Journey through the heart of Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire on a preserved heritage railway. From Ruddington to Loughborough, discover eight miles of authentic railway history.
Home of the Great Central Railway (Nottingham)
Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre is one of the UK's premier transport heritage attractions, bringing together railway, road transport, and industrial heritage on one spectacular 25-acre site at Ruddington.
Our heritage steam railway runs eight miles from Ruddington to Loughborough, with plans to extend the full eighteen miles of preserved line.
Step inside our working bus depot featuring Nottingham's historic buses and coaches, lovingly preserved and maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Enjoy rides on our miniature railway systems, including the Nottingham Society of Model Engineers' impressive ground-level track.
Relax in our café, browse the gift shop, and explore the museum displays showcasing Nottingham's rich transport heritage.
Steam
The iconic Flying Scotsman returns to the Midlands after 25 years. Don't miss your once-in-a-generation chance to travel behind Britain's most legendary locomotive.
Discover & Book
Steam
The iconic Flying Scotsman returns to the Midlands after 25 years. Don't miss your once-in-a-generation chance to travel behind Britain's most legendary locomotive.
Discover & Book
Steam
The iconic Flying Scotsman returns to the Midlands after 25 years. Don't miss your once-in-a-generation chance to travel behind Britain's most legendary locomotive.
Discover & BookCheck back soon for the latest updates and stories from the Great Central Railway.
Preserving eight miles of the historic Great Central Main Line
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.
Experience authentic steam railway travel as we journey through the beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside, crossing the majestic Stanford Viaduct over the River Soar. Bridges are currently under construction to create an eighteen-mile heritage main line connecting with the preserved Great Central at Loughborough.
Whether you're visiting for a special event, bringing the family for a day out, or joining our team of dedicated volunteers, we're here to help you make the most of your time at the Great Central Railway (Nottingham).
Plan your day out on our heritage railway. Find opening times, ticket prices, and facilities information.
Learn More
Join our dedicated team of volunteers. No experience necessary - we provide full training in all departments.
Join Us
From afternoon teas to special dining events, enjoy refreshments in period surroundings.
Special Events
Discover our collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock, lovingly maintained by our volunteers.
Explore FleetFantastic family day out! A fantastic day, all 4 of us thoroughly loved it! Great value for money, a fab old fashioned train, lovely private carriages, beautiful views, and friendly helpful staff. It's so hard to find activities for a 8 month old baby and a 2 year old, but you do it with bells on!
The staff are very friendly and always willing to chat and share a joke or 2. The GCRN is accommodating to all and very family friendly. I would recommend this line to all. The site also has an excellent Heritage Bus Centre and several miniature railway lines that you can take a ride on.
Week by week, the GCR Nottingham is getting better. It's excellent when the 8f steam loco is running, always a good display of old local buses. Great for the kids when miniature trains are running, very helpful volunteer staff who all seem to have a good knowledge of the site.
A wonderful experience from start to finish. The locomotive was magnificent and the volunteers so knowledgeable. We'll absolutely be back for one of the special steam events — the whole family was completely captivated from the moment we arrived.
Brought my elderly father who remembered travelling on the original line as a child. Seeing his face light up as the steam engine arrived at the platform was priceless. The staff went out of their way to make him feel welcome. Truly special.
