By Donna Richardson.
Experience the elegance of a bygone era at The Great Central Railway, a unique attraction rich in history and charm. This railway has won five awards at the Leicestershire Promotions Tourism and Hospitality Awards, including Best Day Out in Leicestershire. Additionally, it received silver and bronze accolades in various categories. The railway was also highly commended for its paid events, its significance as a visitor attraction, and its legendary Sunday Lunch.
With friends visiting us just before Christmas, we couldn’t wait to take our kids on the Santa Express experience – a vintage steam train that utilises the UK’s only double-track central line heritage railway, lovingly preserved by a group of determined volunteers who, back in 1969, saved the line from closure. Their vision was to create the experience of a central line steam railway, and generations later, the dream continues to delight all those who experience it.
I have visited this incredible place many times over the years, and each visit captivates me just as much as the last. This time, guards and staff dressed in period costumes greeted us as we arrived on the platform, instantly transporting us back in time. The air was filled with the magic of Christmas, and our children’s eyes lit up as Santa’s elves welcomed us aboard. We enjoyed drinks on the platform while the kids lined up at the tuck shop beside the magnificent tree. The scent of diesel mingled with the crisp winter air, and clouds of steam billowed dramatically as our train rolled into the station. Each time I come here, I am enchanted by its charm.
Families are taken on a magical journey through the Leicestershire countryside, travelling to Leicester North Station with a special stop at the breathtaking Swithland Viaduct. As we settled into our seats, the festive magic continued on board. Cheerful elves made their way through the carriages, ringing bells, before the highlight of the journey arrived—Santa Claus himself, delighting each child with a magical gift.
Adults were treated to a warming glass of Baileys or orange juice, while the children received a snack, a Fruit Shoot, and colouring activities to keep them entertained. The magic continued when Mrs Claus appeared with her reindeer, searching for the Christmas fairy. When she was finally found, the carriage filled with laughter, excitement, and festive cheer as the Christmas magic truly came to life.
But the best was yet to come, as we stepped off at Leicester North, we were able to follow Santa and Mrs Claus into their grotto and take a photo of them on their sledge. It was truly magical, and what’s more, we were able to climb aboard the steam engine and see what it is like to drive a train – magic all around for big kids and little kids alike.
As we stepped back onto the platform, magic filled the air, and we enjoyed the gift shop and soaked in the experience. It was an enchanting evening, a heart-warming experience from start to finish – one that perfectly captured the spirit of Christmas and created memories our family will treasure for years to come.
We took our guests into Loughborough for a festive drink at the new Christmas village located in Devonshire Square. This year, the Christmas lights switch-on was sponsored by Brush and The Towns Fund. The event featured several installations around the town centre, along with the introduction of a new festive German-style market.
We toasted marshmallows by the fire and enjoyed a cup of mulled wine before heading to La Favorita for a delightful meal. I chose my favourite dish, Linguini Con Gamberoni E Zafferano, which features pasta with tiger prawns in a saffron sauce, complemented by a touch of chilli, cream, sun-blushed tomatoes, and asparagus. My partner opted for carbonara, while our guests chose the monkfish pasta, which the restaurant is renowned for. The kids went with spaghetti bolognese. As always, Giovanni was a welcoming presence. He and his brother, Lugi, make a fantastic team, both from Palermo in Sicily. We have been visiting the restaurant for years for special occasions, and we love the warm atmosphere where nothing is ever too much trouble.
We returned for some festive drinks, finishing off a delicious bottle of wine from Kilo Wine Bar in Quorn called “You Can,” while watching the final episode of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here.
Our guests stayed at the Holywell Guest House, owned by Lez Cope Newman and Derek Hunter. This charming guest house is located in a beautiful red brick Victorian building that was originally a vicarage for Loughborough’s Holy Trinity Church, constructed in 1878.
As I had heard they provide an award-winning breakfast, we asked if we could join them. The breakfast is silver service and you can choose from a full English breakfast or smoked kipper in keeping with Derek’s Scottish heritage.
Lez Cope-Newman is Chair of Love Loughborough and honorary freeman of the town, and that morning he was hosting a Santa fun run as compere on the stage.
We were just a short walk from the town centre, so we decided to head in and enjoyed the festive atmosphere created by the panto dames, a crowd of Santas, and a holiday fair. Over 800 people participated in the event, which truly brought a joyful vibe to the area.
The Guest House features elegantly furnished rooms adorned with carefully selected antiques, and there is an 18-space parking lot at the back. Recently, the hotel was showcased on the popular TV program “Four in a Bed.”
There is a wall under the stairs dedicated to Lez and Derek’s theatre associations, and a sign that says, “Antiques are like old friends.” Lez and Derek are amazing hosts, and their flamboyance and flair shine through. The house is beautifully appointed with a grand dining room filled with antiques and a grand staircase leading up to the rooms. They also have a friendly dog called Lancaster. In keeping with the Great Central Railway, a stay here is an experience of a bygone era and a perfect way to spend a festive weekend in Loughborough.
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LUXE Serendipity magazine 
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