The Great Central Railway exists today because a group of determined volunteers, back in 1969, following closure by British Railways, wanted the line to be saved to recreate the experience of main line steam for generations to come.

Today we proudly cherish and develop their legacy as a contemporary visitor attraction to educate, entertain and bring value to our local communities.

As the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway, we are the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other – just as it was when steam ruled the rails. Its double track allows for commercial testing of railway vehicles at speeds of up to 75 mph for diesel hauled trains and 60 mph for steam hauled trains.

The present day Great Central Railway is a unique heritage railway located in Loughborough in the East Midlands of England between the cities of Leicester and Nottingham.