Join us for this spectacular weekend as we reunify the Great Central Railway and the Great Central Railway Nottingham for a celebration of the 125th opening of the GCR London Extension. Our Rail Replacement Bus Service will reunify the two halves of our railway with a service between Quorn and Woodhouse Station and Ruddington Station to allow you to explore all of our attractions with one inclusive ticket that is valid for entry to all sites and includes train travel and the reunification bus service. Kids go for a Quid (aged 3-15 inclusive)
Join us for this spectacular weekend as we reunify the Great Central Railway and the Great Central Railway Nottingham for a celebration of the 125th opening of the GCR London Extension. Our Rail Replacement Bus Service will reunify the two halves of our railway with a service between Quorn and Woodhouse Station and Ruddington Station to allow you to explore all of our attractions with one inclusive ticket that is valid for entry to all sites and includes train travel and the reunification bus service. Kids go for a Quid (aged 3-15 inclusive)
You can start your experience at any of our locations. Your ticket is valid across both the Great Central Railway, the Great Central Railway Nottingham and the Rail Replacement Bus Service between Quorn & Woodhouse Station and Ruddington (Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre).
There is so much to see and do across all our stations at both Great Central Railway and Great Central Railway Nottingham. Use the filters to check out what's on at each station.
Miniature Railway
Ruddington Experience the joy of riding our miniature railway, featuring track gauges of 3½", 5", and 7¼”.
Model Railway
Ruddington Take the reins of our model railway, be the conductor, control the tracks and have fun!
Meet the Fleet
Ruddington They’ll be plenty for you to see Class 03, 08, 20 and 37 Diesel Locomotives, B1 Steam Locomotive and a HST 125 Power Car.
Bric & Brac Shop
Ruddington Explore unique treasures at the Bric & Brac shop.
Heritage Cafe
Ruddington The Heritage Cafe is open all day, ready to serve up a delicious all-day breakfast.
Shuttle Service
Ruddington Enjoy a heritage bus service from Ruddington to Rushcliffe Halt with our convenient shuttle.
NABS Buses
Ruddington Discover a collection of Nottingham Area Bus Society (NABS) Buses open for guided public viewing, showcasing the rich history of these iconic vehicles.
Platform Displays
Rushcliffe Halt Explore our delightful fully dressed branch line.
Refreshments
Rushcliffe Halt Refreshment services will also be available at this station.
Shuttle Bus Service
Rushcliffe Halt Enjoy a heritage bus service from Rushcliffe Halt to Ruddington with our convenient shuttle.
Loco Shed Tours
Loughborough Central Witness steam locomotives being stripped down, restored, and repaired, as our knowledgeable guides take you through the shed.
5305 Stand
Loughborough Central Explore the 5305 stand showcasing a piece of railway history and offering insights into the iconic locomotive.
Shop
Loughborough Central Explore and buy railway items at our kiosk and shop. Visit the Emporium for railwayana and second hand books and models.
Museum
Loughborough Central Dive into the rich history of railways with a visit to our museum, a treasure trove of fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
Refreshment Room
Loughborough Central Enjoy a break at our Platform Refreshment Room, where delightful treats await you.
Friends of Great Central Main Line stand
Loughborough Central Visit the Friends of Great Central Main Line stand on the platform, discovering new ways to support and be part of the railway's journey.
Miniature Railway
Loughborough Central Travel 'North by Train' from Loughborough Central Station as you ride on a miniature train from our Locomotive Shed! Donations encouraged towards Reunification.
Rail Replacement Bus Service
Ruddington Travel from GCRN Ruddington to GCR Quorn & Woodhouse on our reunification bus service, included in your ticket.
Quorn Wagon & Wagon Display
Quorn & Woodhouse Enjoy a stunning display of rail vehicles preserved and maintained by the volunteers at Quorn Wagon & Wagon.
Stands in the Marquee
Quorn & Woodhouse Stands, including a special 125 souvenir book stall, GCR Recruitment stand, GC Railway Society, The Duke, Watkin Society (Sat only) and more. Plus you can grab a pint of real ale at the Tin Shed
Quorn Yard Displays
Quorn & Woodhouse The 9F and 47 will both be on display, giving you a chance to view these amazing locomotives up close.
Watkin Society
Quorn & Woodhouse (Sat only) Listen to the captivating talks delivered by the Watkin Society at 11.30 am and 2 pm in the goods shed - they will also have a stand on Saturday in the Marquee
Refreshments
Quorn & Woodhouse Butler Henderson Cafe, the Tin Shed and the Naafi open throughout the event to provide a delicious selection of food and drinks.
Rail Replacement Bus Service
Quorn & Woodhouse Travel from GCR Quorn & Woodhouse to GCRN Ruddington on our reunification bus service, included in your ticket.
Telecoms Exhibition
Rothley Explore the history of railway communications.
Carriage & Wagon
Rothley Visit our Carriage and Wagon works, meet the team who look after our passenger coaches, plus a lineside viewing platform through the shed.
Tearooms
Rothley Ellis Tearooms and our Platform Tearoom will both be open for you to indulge in delightful treats and drinks.
Branch Line
Mountsorrel Hop aboard one of our charming railcars for a delightful journey on the branch line. Please note that no dogs are allowed at the Mountsorrel Heritage Centre.
GC Coach No. 946
Mountsorrel Whilst in Mountsorrel, head over to the Railway Museum to view the GC Coach No. 946.
A Stunning Display
Swithland Sidings As you pass by Swithland Sidings on your train ride, don’t miss seeing all the goods wagons stabled for display.
Exhibition in a Carriage!
Leicester North Discover railway history inside a coach stabled in the bay platform.
Footplate Visits
Leicester North Many of our services will have a longer runaround time at Leicester to allow you to go and visit the footplate - an unmissable opportunity for kids (and BIG kids!)
Tearoom
Leicester North Our Platform Tearoom will be open for you to indulge in treats and drinks.
Test Car 2
Quorn & Woodhouse Explore the fascinating Test Car 2, open for visits during the event. An important vehicle used in railway testing.
Class 31 - 31210
Ruddington Just arrived at Ruddington! This diesel locomotive has never run in preservation, but is almost completely restored and will be on display at the event
All services, locomotives, exhibits, and other attractions are subject to availability, amendment, or cancellation at any time.
We are operating a busy timetable during the weekend between Loughborough and Leicester North, including trains on the Mountsorrel Branch line.
Timetable for Saturday 16th March
Timetable for Sunday 17th March
A bus service between Ruddington and Quorn & Woodhouse will be operating during the event. A shuttle bus from Loughborough Midland station (EMR) to Loughborough Central (GCR) also operates on Saturday.
Bus Link Service from Ruddington GCR(N) to Quorn & Woodhouse GCR:
To travel on this bus, you will need a train travel ticket for the day Blackmore Buses will be running a link bus, using ex-London Routemasters, from Ruddington GCR(N) to Quorn & Woodhouse GCR. These buses are included in your train ticket prices. Buses leave from both Ruddington and Quorn & Woodhouse at 10.00 am, then every half hour until 5.00pm. Journey time approx. 30 minutesThe 4.30pm and 5.00pm buses from both ends will set down passengers at Loughborough Midland main line station, upon request
Shuttle bus from Loughborough Midland (EMR) Station to Lovatt House (for Loughborough Central):
A free heritage bus service will bring you to the event on Saturday only. You do not need a ticket to travel on this bus; it is open to anyone who wants a rideThe bus leaves Midland Station at 8.55am, 9.15, 9.45, 10.15, 10.45, 11.15 and 11.45, returning from Lovatt House back to Loughborough Midland a few minutes later.There is no return service, but passengers may use the link bus from Quorn or Ruddington to get back to Loughborough Midland mainline station (see above)
The following locomotives and heritage railcars are due to operate on the Great Central Railway over the weekend. All services, locomotives, exhibits, and other attractions are subject to availability, amendment, or cancellation at any time.
Standard 5 - 73156
8F - 48305
Standard 2 - 78018 (Replaced by BR Class 37 37714 on Sunday)
Standard 2 - 78019
NER Autocar
Iris
The following locomotives and heritage railcars are due to operate on the Great Central Railway over the weekend. All services, locomotives, exhibits, and other attractions are subject to availability, amendment, or cancellation at any time.
Explore our fares and terms and conditions for an enjoyable all inclusive event. For the cheapest fares buy online.
GCR & GCRN 125th Anniversary Open Weekend | 1 day | 2 days |
Train travel + Entry - Booking Offices and Online | ||
Adult | £35 | £55 |
Child (Aged 3 - 15) Under 14s must be accompanied | £1 | £2 |
Friend/Privilege Adult (see note 6) | £25 | £40 |
Friend/Privilege Child (Aged 3 - 15) Under 14s must be accompanied (see note 6) | £1 | £2 |
Entry Only - Online and Booking Office | ||
Adult | £10 | - |
Child (Aged 3 - 15) Under 14s must be accompanied | £1 | - |
1. No Day Returns, Short Hop single or return tickets are available during this event
2. £10 Yard/Platform entry tickets are not valid for any rail travel. They may be used as a credit against a travel ticket on the day they are purchased for travel on the same day.
3. Kids for a Quid tickets are available to all children aged 3 – 15 inclusive for rail travel and site entry. Children aged under 14 must be accompanied.
4. Registered disabled visitors pay the standard event rail fare of £35.00 online or £37.00 booking office. An accompanying registered carer is offered a free complimentary fare. (If disabled tickets are booked online you will need to visit the booking office and show your ticket and the registered carers ID to be issued with the complimentary carer ticket BEFORE you board a train).
5. FREE travel at this event applies to:
1. Working Members of Friends of Great Central Main Line
2. Employees of Great Central Railway plc
3. Working members of Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd / Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre with a red and white staff card.
4. Silver and Gold GCR Shareholder passes
6. Privilege rates at this event apply to:
1. FoGCML members with a valid (in-date and signed) membership card
2. LNER (GC) Heritage Trust Membership
3. ‘HRA Privilege’ Pass holders for one or two persons depending on what is stated on card.
4. Working members of other railways with which we have a “reciprocal travel agreement” (see list), upon production of membership card/work permit.
5. Holders of Train Operating Company and ex-British Rail staff passes.
7. There is no concessionary rate for students at this event.
8. Dogs are carried FREE of charge at this event and are welcome at both of our sites but are unable to be carried on the bus services. Please note that dogs are not allowed at the Mountsorrel Heritage Centre.
9. Cycles and large items of luggage are carried FREE of charge at this event subject to available space – please speak to the Guard on the train you wish to travel on.
10. Our standard adult runabout fare (valid on all advertised services with standard class accommodation, except reservation only services (including Santa trains)) is £56 - this is valid for use on one day only during the 31 days from date of issue.
11. For a full list of our conditions of carriage, please refer to our website. https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/timetables-and-fares/conditions-of-carriage/
While every effort will be made to maintain services, we do not guarantee that trains will arrive/ depart at the times stated. Great Central Railway plc and Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd reserve the right to change our product offer or prices at any time without notice. All services, locomotives, exhibits, and other attractions are subject to availability, amendment, or cancellation at any time.
No liability for any loss, inconvenience or delay can be accepted. All railway locomotives release, on occasion, oily deposits into the atmosphere, including cinders from steam locos. We regret that we cannot take responsibility for damage to visitors’ clothing, vehicles or other personal belongings caused by these occurrences.