This steam train restaurant experience offers a truly delightful way to spend a day as you step back in time to experience the flories of steam - with a superb luncheon as the highlight, on board the South Yorkshireman from Loughborough train station in Leicestershire. Other
steam train trips are available.
Your four course luncheon is served in the first class restaurant car of the train as you embark on your steam-hauled journey through the beautiful unspoilt countryside. At your destination there is a chance to stretch your legs after your meal, ready for the journey back.
The experience includes a first class 'runabout' ticket for each passenger for unlimited travel for the day of your experience. This means you can make a whole day of the experience and go along to the railway before your meal to see all the attractions and travel on the other steam trains throughout the 8 miles of mainline track and three other stations.
Loughborough Central is where you will find a museum, station buffet and locomotive shed. You are welcome to visit the area outside the shed where most locomotives can be viewed, but access into the shed is restricted for security reason
Every luncheon guest receives a 'runabout ticket' for the day allowing you on as a passenger on any train and you are free to roam around the platform, workshops and museums. Your table on the steam train luncheon departure is reserved for you. The journey takes around 1.5 hours. Visit IntotheBlue's home page to see more
experience days available by personalised gift voucher or if you're looking for gift inspiration then pop along to our main gift ideas section for more IntotheBlue special occasion
gift suggestions.
The South Yorkshireman Luncheon train runs every Saturday lunchtime from January through to November. Departures are at 13.15, returning at 14.45. On booking, the operator may ask for you to make your choices in advance.
We also offer an overnight Railway Break experience at this location, details can be found in our Unusual Breaks section.
The trains depart from the Great Central Station in Loughborough then head south (at a sedate speed to avoid spilling the soup!) for around 4 miles where the train pauses to take in the beautiful views from the Swithland viaduct, near Rothley. The train follows the same route North back to Great Central Station. The Central station has good access from the M1 (J23) and A6.
- Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- 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 are welcome on these lunchtime trips.
- The operator can also assist and advise on local accommodation in the area.
Sample Menu
The South Yorkshireman
Saturday Lunch
***
Soup of the Day
***
Baked Shoulder of Lamb cooked in a Provencal Sauce
served with caramelised onions, freshly mashed potatoes, turned carrots and sliced green beans
A vegetarian main course can be booked in advance
Roasted Mediterranean vegetable torte or creamy vegetable Kiev or Leek Gruyere Cheese crown
***
Dutch Apple Flan with custard or cream
***
Coffee and chocolate mints
I bought my partner the experience as he is a real steam train fan. However, as I am not, I was a little anxious about the day as I was accompanying him. I need not have worried as we both had a really great day out - he enjoyed the trains and I enjoyed the really good dinner on the steam as well as the excellent wine! The food was really fantastic, the staff both polite and helpful and even I enjoyed the train journey and the views over the countryside. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and will definitely use Into the Blue again.
Louise Webb, by email
I'm just emailing to say thank you for the excellent service from Into the Blue. I ordered a steam train lunch for two voucher late in the day on the 23rd December and was more than pleasantly surprised to receive the voucher by 09:00 on the 24th December! I can't wait to enjoy my husband's Christmas present with him!
Mrs Coull, Northampton - by email
Having been given an Into the Blue activity gift token, I decided (being the good daughter that I am!) to forego all the tempting driving activities and convert the token into a Steam Train Luncheon in Leicestershire voucher for the whole family. We very rarely all get together to do anything as a family, so it was really quite a special Sunday lunch.
The train was spotlessly clean, the seats very comfortable and the food (which I could see was cooked onboard) was delicious. Fantastic views too as we trundled along under steam power and we all loved the little pause on the bridge at Swithland Reservoir. Superb.
Caroline, Leicester - by email
I booked a steam train lunch in Leicester for me, my Mum, Dad and brother as a special treat as we hardly ever go out as a family. The day was a real success. Even my Dad enjoyed the food (he's v fussy!) and the train was clean, comfy and on time. The journey was truly fabulous with great views and a relaxed atmosphere. Am thinking of booking again for next year, maybe on Mother's Day. Thought it was a good price too.
Guest review on reviewcentre.com
Service rating - excellent: well organised, impeccable service and really friendly staff. A wonderful experience
Product rating - excellent: this was part of my Mother's birthday present and at 94 she had a truly wonderful day
Customer Review from Feefo, 22 Oct 2012
