Saturday Steam Luncheon in Leicestershire

All aboard the South Yorkshireman for a superb steam train lunch in Loughborough! This year round Saturday service runs on the renowned and much-loved Great Central Railway line and departs from the main base at Loughborough Central station. It's also one of our most popular of all our experiences!

The beautifully restored carriages of the South Yorkshireman immediately transport you back to the truly golden age of steam trains. Unlike modern rail services, these Loughborough luncheon departures ensure you will definitely get a seat (and it's a large, armchair-style comfy one at that) and a table (fully set for dining with proper cutlery and crockery), when you book for these first class restaurant cars.

As you roll gently out of Loughborough, you can sit back in your seat, watch the plumes of steam billowing from the train's locomotive and enjoy the stunning vistas of the unspoilt countryside. Your three course meal will be served at your table by the courteous and smartly dressed service team and includes a choice of main dishes in a classic British cuisine style, with vegetarian options too. What you might not realise is that there is a kitchen car onboard, where all the food is prepared and plated - quite a feat!

Midway through your steam adventure, the train will glide to a halt, whilst you are eating your lunch, on one of the loveliest spots in the Loughborough area - the viaduct that spans the Swithland Reservoir. Chances are you'll see wildfowl enjoying the tranquility of the water and we think there is no better way to spend a Saturday lunch time than this!

Once you arrive at the end of the line in Leicester North, your plates will have been collected and you'll most likely fancy a little refreshing walk, so here's where you can get off the train, have a look around the station and then hop back onboard for your return journey and your coffee and mints.

Every diner booked on the steam train lunch from Loughborough also has a first class 'runabout' ticket giving you unlimited travel for the day of your experience, so you can make the most of it and see all the attractions on the eight miles of mainline track and three other stations. Other steam train trips are available.

• Most Saturday lunchtimes from January through to mid-November
• Departures are at 13:00, returning at approximately 14:45
• On booking, the operator may ask for you to make your menu choices in advance
• Seating is generally on tables accommodating two or four people (if tables for two are fully booked you will be on a shared table accommodating up to four)
• To ensure social distancing and the use of track and trace, there is at present a limited daytime service with all seats pre-bookable online on a compartment basis

• Spectators wanting to see off the train will need to buy a platform ticket which allows access to the museums