What Can I Expect

All aboard ‘The Midlander' for a delightful midweek steam train lunch! Departing from Loughborough station on selected Thursday and Friday lunchtimes, these packages, with a full day runaround ticket included, are the perfect treat for the middle of the week.

The Midlander Lunch excursion is hugely popular. It's a relaxing day out away from the weekend crowds, that allows you to really enjoy this historic railway line in Leicestershire.

It's actually the UK's only main line heritage railway - and that means you'll see moving trains going in opposite directions passing each other. It's hugely renowned and has featured in many TV shows and films as an authentic filming location.

Your leisurely daytime trip out will see you enjoying a return journey on the full length of the line, from the main Great Central Railway station at Loughborough, all the way to Leicester North and back again. During your voyage, luncheon will be served at your table in the first class dining car.

It's just as you'd expect in this beautifully restored carriage, with big comfy armchair-style seats and a fully-set table. It's all very lovely and really rather civilised like rail travel used to be before ticket barriers and guardless trains. Add to that the fact that it is steam-hauled and you've got all the nostalgia you need!

The food all comes freshly prepared from the onboard galley kitchen car. We can't imagine that it's easy producing meals in such confined conditions on a moving train, but the chefs proudly send out their restaurant-standard food on these midweek steam train luncheons trips to the appreciative passengers.

‘The Midlander' midweek steam train lunch is a great choice for those who are seeking a nice, laid-back luncheon outing during the week.

When Is It Available

• The Midlander runs on selected Thursdays & Fridays from April - October
• Departures are at 13:00, returning at approximately 14:45
• On booking, the operator may ask for you to make your choices in advance
• Seating is generally on tables accommodating up to two or four people

Please note: This experience is now fully booked for 2024. Dates for 2025 will be released shortly. Last Updated (08/11/24) 

Suitable For

• Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum age 5

Spectators

• There are full facilities on board the trains and at the stations
• Spectators wanting to see off the train will need to buy a platform ticket which allows access to the museums
• There are disabled facilities available on site
• Children aged 5 and over are welcome on these lunchtime trips
• The operator can also assist and advise on local accommodation in the area
• The dining car is not suitable for wheelchairs

Anything Else

• Dining vouchers are not redeemable between 24 November 2023 and 2 January 2024 

Menu