What Can I Expect

Great Central Railway Saturday lunch - all aboard the Carolean for a superb Saturday steam train lunch in Loughborough! This year-round luncheon service is one of the most popular of all our experiences!

The beautifully restored carriages of the Carolean (named after the King Charles III era) immediately transport you back to the truly golden age of steam trains. As you roll gently out of Loughborough, sit back in your large, armchair-style comfy seat, watch the plumes of steam billowing from the train's locomotive and enjoy the unspoilt countryside.

Your three course Saturday luncheon meal will be served at your table by the courteous and smartly dressed service team. You have 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 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 tranquillity 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 stroll. So here's where you can get off the train to have a look around the station. You can watch the steam loco ‘runaround' and then hop back onboard for your return journey and your coffee and mints.

Every diner booked on the Great Central Railway Saturday steam train lunch from Loughborough also has a first class 'runabout' ticket. This gives 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.

When Is It Available

• Most Saturday lunchtimes from February through to 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
• Due to popularity please book in advance to avoid disappointment

2024 dates are fully booked, 2025 dates will be released shortly

Suitable For

• Minimum age 5
• Under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult
• There are disabled facilities available on site
• The dining car is not suitable for wheelchairs

Spectators

Anything Else

• There are full facilities on board the trains and at the stations
• The operator can also assist and advise on local accommodation in the area
• Please note: There may be additional dates available outside of the listed dates, however runabout tickets will not be available due to pre-booked seasonal events
• Dining vouchers are not redeemable between 24 November 2023 and 2 January 2024 

Menu

2024 MENU
__________

Starter

Chefs Seasonal Soup of the day and Bread roll GF

Choice of Main

Slow Braised Beef Shin with Port and Shallots GFA/DFA

Or

Chicken Supreme, Truffled Sausage Stuffing
Tarragon Jus GFA/DFA

Dessert

Lemon and Lime Pie   

Tea, Coffee and Chocolate Truffles

Vegetarian and Vegan Menu
__________

Starter

Soup of the Day V/VE

Choice of Main

Cumin, Butternut Squash and Lentil Wellington VE

Or

Sweet Potato, Cashew and Apricot Chutney Tart VE

Or

Mushroom, Leek and Brie Gnocchi V

Choice of Dessert

Chocolate and Cherry Torte V/VE 

Or

Fresh Fruit Salad V/VE

Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Mints V/VE

*Please note you may choose your options from the Main or Vegetarian/Vegan menu. Your menu choices, vegetarian options or special dietary requirements must be booked at least 7 days in advance. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that care is taken when dietary requirements are catered for on their services, they cannot guarantee that the ingredients are completely free from allergens. There is always a risk of cross contamination due to the nature of the kitchen.