What Can I Expect

Book the Great Central Railway Saturday Dinner! Board your vintage steam-pulled carriage and spend a decadent Saturday evening surrounded by opulent interior décor and scenes of the beautiful Leicestershire countryside through  the windows.

This steam train dining experience begins in Loughborough's Great Central Station, where you'll board the elegant and well-appointed ‘Charnwood Forester' steam train to take your seats in the First Class dining carriage.

Your journey takes you through the atmospheric Quorn and Rothley stations, where the original Edwardian gas lights still illuminate the platforms, giving you a truly authentic early-20 th century travelling experience.

Your evening meal is served to you at your table and on the Charnwood Forester. Enjoy a starter, a choice of mains (vegetarian options are available), a dessert, cheese and biscuits and finally round the entire evening off with coffee and chocolate mints - delicious!

Upon arrival at your destination (Leicester North), there is time for a quick wander and a chance to stretch your legs, before you board the train for the return journey back to Loughborough.

What's so great about this experience is that your rail ticket is valid for the entire day. You can discover the individual stations along the route at your own pace in the hours preceding your meal and ride the different diesel and steam trains that frequent this historic railway line.

Reserving well in advance is essential for this incredibly popular steam-powered dining event and menu choices need to be made at least a week before your journey.

You will adore this stylish soirée and it's a fantastic gift experience for that special someone. Whether you board the train as a couple, family or group of friends, you're sure to love your evening going on the Great Central Railway Saturday dinner train!

When Is It Available

• Regular Saturday evenings throughout the year
• Depart from Great Central Station at 19:00 on Saturdays
• Selected dates from March to November
• Due to the popularity of this experience it is recommended to book well in advance to avoid disappointment

Awaiting 2025 Dates

Suitable For

• On booking, the operator may ask for your choice of main course in advance
• The operator also runs Christmas menus for which the vouchers will be accepted (run-about tickets are not available during this period)
• Minimum age 5
• Under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult

Spectators

• It is possible for friends and family to buy a platform ticket only so they can wave you off and there are things to do at the station, but the most convivial thing to do is buy vouchers so you can make a family or group day of it and all eat together!
• Loughborough Central is where you will find a museum, station buffet and locomotive shed
• You are welcome to visit the area outside the shed where most locomotives can be viewed, but access into the shed is restricted for security reasons
• The operator can also assist and advise on local accommodation in the area

Anything Else

• Additional drinks can be purchased from the onboard licenced bar
• Please note that the menus and timetables are samples only and subject to change
• Image credits to Neha D'souza (mostlyfoodandtravel)

Menu