Great Central Railway Offers £5 Summer Explorer Experience for Children in Leicestershire
As school holidays bring families out in search of affordable adventures, the Great Central Railway (GCR) in Leicestershire is offering a thrilling journey back in time with its new Explorer Experience, where children ride for just £5. Designed to bring history to life for young minds, the initiative is an educational and budget-friendly day out that combines vintage train travel, storytelling, and interactive learning — all set across the railway’s charmingly restored heritage stations.
Running on selected weekends and throughout school holidays, the Explorer Experience provides unlimited access to GCR’s historic steam and diesel locomotives. Families can hop aboard from either Loughborough Central or Quorn and Woodhouse Station, embarking on a day of discovery and delight for just £25 per adult and £5 per child. A family of three (one adult and two children) can enjoy the full experience for just £35 — a price that includes train rides, museum access, activity packs, and an array of children’s games and challenges.
A Nostalgic, Immersive Railway Adventure
Upon arrival at the station, families are welcomed with a short introductory film before receiving their own Explorer Guide, which sets the tone for the immersive railway adventure ahead. Passengers then board heritage trains that chug through the scenic Leicestershire countryside — a nostalgic journey that recreates the magic of rail travel from a bygone era.
Each station along the route is uniquely themed, offering kids a chance to explore different eras of British railway history. With staff dressed in period attire and interpretive displays throughout the stations, the GCR ensures that the learning is hands-on, engaging, and age-appropriate.
Activity Packs and the Explorer Badge Challenge
To further enrich the experience, children receive fun-filled activity packs filled with “I Spy” games, treasure hunts, and age-specific puzzles. These educational resources are designed to spark curiosity about railway heritage while keeping young visitors thoroughly entertained.
One of the biggest highlights is the Explorer Badge Challenge. As children complete activities and engage with staff and exhibitions, they collect points toward earning their exclusive Explorer Badge — a keepsake of their visit that also unlocks future discounts and access to the Explorer Club, a new loyalty program designed to encourage repeat visits.
“We understand how important it is for families to enjoy high-quality experiences without breaking the bank,” said Malcolm Holmes, General Manager of the Great Central Railway. “Our Explorer Ticket ensures everyone can discover the excitement of heritage travel in a fun, interactive way that supports learning and memory-making.”
Education Meets Entertainment
The GCR’s Explorer Experience is more than just a ride — it’s a fully immersive day that blends history, storytelling, and physical activity in a beautifully preserved setting. Families can explore station museums, try their hand at signal box operations, or learn about the engineering marvels of the steam era. The railway’s volunteers — many of whom are railway historians and engineers — are on hand to answer questions, pose for photos, and bring the stories of the past to life.
A Heritage Destination for the 21st Century Family
The GCR has long been a beloved attraction in the Midlands, known for its double-track main line — the only one of its kind in the UK preserved for heritage use. With regular special events, including 1940s weekends, steam galas, and Santa Express trains, the addition of the Explorer Experience represents a renewed focus on accessible, family-friendly tourism.
The railway is also part of Visit England’s family-friendly heritage network, with recent investments in interpretive signage, museum upgrades, and improved accessibility for prams and wheelchairs.
The GCR has received support from local councils and tourism bodies as part of Leicestershire’s broader summer campaign to boost local tourism and support affordable family experiences across the region.
Planning Your Visit
The Explorer Experience runs throughout the school summer holidays and on selected weekends through to early autumn. Tickets can be booked in advance via the official Great Central Railway website. Entry includes all train rides on the day, museum admission, and the full Explorer activity program.
Families are encouraged to bring picnics, though the railway also offers on-site cafés and refreshment kiosks at major stations. With a full day’s itinerary for under £40, it’s a rare value in a season when family budgets are often stretched.
Looking Ahead: Year-Round Experiences
While the Explorer Experience is currently a summer feature, GCR plans to expand the program into school half terms and other holiday periods. Special Explorer editions — themed around Halloween, Christmas, or British inventions — are already in development, according to GCR officials.
Whether it’s a child’s first time on a steam train or a family’s nostalgic return, the Explorer Experience at the Great Central Railway is a celebration of British heritage, learning, and affordable fun. It’s a meaningful way to spend quality time together and create lasting summer memories — all aboard!
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