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.

The GCR line was the last complete mainline railway to be built in Britain until section one of High Speed 1 opened in 2003 and was also one of the shortest-lived intercity railway lines. Yet in its early years, its steam-hauled Sheffield expresses were the fastest in the country.

The Great Central Main Line (GCML), also known as the London Extension of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway (MS&LR), is a former railway line in the United Kingdom.

In 1897, the Great Central Railway itself was formed, becoming the last steam mainline in the United Kingdom. Two years later in 1899, "The London Extension" was officially opened [1] to passenger and freight traffic, allowing more direct journeys from the capital to Nottingham, Leicester, Sheffield and Manchester.

2025年2月3日 · The UK’s only double-track, main line heritage railway, Great Central Railway runs a nostalgic 8-mile route between Loughborough, Quorn, Rothley, and Leicester North. Famous for its authentic steam train experiences, GCR offers an unparalleled opportunity to journey back in time and appreciate the golden era of rail travel.

Once part of the Great Central Main Line from Sheffield to London, our route runs from Ruddington (just south of Nottingham) to the northern edge of Loughborough. Latest news March update: Locomotion and more!

This guide provides an overview of the main features of the Great Central Railway on a journey from north to south, starting at Loughborough Central and terminating at Leicester North. A much fuller description of the journey is available through the Railway's publication Through the Window available at the Shop at Loughborough Central.

The main line between Ruddington and Loughborough is in situ and is in good condition. The map below shows the line and the important points along it. Currently we are at 'stage 2' and are able to operate a regular train service from the Heritage Centre onto the main line and along the line to a point close to but not into Rushcliffe Halt.

2025年4月5日 · Once part of the Great Central Main Line from Sheffield to London, our route runs from Ruddington (just south of Nottingham) to the northern edge of Loughborough. We're based at Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre, next to Rushcliffe Country Park.

Follow a modern map of the path of the GCR from Manchester to London, with links to historic images throughout. The map also shows construction contracts, branch lines and alternative routes.