure from Derby, Leicester or Worcester

Join us this summer for a delightful Sunday through pretty countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon – complete with a famous express steam locomotive from the golden age of train travel.

You’ll board on a Sunday morning. Sit back in your 1950s or 1960s seat for a journey of approximately 2 hours – taking in a variety of views.

As we arrive at Stratford, you will have an opportunity to take a photograph of the locomotive before heading into this historic town for a few hours to shop and sightsee.

We arrive in Stratford at 12:45 and depart Stratford at approximately 16:15.

• Chevron down Timetable

Approximate departure times from Derby:

Departing Derby at 10:34 arriving at 19:05 Departing Burton-on-Trent at 10:53 arriving at 18:46 Departing Tamworth High Level at 11:08 arriving at 18:28 Departing Coleshill Parkway at 11:30 arriving at 17:40

Arriving at Stratford at 12:42 departing at 16:46

Approximate departure times from Leicester:

Departing Leicester at 10:25 arriving at 18:40 Departing Nuneaton at 10:50 arriving at 18:10 Departing Coleshill Parkway at 11:20 arriving at 17:40

Arriving at Stratford at 12:55 departing at 16:15

Approximate departure times from Worcester:

Departing Worcester Shrub Hill at 10:25 arriving at 19:00 Departing Droitwich Spa at 10:35 arriving at 18:50

Arriving at Stratford at 13:10 departing at 16:30

• Chevron down Pullman Class

If you want to enjoy the full glamour of steam train travel, Pullman class is for you. In these glamorous seats, you will be served with a full English breakfast on the morning journey and afternoon tea on our return trip.  Tickets are £85 per adult and £50 per child in these carriages .

Guaranteed tables of two can be booked for a supplement of £10 per person (subject to availability).

• Chevron down Tourist Class

Seating at a table for four in our Tourist coaches. These seats are great for a good summer day out. Arranged in bays of four around picture windows, you will have a superb trip. These seats are just £45 per adult and £30 per child – a great price for lasting memories.

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Shakespeare Express: Birmingham to Stratford (Return)

Join us this for a delightful Sunday trip from Birmingham to Stratford-Upon-Avon through pretty Warwickshire countryside – complete with a famous express steam locomotive from the golden age of train travel.

Shakespeare Express: Stratford – Birmingham (Return)

Shakespeare Express: Join us for a Summer Sunday Steam Train trip from Stratford-upon-Avon through pretty Warwickshire countryside to Birmingham and back – Complete with a famous express steam locomotive from the golden age of train travel. Book today!

Learn about the British Pullman

The carriages.

This restored 1920s train has sheltered royalty and been a star of the silver screen. Each whimsically-named carriage has a story to tell. Explore Audrey, Vera, Minerva and more to discover their distinctive personalities. Delight in antique-style marquetry, vintage lighting and heritage upholstery, where our passion for preserving history is evident at every turn.

Damaged in 1940 by air raid at Victoria Station, repaired and rejoined Brighton Belle in 1947. Carried the Queen, the Queen Mother and H.R.H. Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh to review the Fleet in 1953. Transported the Queen on her visit to Sussex University 1964.

Cygnus was used in the special Festival of Britain rake in 1951, and was often reserved for use by Royalty and visiting Heads of State. It featured in the film ‘Agatha’ with Vanessa Redgrave and Dustin Hoffman.

In 2021, Cygnus was reimagined by filmmaker Wes Anderson. The new look features stunning symmetrical marquetry, bold rectilinear shapes and a visual feast of complementary colours.

In 1948 was used, with sister car Mona, to convey H.M. Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) to Brighton. Brighton Belle service withdrawn in 1972. Preserved as a restaurant at The Horseless Carriage, Chingford, Essex, and later at the Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham, Essex.

1925 by Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Co. Sold to La Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits et des Grands Express Européens for service in Italy. History: Purchased by the Pullman Car Company Ltd. in 1928 and returned to Britain for Golden Arrow service. Entered Cunard boat train service between Victoria and Southampton 1952. Retired 1968.

Built in 1928 as a First Class kitchen car. Served on Ocean Liner services and Bournemouth Belle until 1939. Later ran on Queen of Scots, Golden Arrow, Yorkshire Pullman, South of Wales Pullman and the high speed Talisman route before retiring in 1968.

Built in 1928 as a First Class parlour car for the Queen of Scots Pullman. Transferred to Southern Region in 1963 and ran in Bournemouth Belle until 1967. Preserved by Mr E. Lewis-Evans at the South Eastern Steam Centre, Ashford until 1984.

Built in 1927 and served many Pullman routes. Joined the Devon Belle in 1947 and the Golden Arrow in 1951, being used in the special Festival of Britain rake. Often included in special trains for state visits and royal use in the early 50s.

Designed in the 30s but not completed until 1951. Used in the special Festival of Britain rake as part of the Golden Arrow service. Formed part of Winston Churchill’s funeral train in 1965. Part of the last journey of the Golden Arrow in 1972.

Favourite carriage of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother: used by General de Gaulle and visiting Heads of State; made last journey of Golden Arrow 1972. Became stationary restaurant in Lyon, France 1973.

Vera was directly hit in an air raid at Victoria Station in 1940. Roof extensively repaired, she rejoined Brighton Belle in 1947. Used by Royalty to review the Fleet in 1953 and for Prince Charles’ and Princess Anne’s first trip on an electric train in 1954. Brighton Belle service withdrawn in 1972. Preserved as a garden house in Suffolk.

Built in 1928 as a First Class parlour car. After the war, she joined Queen of Scots and Yorkshire Pullman until 1955, and then the Golden Arrow until 1960. Retired in 1965 as part of the final run of the Tees-Tyne Pullman.

Sensational Destinations

Vibrant cities, ancient castles, stately homes and celebrated sporting events... When you step aboard British Pullman, there's a whole world of possible destinations. Discover the historic gems of Bath, York or Canterbury. Feel like royalty as you explore Blenheim Palace or Sandringham. Feel the buzz at key calendar moments, such as the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot. Wherever you go, you'll start and end your day in style aboard our vintage carriages.

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Unforgettable Experiences

Anticipate a day of lifelong memories without ever leaving the train. Spoil someone special with a classic Afternoon Tea or signature Golden Age of Travel lunch. Dress to impress and step aboard for a glamorous dinner with a renowned celebrity chef. Sleuth your way through a cast of unforgettable characters on an exciting Murder Mystery trip. Soak up the timeless atmosphere and raise a toast as you set off on a round-trip through the beautiful Kentish countryside.

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Explore Britain by Rail

The romance of rail travel is encapsulated by Belmond British Pullman. Everything comes easily on this luxurious journey, from the beautiful views to the incredible food served onboard. The experience of sipping champagne as you glide through the British countryside in our sumptuous carriages is, quite simply, divine.

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Fun steam train day trips to take in 2024

Georgia Garnett

A student from University of Nottingham.

A day trip on a steam train can be a fun, unique experience. You get to see some of the most beautiful sights in the country while being treated to a luxury train experience that normal trains just don’t provide. There is plenty on offer across the country that have pick-up points at easily accessible, major train stations. If you’ve always wanted to go on one but didn’t know where to start, this article has got you covered. Here are just some of the best steam train day trips to take in 2024. 

Are steam trains too expensive for students?

The idea of going on a steam train is fun, but they aren’t always the cheapest day trips to take. When you’re a student, every penny counts. You might think that a day out on a steam train is a luxury that’s out of reach, but guess what? Well, the truth is they aren’t cheap. BUT – there are ways you can keep costs down. Here’s how you can experience the thrill of steam trains without your wallet taking a huge hit.

1. Student discounts and group deals

Many steam train operators offer student discounts, so don’t forget to flash your student ID when buying tickets. Also, if you’re planning a trip with a bunch of friends (and you should, because it’s more fun that way), look out for group discounts. Splitting the cost can make it even cheaper, and let’s face it, everything’s better with friends.

2. Off-peak travel for lower prices

Timing can be everything. If you travel off-peak, you can snag tickets at a lower price. This means avoiding weekends and holiday periods when prices can go up. A weekday adventure can be just as fun and easier on your wallet.

3. Shorter journeys, smaller price tags

You don’t have to embark on a long, epic journey to enjoy the steam train experience. Shorter trips can offer just as much charm and excitement at a fraction of the cost. These mini-adventures are perfect for a day out, letting you soak in the scenery and experience without the longer journey’s price tag.

4. Pack a picnic

Here’s a pro tip: bring your own food. While some trains offer dining cars, buying meals on board can add up. Packing a picnic can save you money and add to the fun. Imagine munching on sandwiches and snacks with your friends in a vintage train carriage – it’s like your own little party on wheels.

6. Look out for special offers

Keep an eye on the websites and social media pages of railway companies. They often have special offers, last-minute deals, or off-season discounts that can make your trip even cheaper.

The best steam train day trips for 2024

Here’s our pick of some of the most fun steam train day trips you can take this year. Some are happening soon so you need to be quick!

The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express

You’ve gotta be quick with this one, as there’s not long left. The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express travels from Manchester Piccadilly to Carlisle, with pick-up points at Wigan and Preston on the way. You’ll get to see the sights of the Fells and the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough as you go. There will be two hours in Carlisle to explore before the return journey home. While there are only three more journeys for the Winter Express this year (10th February, 17th February, 16th March), the regular Cumbrian Mountain Express has its first journey of 2024 on the 16th of May. 

The Jacobite

Up in the Scottish highlands, you’ll find The Jacobite . The 84-mile journey takes you across some of Scotland’s most breathtaking sites from Fort William to Mallaig. You’ll have about two hours in Mallaig to explore before heading back to Fort William. The train runs in both the morning and afternoon, however, the morning service is offered more frequently (28th March to 25th October, 7 days a week) compared to the afternoon (6th May to 27th September, 7 days a week). A standard adult-day return will set you back £65 per person, no matter when you are travelling. 

The Shakespeare Express:

Now this one is for the Shakespeare buffs. The Shakespeare Express runs once a week on a Sunday from April to November, departing Birmingham and arriving in Stratford about an hour later. There, you’ll have just over five hours to explore Shakespeare’s hometown and all it has to offer. So, it’s a two-in-one: you get to travel there on a steam train and you get to experience the hometown of one of England’s most celebrated playwrights. Tickets are generally more affordable than some of the other options on this list, with a tourist class seat costing a mere £35 per person. 

English Riviera Express

The English Riviera Express recreates one of the classic journeys from the golden age of steam travel. The pickup points differ depending on which day you choose to travel, but that means that so long as you’re in the general south/west of the country, it is easily accessible. After a morning of travel on the steam train, you’ll arrive at Kingswear with a little over three hours to explore the “English Riviera” resort of Dartmouth. This is an all-day trip, but it’s worth it. The train departs once a week on Saturdays throughout the summer, starting on Saturday the 4th of May and ending on Saturday the 24th of August, with increasing frequency as it gets closer to peak summer. 

The Golden Arrow

The Golden Arrow is running three times in March, on Wednesday the 13th, Tuesday the 26th and Saturday the 30th. It also has differing pick-up points for each journey, making it quite accessible for as many people as possible. But, your journey will take you through the Garden of England and the Kent coast before roughly two and a half hours of sightseeing in Canterbury before heading home. This is another trip that is truly all day, with pick-up times as early as 5:45 am and return times as late as 11:55 pm, but it is worth it. 

The Cathedrals Express

The Cathedrals Express starts in Birmingham and takes you to Salisbury, with pick-up points along the way in Widney Manor, Dorridge, Warwick Parkway and Banbury. You’ll spend the day in Salisbury, exploring all that the city has to offer, from its cathedral to its market or even visiting nearby Stonehenge. However, if this is one you want to try out, you’ll have to book quickly. As of the time of writing, the only available date left for the next year is Saturday the 2nd of March. That just goes to show how popular it is.

So, these are just some of the best steam train day trips to take in 2024. If you’ve not seen a trip for you, why not take a look at our best road trips to do around the UK.

By now, we’re in the swing of things for the second semester at university, which means cooking for yourself again. Check out this article for some healthy meals that you can make on a student budget.

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7 Incredible Day Trips From Leicester

Updated: Sep 3, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I have personally used and would recommend.

Recently, I spent a few days exploring the city of Leicester, learning all about its unique history and what makes it such a special place to visit. Apart from the city itself, I found that there were a lot of incredible day trips from Leicester to choose from, which varied from historical points of interest to nature walks. The only problem I had with our trip was trying to narrow down which day trips from Leicester to actually go on, because there were more than a couple of castles that caught my eye in the area!

Leicester is located in the East Midlands, in the landlocked county of Leicestershire, which is just over a two hour drive north of London. Chances are if you've heard of Leicester before, you probably associate it with football, cheese, or pies - but it has a lot more to offer than that! There are some great things to do in Leicester's city centre , but I found that some of my favourite attractions were located outside of the city. With a history dating back to at least the time of the Romans in the 1st century AD, you can just imagine how many unique places in Leicestershire there are to discover. Here are my top picks for the best day trips from Leicester:

1. Bradgate Park

One of the most popular days out in Leicester that you can go on is to Bradgate Park . It's an absolutely massive park to walk around which is steeped in history. For me, the main points of interest in Bradgate Park were Old John Tower , which was built in the 18th century and sits on top of the highest hill in the park, and the ruins of Bradgate House . The house dates back to the 16th century and was where Lady Jane Grey, who was queen for only 9 days, spent her childhood. The bricks used to build the house would have been similar to those found at Hampton Court, and at the time it would have been one of the largest unfortified houses in England. Bradgate Park has also been a deer park since the medieval period, so you'll be able to see hundreds of deer freely roaming around during your visit. If you're short on time, Bradgate Park is a great option for a day trip from Leicester as it's only a 20 minute drive from the centre. It's also completely free to enter (minus the parking charges)!

2. 1620's House and Garden

If you're interested in unique day trips from Leicester, why not check out the 1620's House and Garden ? This historical manor house can be found in Donington le Heath which is just over a 20 minute drive from Leicester. The house has been beautifully restored and is fully furnished inside, so you can gain a better understanding of what this 17th century house would have looked like and functioned as. The house was originally built in the 13th century, but was modernized in the 17th century, and has strong ties to a member of the infamous Gunpowder Plot. After you make your way through the house, you can take a stroll through the very well maintained gardens and grab a light snack at the on-site cafe. Tickets cost just £5.95 and are valid for the whole year.

3. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre

If you know anything about Leicester and Richard III, Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre is a great option for a day trip from Leicester. The battlefield is one of the most popular days out in Leicestershire, taking only 30 minutes by car to get to from Leicester, and is only a short drive from the 1620's House too. I would highly recommend checking out their exhibition so that you can learn more about the build up to the battle, what happened during it, and the consequences of its outcome. It's a very interactive exhibition which is ideal if you're travelling with kids. After walking through the exhibition, you can take a stroll through the Bosworth Battlefield Country Park and look out over the fields where the battle took place. A ticket to the exhibition costs £8.95 which is valid for the whole year (unlimited reentry), and the country park is free to walk around. They also have the option of adding a guided walk to your ticket for £4.50 .

4. Rockingham Castle

There are plenty of interesting places near Leicester to visit, and one of these places sits just over the county border in Northamptonshire. Rockingham Castle is located 50 minutes from Leicester, and was originally built in the 11th century on the orders of William the Conqueror. The castle's elevated position overlooking the countryside made it an ideal location to build a defensive castle, which is why it was used throughout the medieval period as well. Today you can go on a self-guided tour of the castle and take a stroll around the gardens for just £12.50 . The castle also plays host to a number of events throughout the year such as picnics, artisan fairs, and outdoors cinemas, so make sure you check out the schedule on their website before visiting. If you love castles, this is the perfect day trip from Leicester for you to go on.

5. Foxton Locks

There are a large number of places one hour away from Leicester to travel to. Foxton Locks is one of these places. Here is where you'll find the longest and steepest staircase of locks in the country, and they are still very much in use today. We saw quite a few canal boats passing through the locks when we visited, and it was interesting to see how people were still manually raising and lowering the water levels to get the boats through. The locks date back to the early 19th century, and today are a very popular tourist attraction in Leicestershire. Foxton Locks are free to visit and walk around, but you will need to pay for parking.

6. Market Harborough

A short 10 minute drive from Foxton Locks is the charming town of Market Harborough . It's a lovely place to visit near Leicester if you happen to be visiting the locks and other nearby areas. We stopped here for a quick snack and took a stroll around the main street, where there are surprisingly a lot of shops and restaurants to choose from. This market town was established during the Anglo-Saxon period, and was later used by Oliver Cromwell as the front line in the English Civil War of 1645. Market Harborough also grew in prominence in the 19th century as a centre for fox hunting. While there aren't too many things to do in Market Harborough, I would recommend a short stop here if you're in the area.

7. Belvoir Castle

Castles in Leicestershire don't come much better than Belvoir Castle . The castle originally dates back to the time of William the Conqueror, and since then there have been four castles that have stood on this site. The castle you see today was built in the 19th century, and was designed by the man who made improvements to Windsor Castle, so you may see some resemblance between the two. Belvoir Castle is one of the most popular places to visit near Leicester, and is also a popular filming location. If you're a fan of historical dramas, you may recognize it from The Crown where it was used in place of Windsor Castle, or from The Young Victoria.

We took a guided tour of the castle before taking a walk through its large gardens and woodlands, which I would highly recommend doing so you can learn about the castle's history and get some fun facts from the guide as well. When you're finished at the castle, you can also visit the Engine Yard , which is the castle's retail village and a great place to grab something to eat. Belvoir Castle was by far one of my favourite day trips from Leicester that we went on and is well worth the 50 minute drive to get to. Castle and garden entry tickets cost £18 , and you can also upgrade that ticket to include afternoon tea at the castle.

There are many more days out near Leicester to choose from, but sadly we didn't have enough time in our schedule to visit them all. Although Leicestershire is very much a rural county in England, there are some phenomenal points of interest that you can add to your itinerary if you're thinking of touring around the East Midlands. There's definitely no shortage of historical places to see in Leicestershire that's for sure. I can't wait to head back to this part of the country and find even more incredible day trips from Leicester to add to my list!

Have you been to Leicestershire before? I'd love to hear what you thought of the county and if I missed any day trips from Leicester that you would recommend. If you're planning a trip around England, you should check out York , Burnley , and Manchester too! Don't forget to follow my travels on Instagram for more photos from my visit to Leicester and the surrounding area!

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