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The Midlander Steam Train Midweek Luncheon

Great Central Railway, Loughborough
REF: GCRWED
Rated Based On 3 Reviews

  • Midweek lunch trips on 'The Midlander'
  • A steam-hauled outing from Loughborough
  • On the Great Central heritage railway
  • Three-course lunch served at your table


 

What's Included

  • Two course lunch served aboard a first class restaurant car
  • The steam locomotive takes you on a leisurely journey through the Charnwood countryside
  • Your meal is served during the journey
  • The train usually pauses on Swithland viaduct with magnificent views across the reservoir to Charnwood Forest
  • Lunch guests receive a 'runabout ticket' for the day allowing you on as a passenger on any train and to roam around the platform and museum
  • Your table on the steam train luncheon departure is reserved for you
  • The journey takes around 1 hour 45 minutes

What Can I Expect

All aboard ‘The Midlander’ for a delightful midweek steam train lunch! Departing from Loughborough station on selected Thursday and Friday lunchtimes, these packages, with a full day runaround ticket included, are the perfect treat for the middle of the week.

The Midlander Lunch excursion is hugely popular. It's a relaxing day out away from the weekend crowds, that allows you to really enjoy this historic railway line in Leicestershire.

It's actually the UK's only main line heritage railway - and that means you'll see moving trains going in opposite directions passing each other. It's hugely renowned and has featured in many TV shows and films as an authentic filming location.

Your leisurely daytime trip out will see you enjoying a return journey on the full length of the line, from the main Great Central Railway station at Loughborough, all the way to Leicester North and back again. During your voyage, luncheon will be served at your table in the first class dining car.

It's just as you'd expect in this beautifully restored carriage, with big comfy armchair-style seats and a fully-set table. It's all very lovely and really rather civilised like rail travel used to be before ticket barriers and guardless trains. Add to that the fact that it is steam-hauled and you’ve got all the nostalgia you need!

The food all comes freshly prepared from the onboard galley kitchen car. We can't imagine that it's easy producing meals in such confined conditions on a moving train, but the chefs proudly send out their restaurant-standard food on these midweek steam train luncheons trips to the appreciative passengers.

‘The Midlander’ midweek steam train lunch is a great choice for those who are seeking a nice, laid-back luncheon outing during the week.

Availability

  • The Midlander runs on selected Thursdays & Fridays from April - October
  • Departures are at 13:00, returning at approximately 14:45
  • On booking, the operator may ask for you to make your choices in advance
  • Seating is generally on tables accommodating up to two or four people
Vouchers are valid for any of the scheduled dates, subject to availability.
Request your preferred date when booking in for your experience.

2024 Dates

May

  • Friday 24th May

June

  • Thursday 6th June (Table's of 4 left only)
  • Thursday 13th June
  • Thursday 20th June
  • Thursday 27th June

July

  • Thursday 4th July
  • Thursday 11th July
  • Thursday 18th July
  • Thursday 25th July

August

  • Thursday 1st August
  • Thursday 8th August
  • Thursday 15th August
  • Thursday 22nd August
  • Thursday 29th August

September

  • Thursday 12th September
  • Thursday 19th September

October

  • Thursday 3rd October

Location

  • The trains depart from the Great Central Station in Loughborough then head south for around 4 miles where the train pauses to take in the beautiful views from the Swithland viaduct, near Rothley
  • The train continues a further 4 miles to Leicester North and follows follows the same route back to Loughborough Central Station
  • The Central station has good access from the M1 (J23) and A6

Suitable For

  • Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
  • Minimum age 5

Spectators

  • 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 aged 5 and over are welcome on these lunchtime trips
  • The operator can also assist and advise on local accommodation in the area
  • The dining car is not suitable for wheelchairs

Anything Else

  • Dining vouchers are not redeemable between 24 November 2023 and 2 January 2024 
The Midlander Midweek Steam Train Lunch at the Great Central Railway
The Midlander Steam Train Midweek Luncheon Get this Experience

Reviews

4 out of 5 stars

Average Rating: 4
Total Reviews: 3

Find out what other customers think of the experience

Reviews

  based on 3 reviews

Rating: 4 stars
Fran
Such a love gift to give. Unfortunately our lunch onboard a steam train was curtailed at the last m...
Rating: 4 stars
Mrs S McGregor
Wonderful experience. First class staff and service. Great treat for all the family
Rating: 4 stars
Mrs S McGregor
Wonderful experience. First class staff and service from start to finish. I would thoroughly recomm...