Join us for a full weekend of activities and attractions at both the Great Central Railway and Great Central Railway Nottingham whilst finding our all about the plans and progress to reunify the line between Loughborough Central and Nottingham.
With train services on both GCR and GCR(N) running all weekend, there'll be a heritage replacement rail bus linking both stations.
With just one ticket covering travel on GCR and GCRN trains as well as the heritage bus link, come down and find out about the future of GCR and take part in behind-the-scenes activities at both railways.
Join us for a special weekend celebrating the past, present, and future of the Great Central Railway. This is your chance to explore our ambitious Reunification Project, which will reconnect Loughborough Central and Nottingham, creating an 18-mile heritage railway across the East Midlands. Join us for guided tours of the trackbed, loco shed and stations, steam and diesel footplate visits, classic rail replacement buses, traction engines, model railways, fire engines, and much more. Our classic rail replacement buses will be running every 30 minutes, linking Ruddington and Quorn, making it easy to explore all locations, and remember, one ticket gets you access to all sites. Book your tickets now and join us for a weekend of nostalgia as we look to the future.
There is so much to see and do across all our stations at both Great Central Railway and Great Central Railway Nottingham. Here’s what you can expect at each one of our locations.
Footplate Visits
Steam and Diesel footplate visits to experience the locomotives up close.
Reunification Talks
Reunification talks by Tom Ingall in Ruddington Building 4 at 3:00pm on both days.
Miniature Railway
Experience the joy of riding our miniature railway, featuring track gauges of 3½", 5", and 7¼”.
Model Railway
Take the reins of our model railway, be the conductor, control the tracks and have fun!
Rail Replacement Bus Service
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 our attractions.
Train Rides
Board our heritage train from Ruddington to Rushcliffe Halt and Loughborough A60 Bridge, the newly linked section.
NABS Buses
Discover a collection of Nottingham Area Bus Society (NABS) Buses open for guided public viewing, showcasing the rich history of these iconic vehicles. There’s even a chance to ride one of these buses to Rushcliffe Halt.
Café
The newly renovated café will also be open providing refreshments over the 2 days.
Vintage Machinery
Enjoy the display of vintage machinery with a vintage fire engine and traction engine at Rushcliffe Halt.
Station Tours
Learn more about the history of the station with station tours taking place over the two days.
Café
Refreshment services will also be available at the station café.
Trackbed Guided Tours
Join Tom Ingall for exclusive Trackbed Guided Tours at 12:00 each day, at Loughborough Central Station. Must be prebooked in advance online.
Loco Shed
Witness steam locomotives being stripped down, restored, and repaired, from the our special viewing area.
Shop
Explore and buy railway items at our kiosk and shop. Visit the Emporium for railwayana and second-hand books and models.
Museum
Dive into the rich history of railways with a visit to our museum, full of fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
Friends of Great Central Mainline
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.
Station Tours
Explore history with our family friendly guided tours, discover the railway’s past and learn about the story of this historic station.
9F
Visit the 9F locomotive footplate, giving you a chance to view is amazing locomotive, that is currently been restored, up close.
Dress Up
Dress up and step back in time at Loughborough Central, where you can step into the shoes of those from a bygone era.
Trains
Travel from Loughborough to Nunckley Hill and Mountsorrel, as well as our other three stations.
Rail Replacement Bus Service
Travel from GCR Quorn & Woodhouse to GCRN Ruddington on our reunification bus service, included in your ticket.
Leicestershire Transport Heritage Trust
Enjoy bus rides from Quorn to Mountsorrel, Bond Lane operated by LTHT.
Class 47
Visit the Class 47 locomotive footplate, giving you the chance to look at this locomotive up close.
Test Car 2
Explore the fascinating Test Car 2, open for visits during the event. An important vehicle used in railway testing.
Station Tours
Explore history with our family friendly guided tours, discover the railway’s past and learn about the story of this historic station.
Reunification Talks
Reunification talks by Tom Ingall in the Quorn Marquee at 10:00 AM on both days.
Goods Shed
Discover the crucial role railways played in transporting freight and learn about the GCR wagon fleet, and the iconic goods shed.
Vintage Machinery
Enjoy the display of a vintage traction engine.
Catering
There will be many catering options available for everyone including, refreshments at the NAAFI Tearoom, Butler Henderson Café, Tin Shed Real Ale Bar and a special visit from Woodhouse Farm Barbecue
Telecoms Exhibition
Explore the history of railway communications.
Carriage and Wagon
Visit our Carriage and Wagon works, meet the team who look after our passenger coaches, plus a lineside viewing platform through the shed.
Tearooms
Ellis Tearooms and our Platform Tearoom will both be open for you to indulge in delightful treats and drinks.
Station Tours
Explore history with our family friendly guided tours, discover the railway’s past and learn about the story of this historic station.
Train Rides
Hop on board for a journey to Rothley, Quorn & Woodhouse and Loughborough Central
Tail Lamp Tearoom
Our Platform Tearoom will be open for you to indulge in treats and drinks.
Footplate Visits
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!)
A guided walking tour of the track bed north of Loughborough Loco Shed that will, one day soon, once again be the route north for the Great Central Railway. The tour, which has very limited numbers, will be led by Tom Ingall, leaving from the Loughborough Central station each day at 12:30.
Additional Information -
£20 per person, any age
Not suitable for young children
Meet at north end of platform by 12:30
Stout shoes essential – the ground is uneven and might well be wet
Maximum of 20 people per tour
Advance booking is essential. Tickets for this tour must be purchased with an Adult or Priv Adult Runabout ticket.
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.
Gain exclusive access with our behind-the-scenes tours at both railway locations. Dive deep into the inner workings of the railway, learn about our ambitious plans, and see firsthand the progress of the reunification project.
The weekend is packed with special attractions and extra activities that promise fun and education for all ages. From live demonstrations to interactive exhibits, there’s plenty to see and do.
This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the past and exciting future of the Great Central Railway. Engage with our experts, volunteers, and fellow enthusiasts as you learn about the history and the plans that will shape our future.
Experience all these amazing attractions plus a train ride on the UKs only dual track heritage railway and unlimited bus rides all with just one ticket! Tickets start from just £36 per adult when booked online and Kids go for a Quid! Tickets can be purchased on the day at any of our booking office from £38 per adult. For the cheapest fares buy online. There is no site only admissions for this event.
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).
Leicester North
Rothley
Quorn & Woodhouse
Loughborough Central
Ruddington
Rushcliffe Halt