Great Central Railway - Historic Railway and Museum, Leicester, Leicestershire LE4 3BR
Details
Accessibility
https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/stations/leicester-north/
2025:
"Wheelchair access via the Car Park"
Brief description
https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/stations/leicester-north/
2025:
"Leicester North is the southern terminus of the Great Central Railway and a remarkable example of how heritage and community spirit can bring history back to life. Located just outside Leicester city centre, Leicester North is a heritage style modern station built to replace the original Belgrave and Birstall station. This was sited 200 metres north and was closed in 1953. Due to vandalism it had to be demolished in 1977. Look at the road bridge carefully and you will see the original bricked up entrance.
The revived GCR extended south from Rothley during the 1980s and the new station was built in 1991 to provide a terminus inside the city boundary.
Leicester North Station officially opened in stages, with full station buildings completed by 2002 after an extensive fundraising effort. The project had begun in 1999, when The Countess of Lanesborough cut the first sod. For a variety of reasons, not least the discovery of a high-pressure water main under the site, the proposed terminus building was never started and the station consisted of just one platform. Further investment led to the installation of a large platform canopy in 2009, improving comfort and providing shelter for passengers.
Today, Leicester North is a thriving visitor gateway and a popular boarding point for heritage journeys to Rothley, Quorn, and Loughborough. The small but welcoming Waiting Room is open on most operating days and features a selection of historical railway posters and photographs. Artwork by local artists is also on display and available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds supporting the station.
The Tail Lamp Tea Room on Platform 2 is a much-loved part of the station, serving hot and cold refreshments, cakes, snacks and ice cream. On colder days, the warmth of the coal fire adds to the cosy, nostalgic atmosphere."
+ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Central_Railway_(heritage_railway)
2025: "The Great Central Railway (GCR) is a heritage railway in Leicestershire, England, named after the company that originally built this stretch of railway. It runs for 8 miles (13 km)[1] between the town of Loughborough and a new terminus in the north of Leicester. It has period signalling, locomotives and rolling stock.
Four stations are in operation, each restored to a period in the railway's commercial history: Loughborough Central (the 1950s); Quorn & Woodhouse (Second World War and the remainder of the 1940s); Rothley (Edwardian Era); Leicester North (the 1960s).
The railway is currently involved in a major project to rebuild the missing line, known as the Loughborough Gap, between Loughborough and the Great Central Railway (Nottingham)."
Address
Great Central Railway - Leicester North Station
Great Central Railway PLC, North Station
Off Station Road
The Sidings
Leicester LE4 3BR
2025:
Phone
2025:
01509 632 323
Website
Directions
From Leicester city centre, Take Charles St to St Georges Way/A594. Head east on Halford St towards Free Lane. Turn right onto Charles Street. Continue on A594. Take St. Margaret's Way/A6, Parker Drive and Halifax Drive to The Sidings.
Opening Times
https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/stations/leicester-north/
2025:
"Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 16:30"
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
Transport
Syston is the nearest station 3.9 miles away.
Amenities
https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/visit/stations/leicester-north/
2025:
"Free Car Park
Tea room"
Travel Information
For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info
Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Location
Nearest Venues
Belgrave Gardens, Belgrave, Leicester, Leicestershire
1,080 metres*
St Peter's Church, Belgrave, Leicester, Leicestershire
1,153 metres*
The National Space Centre, Leicestershire
1,592 metres*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.