This is your invitation to enjoy a Family 'Runabout' on the Great Central Railway in Loughborough in Leicestershire, as one adult and three children can enjoy stepping back into a golden age of steam train travel! There's so much to take in and see in terms of sights and sounds that are all evocative of a time long since passed, but which retains a captivating hold on all generations, young and old alike. And your 'Runabout' tickets will give you unlimited rides on as many trains as you like, with a variety of heritage steam and diesel locomotives pulling the passenger trains along the 8 mile line. And, as the Great Central is the UK's only double-lined heritage railway, it means that this is the only place you'll get to see two steam or diesel locomotives passing each other. The railway itself is run by a faithful team of volunteers, who will welcome you warmly and are always happy to share many interesting stories and anecdotes about the history of the trains and the line itself. It's more than just a ride on a classic train - it's about becoming part of history in motion!
Buying as a gift? Frequently Asked Questions
Most customers buy a flexible voucher and book later. Here are the key things to know:
View all Gift Voucher FAQs
What's Included
- Enjoy a steam train family day out at the Great Central Railway
- Runabout tickets are valid for unlimited travel for the day
- Family ticket for 1 adult and 3 children
- A round trip lasts approximately one and a half hours
- Opportunity to visit visit the museum, restored station buildings and gift shop
- Board at any of the railway's four stations and hop on and off along the way
Loughborough Central Station
- Loughborough is the main station on the line and the Locomotive Shed is based there
- It has the atmosphere of a busy main line station
- A buffet is on the platform and is open during running days
Quorn and Woodhouse Station
- Quorn is a country station with a large open station yard used as a base for many of the railway's events
- It sports a turntable and the Butler Henderson Cafe Bistro
Rothley Station
- The enclosed station yard giving the real atmosphere of a country station
- The Charnwood Forest Garden Railway and the Carriage and Wagon Works are based here
Leicester North Station
- Leicester North is a restored station built just south of the original Belgrave and Birstall station
Availability
- Passenger trains operate on weekends throughout the year with selected weekdays available during the summer months
- Valid for use on all advertised standard services
- Vouchers are not valid for use on special event days
- No advance booking is needed but you must take a printed version of your Into the Blue voucher with you on the day of your journey
Spectators
- Spectators can purchase platform tickets at the stations if they do not wish to travel on the trains
Suitable For
- Children aged under 3 travel free
- Child vouchers valid for ages 3-15
- Adults vouchers valid for ages 16+
- Under 16s must be accompanied by a participating adult
- Dogs are welcome for a flat fee of £3.00, payable on the day
How the Voucher Works
- Purchase the voucher online
- Receive your e-voucher or gift pack
- Redeem online to select location and date
- Enjoy your experience
