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Great Central Railway Sunday Lunch

Loughborough, Great Central Station

60 Reviews

What's Included

  • Board an historic locomotive steam train and travel through the Leicestershire countryside
  • You will be served a three course Sunday lunch with coffee and mints in the first class restaurant cars
  • Receive a 'runabout ticket' allowing you on as a passenger on any train as well as access to the platform and museums
  • Seating is generally on tables accommodating two or four people

What Can I Expect

Step back in time with a Great Central Railway Sunday Lunch steam train outing! A traditional Sunday roast lunch served aboard ‘The Elizabethan' steam train at this renowned heritage railway in Leicestershire.

The Great Central is one of the most popular steam railway visitor attractions in the UK and boasts countless TV and film appearances too. When it comes to steam train Sunday lunches, the dedicated and passionate crew of this train have got it spot on. Great food and great service, on a superb steam train.

Just as it would have been during the golden age of steam, your meal is freshly prepared in the on-board kitchens of the train and served at your table in the first class dining car of this 'Elizabethan' service.

As you take in the amazing views from your window, you will be served your three-course Sunday lunch. Sit back, relax and let yourself be dined in 1950s style, during the 16 mile round trip from Loughborough to Leicester North stations and back again.

A definite highlight is pausing for a few minutes on the Swithland Reservoir. It's so lovely and haven for wildlife too, making for a tranquil and picturesque backdrop for your luncheon.

Once the coffee has been sipped and the after lunch mints munched, you will arrive back at Loughborough station, but your steam train Sunday lunch doesn't end there. With this experience you benefit from free travel on all trains all day, as well as being able to visit the on-site museum, making for a full day out.

These Great Central Railway Sunday lunches are hugely popular, so make sure you buy your voucher and get your table reserved as soon as possible!

When Is It Available

  • The Elizabethan Luncheon train runs most Sunday lunchtimes from January to November
  • The train will depart from Loughborough Central at 13:00 and return at approximately 14:30
Vouchers are valid for any of the scheduled dates, subject to availability.
Request your preferred date when booking in for your experience.
   
2025 Schedule
     
January
  • Sunday 5th January
  • Sunday 12th January
  • Sunday 19th January
February
  • Sunday 2nd February
  • Sunday 9th February
  • Sunday 16th February
  • Sunday 23rd February
March
  • Sunday 2nd March
  • Sunday 9th March
  • Sunday 16th March
  • Sunday 23rd March
April
  • Sunday 6th April
  • Sunday 13th April
  • Sunday 20th April
May
  • Sunday 4th May
  • Sunday 11th May
  • Sunday 18th May
  • Sunday 25th May
June
  • Sunday 8th June
  • Sunday 22nd June
  • Sunday 29th June
July
  • Sunday 6th July
  • Sunday 13th July
  • Sunday 20th July
  • Sunday 27th July
August
  • Sunday 3rd August
  • Sunday 10th August
  • Sunday 24th August
  • Sunday 31st August
September
  • Sunday 7th September
  • Sunday 14th September
  • Sunday 21st September
  • Sunday 28th September
October
  • Sunday 12th October
  • Sunday 19th October
  • Sunday 26th October
November
  • Sunday 2nd November
  • Sunday 9th November

Location

  • The train will depart from the Great Central Station in Loughborough
  • The train will travel 4 miles before taking in the views from the Swithland viaduct, near Rothley and follows the same route North back to the station

Suitable For

  • Children are welcome and a child's 'plate and seat' ticket can be purchased with the operator directly when booking
  • Minimum age 5
  • Passengers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
  • The sample menu shown is subject to change, vegetarian options are also available

Spectators

  • Family and friends that would like to see the train off from the station will need to buy a platform ticket which also allows them access to the museum
  • There are full facilities on board the trains at the station
  • Disabled facilities are available

Anything Else

  • Additional drinks can be purchased from the onboard licenced bar

Menu

2025 Menu
 __________
   
Choice of Starter
   
Soup of the Day with a Warm Bread Roll (GF V/VE)
   
Home Made Chicken Liver and Caramelised Onion Pate with Herb Crostini
   
Choice of Main
   
Roast Rib-eye of Beef with a Red Wine Gravy and Yorkshire Pudding
   
Roast Chicken Breast with an Apricot and Sausage Stuffing and Rich Pan Gravy
   
Carrot and Spiced Marmalade Wellington (Ve)
   
Mediterranean Vegetable Tart with Rustic Tomato Sauce (Ve)
    
All Served with Chef's Selection of Seasonal Vegetables
   
Choice of Dessert
   
Apple and Blackberry Crumble served with Crème Anglaise
   
White Chocolate and Profiterole Cheesecake
   
   
Tea, Coffee and Chocolate Truffles
   
Please be aware that all our dishes are prepared in kitchens where gluten, nuts and other allergens are present, therefore, we cannot guarantee that any food item is completely ‘free from’ traces of allergens. Some dishes may contain alcohol which may not be listed on the menu.
Great Central Railway Sunday Lunch - Steam Train
Great Central Railway Sunday Lunch Get this Experience

Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars

Average Rating: 4.1
Total Reviews: 60

Find out what other customers think of the experience

 

Reviews

  based on 60 reviews

Rating: 5 stars
Jan Priest
It was fantastic. The food was great and the service was far better than a lot of hotels offer. W...
Rating: 5 stars
Susan Bancroft
Everything was excellent the food, service and the train ride. We have now done the Saturday and Su...
Rating: 5 stars
Brenda Rosser
The whole experience was wonderful , the food was excellent and we loved the steam train , we had a...
Rating: 5 stars
Robin Chacksfield
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our day. The lunch on the train was first class. The staff were ve...
Rating: 4 stars
IJW
6 Months ago
The trip and general experience including the food were good. The only downside is I think we went ...
Rating: 5 stars
Mary Siddon
6 Months ago
This was a birthday present we really enjoyed the day and would definitely do it again
Rating: 5 stars
Gary Russell
6 Months ago
Very enjoyable. Great food and service and reasonable bar prices.
Rating: 5 stars
Mr G Braybrook
10 Months ago
We really enjoyed the food and the journey the service was excellent
Rating: 4 stars
Helen
Excellent experience. Will do it again
Rating: 4 stars
carol beardsmore
We had a very memorable journey on the train. First class dining, the young staff were very attent...
Rating: 4 stars
Caroline koenig
Perfect day ..... will use again
Rating: 4 stars
David Evans
A very enjoyable experience made highly recommended thanks to pleasent and polite employees of the ...
Rating: 4 stars
Ken Shrimpton
My partner and I really enjoyed our experience, we found it exciting and fun. The lunch was excelle...
Rating: 4 stars
Les Walker
A really good day out, food was excellent and service was by friendly staff
Rating: 4 stars
M. J. Allen
A great Day with fantastic food Highly recommended
Rating: 4 stars
Sandra Pugh
Enjoyable experience. Couldn't fault the service and food. Friendly staff.
Rating: 4 stars
Grove
A great day out, excellent food and service onboard the train. A great experience overall.
Rating: 4 stars
Jim Barrett
This was a very well organised day and worth every penny.The staff were first rate and the food was...
Rating: 4 stars
Chris
For anyone who loves steam trains and good food, this is a must. The service was excellent with att...
Rating: 4 stars
Cherry Waplington
Steam train with 4 course roast beef dinner all the food was cooked on the train, everything was pi...
Rating: 4 stars
Maureen Scantlebury
First class service in a first class carriage! Could not fault the experience in any way.
Rating: 4 stars
David Sinclair
Really great meal and the train ride was excellent
Rating: 4 stars
Mary Buckley
excellent day presentation at station .excellent food
Rating: 4 stars
Leigh Gregory-Bateman
A great day out and wonderful trip on the day and back in history.
Rating: 4 stars
Linda Carter
This was a grand day out experience of a lovely Steam Train luncheon
Rating: 4 stars
Michael Jeanes
A wonderful day. All the staff were brilliant,even going beyond the call of duty by offering to tak...
Rating: 4 stars
Jasmin Cowdell
Excellent good food very relaxing afternoon
Rating: 4 stars
Angela Jeffery
The staff, meal and experience was lovely. It was a present for my mother's 80th birthday. We booke...
Rating: 4 stars
P R Smith
Very enjoyable experience. Food was excellent and staff friendly. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
Rating: 4 stars
Derek Steptoe.
A wonderful experience, the only down side was a cold carriage until the locomotive backed on to th...
Rating: 4 stars
Anne Frewin
The lunch on a steam train experience was an anniversary gift to my husband and I. We were not disa...
Rating: 4 stars
Michael Cox
The staff, the ambience, everything about the event was fantastic.
Rating: 4 stars
g.ash
an excellent day out.you don,t have to be a railway lover to enjoy it.day was brought for my 60th b...
Rating: 4 stars
Marion Melton
Excellent service pleasant and helpful staff
Rating: 4 stars
david wood
not the best but would do it again
Rating: 4 stars
Tracey Harris
This was bought for my Parents Golden Wedding. They could not fault their dinner and found all the ...
Rating: 4 stars
susan joiner
we really enjoyed this it was a wedding anniversary present, food and staff were excellent
Rating: 4 stars
Linda
Absolutely loved it the food was delicious and we were given a warm welcome by the staff. I highl...
Rating: 4 stars
Sandra
Lovely relaxing afternoon.food absolutely beautiful.Service spot on. Sandra .
Rating: 4 stars
Heather Brooks
We had a most wonderful trip. The food, service, atmosphere and comfort were all first class. You c...
Rating: 4 stars
Richard Griffiths
Most relaxing and enjoyable, food and service great.
Rating: 4 stars
Lynn
We had a really enjoyable afternoon, marred only slightly by the fact that when I originally booked...
Rating: 4 stars
Peter Tunkle
Overall a very pleasurable experience. One little niggle though, a mix-up by the girl taking orders...
Rating: 4 stars
David Howes/Vicky Howes
A great day could not fault any aspect,a very nostalgic experience and a fully attentive staff at a...
Rating: 4 stars
Alan
The railway was wonderful. Luckily we had chosen a day when there was a lot going on - in the form...
Rating: 4 stars
Elaine Miller
A very pleasant day. All of the staff were very friendly and helpful. The only negative comment I ...
Rating: 4 stars
M. Beresford
A wonderful day. All the staff were very friendly and attentive. The food and service were excellen...
Rating: 4 stars
Nigel Welton
The trip was well organised and went exactly as planned. The meal was excellent as was the service ...
Rating: 4 stars
Michael Skrobacz
Our Sunday Lunch on the Great Central Railway was first class,the service we received from the mome...
Rating: 4 stars
jackie french
My husband and I thought it was lovely,It was a golden wedding present from our children,the staff ...
Rating: 4 stars
Suzie Litton-Wood
Both my husband and I are 'Steam' Enthusiasts so this 'Gift' from the family was very much apprecia...
Rating: 4 stars
Bob Emmins
A great experience and a real step back into nostalgia with excellent service and a lovely traditio...
Rating: 4 stars
Ian Wigglesworth
This was a brilliant day out. All of the staff were very friendly, polite and helpful. The meal w...
Rating: 4 stars
Anthony Brussalis
Was a fabulous day out and from the time we entered the station, all the staff both in the snack ba...
Rating: 4 stars
Keithy Ainsworth
All went well Service on Great Central Railway Great
Rating: 4 stars
Roger Clarke
A great experience to dine on a train just like it use to be. From the moment you were greeted on t...
Rating: 4 stars
Geoff
Fabulous day. Food was excellent and by giving us first class tickets we were able to take an extra...
Rating: 4 stars
Robert panter
The day was wet and cold, but the experience made up for it. The food was hot, with plenty of it. A...
Rating: 4 stars
Elizabeth Stephenson
Excellent t service beautiful meal all staff very helpful and friendly A truly superb gift and a v...
Rating: 4 stars
R.Knight
Great experience, fantastic service and amazing food. Would love to go again.