Great Central Railway (GCR) is introducing a new programme of Relaxed Running Days, designed to provide a calmer, more accessible heritage railway experience for visitors with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and other additional needs. Launching on Thursday 18 June, the initiative will take advantage of the railway’s quieter midweek operating days to create a more predictable and supportive environment for visitors and their

The Great Central Railway is saddened to announce the passing of its much-loved Traffic Department cat, Onslaught, who passed peacefully on Wednesday 17 June, surrounded by those who cared for her. For the past 12 years, Onslaught has been a familiar and cherished presence at Loughborough Central station, where she spent much of her time around the Traffic Office. Whether greeting visitors, keeping staff company, finding opportunities to share in a packed lunch, or simply enj

The Great Central Railway has been awarded a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, marking a major milestone for the railway and reflecting the continued strengthening of its long-term relationship with the funder. Thanks to National Lottery players, the grant will support a programme of activity focused on enhancing the railway’s volunteer experience, enriching visits for passengers and visitors, and advancing environmental sustainability across the organis

The Great Central Railway (GCR) has announced the launch of its official Patreon page, offering supporters a new way to contribute to the preservation and development of the historic railway through affordable monthly donations. The initiative responds to a long-standing sentiment among supporters – “If everyone who loved the GCR just gave a small amount each month…” – by providing a simple and accessible platform to do exactly that. Patreon, a widely used online membership

Grab yourself a GI and join us on the dancefloor for a jitterbug and jive, because this May the Great Central Railway is stepping straight back into the 1940s. Returning on 30–31 May 2026, the much-loved 1940s Weekend, A Celebration of Blighty, invites visitors to experience the sights, sounds and spirit of a post wartime Britain. Whats On Across the two-day event, the Great Central Railway’s period stations will be transformed into a tribute to the 1940s, with vintage train