Welcome to the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre, home of the Great Central Railway Nottingham — book your tickets online today!
Join our team of dedicated volunteers preserving Britain's railway heritage
Great Central Railway (Nottingham) is entirely run by volunteers. Every aspect of our railway – from maintaining locomotives and track, to welcoming visitors and preserving historic buildings – is made possible by people who give their time, skills, and passion to keep this incredible heritage alive.
You don't need to be a railway expert to get involved. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, bringing diverse skills and experiences. Whether you're interested in engineering, customer service, administration, gardening, or just want to be part of a friendly community with a shared purpose, there's a place for you here at GCRN.
As a volunteer, you'll learn new skills, make lasting friendships, and play a vital role in one of Britain's most ambitious heritage railway projects. Plus, you'll be helping to preserve an important part of Nottinghamshire's history for future generations.
Great Central Railway (Nottingham) is entirely run by volunteers. Every train that runs, every locomotive maintained, every visitor welcomed – it's all made possible by people like you who give their time and passion to preserve this incredible piece of railway heritage.
Whether you have a few hours a month or can spare more time, whether you're interested in engineering, customer service, or anything in between – there's a place for you at GCRN.
Start Your Volunteering JourneyFrom steam locomotive operation to heritage building restoration, we provide full training in practical skills you won't find anywhere else.
Become part of a friendly, welcoming team united by a shared passion for railway heritage and preservation.
See the direct impact of your efforts as trains run, visitors smile, and this vital piece of history is preserved for future generations.
Volunteer on your schedule – whether that's weekly, monthly, or just at special events. Every contribution matters.
Where You Can Get Involved
Help run our café, serve refreshments, and ensure visitors have a great dining experience.
Welcome visitors, provide information, and ensure everyone has an excellent experience at GCRN.
Help organise and run special events, galas, and activities throughout the year.
Promote the railway, support fundraising campaigns, and help spread the word about GCRN.
Train to become a fireman or driver on our steam and diesel locomotives.
Maintain our station gardens and grounds to keep the railway looking beautiful.
Train as a guard, ensure safe train operation, and manage on-train customer service.
Share the railway's history with visitors through tours, displays, and educational activities.
Keep the lineside clear of vegetation and maintain visibility along the track.
Work on locomotive, carriage, and wagon maintenance and restoration projects.
Help manage our heritage collections, displays, and museum facilities.
Run our gift shop, manage stock, and help visitors find souvenirs and railway merchandise.
Operate signal boxes and maintain our historic signalling and communication systems.
Help maintain and improve station buildings, platforms, and passenger facilities.
Join the track team maintaining our railway infrastructure, including track, points, and sleepers.
Join our team of dedicated volunteers and help us preserve this incredible piece of railway heritage. Whether you want to work with locomotives, welcome visitors, or help behind the scenes, there's a role for you at GCRN.
Questions? Get in touch with us to find out more about volunteering opportunities and how you can support the railway. We'd love to hear from you!