A year had passed since I had first come to live in Leicester City; and although I'd immersed myself in the culture by doing little things such as being a football season-ticket holder, and volunteering at the local hospitals and private charities, where I'd form friendships with persons born and grown in Leicester, and I felt pretty much at home, I was still yearning to discover more.
Some of the things that I immediately fell in love with about Leicester were the International food markets, and the easy access to many museums and heritage sites around the city. However, I got a bit antsy and wanted to do more than just the common things like shopping and pub hopping, so I told my husband @scubahead that I'd pop to the tourist and travel desk in the town to discover some interesting things to do in Leicester.
I can still remember the loud guffaw of laughter from Cameron when I returned home with a pamphlet wanting to visit the Steam Trains Of Leicester.
His exact remarks were, "only I could marry a Jamaican who comes home and says she wants to go on the steam trains." I remember thinking, but how could I not want to?
I love trains and have always enjoyed the pleasant journeys I get from riding on trains, especially by the window seat where I can look out at green spaces sparsely dotted with farm houses and farm animals. So the steam trains for me was a bigger deal particularly because I'd also learn about the locomotives and general operation and history behind them.
Of course, Cameron had agreed for us to have a one-day rail excursion, and my excitement doubled when Cameron told me that the Great Central Railways with the steam trains are the only double track mainline heritage railway in the world with working tracks. Hence a popular location used in the filming of movies with scenes requiring old (steam) trains.
Getting there
Living on the constituency of south Leicester on Queens Road, we set off on a casual stroll through Victoria Park, and we enjoyed the scenic walk down the New Walk lane, and 15 minutes later we arrived at the Great Central Railways Station and purchased our day tickets.
The Great Central Railway is now an English Heritage Site, but in the olden days, it had lines going directly into London, but now there are a series of four fully restored lines, namely, Loughborough Central Station, Quorn and Woodhouse Station, Rothley Station, and Leicester North Station, which operates every weekend and on selected days throughout the year.
All stations are immaculately kept so there are proper facilities and dining outlets serving coffee, tea, and pastries.
Also, onboard the train, you can order meals à la carte, and we both went for the full English breakfast, which was impressive.
The sounds of the locomotive rolling over the track with the pufffing sounds of steam blowing in the air had us proper excited like two giddy kids, especially with passing operating trains going by on the double tracks.
Everything is historic and you can see the pride taken by the men operating the steam trains as they give clear demonstrations and instructions to patrons interested in operating them.
I was in awe with the acres of green fields spread with buttercups, and Cameron and I felt younger by the sights of avid train spotters and geeks who seemed to be having a heavenly experience.
With a Day-ticket, you have the freedom to hop on and off the steam trains at any of the four stations, to get a taste of what each station offers.
There are special attractions held at all the stations throughout the year, stalls with memorabilia selection of retro collectibles, with educational teachings of railway involvement in World War II, education day when you can be involved in a train evacuation exercise, and the one I'm most keen on is the 1940's Wartime Weekend Navy Reenactor.
Apparently during this weekend you can see the platform of the Quorn Station looking like a scene from the 1940's. Ladies turn up in their fancy vintage dresses, hats and jewellery, making you think that you've gone back in time. There's 1940's dance, and large displays of wartime vehicles, vintage shopping, Air Raid displays and Specialty Beer Bar.
Is it Worth Visiting?
Absolutely!
I'd definitely go back, and now that I've returned to the UK, it's something that I should add on my wish of things to do.
I'm so looking forward to experiencing the Wartime Re Enactment which will be held over a weekend in September this year. Maybe I'll dig out my favourite vintage ensemble and join the vintage parade [*smiles].
Can you picture visiting a kitchen designed with only 1940s decor and appliances? Hundreds of re enactors dressed in uniforms and clothing depicting wartime scenes and actual events of the 1940s, also with a vintage war aircraft flying up high with a poppy drop?
Yes, please! Take me back there!
Looks like a really nice day out. A few years ago, we went to the Battle Proms picnic concert, that was really good, you may want to check it out.
Btw, I don't think I've seen @scubahead so smart in T-shirt and jeans before!!
It was indeed! We had more fun than we bargained for:)
Yes, it's lovely to see Cameron in old photos and darker hair😁
I'll definitely check out that Battle Proms picnic, sounds right up our street:)
Haha thanks so that means I look a proper tramp then the rest of the time?! Cheers @livinguktaiwan 😝
You look like just how a scuba club manager and a narrow boat captain should look like!!!! 🤣
A tramp! Haha
you mean like this 🤣
See how you chose one with a red beanie on like Cousteau eh!? Lol
😁🤣
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What's going on? Both you and @livinguktaiwan humouring my sad love of all things railway in the same week!
What a fabulous post and beautiful pictures, thank you.
PS Your foray into mainstream media hasn't been missed ;-) it was a lovely piece and best wishes to the both of you. Hope it's not too serious an issue with the boat and you're moving again soon:-)
hello @nathen007 hahaha! I shall check for your railway post :)
Thanks for your kind feedback. I love trains too so I'd never humour you 😁
To know that operational steam trains with double tracks are still functional is amazing, and kudos to English Heritage for maintaining them. History is far too important to forego, it reminds us of possibilities and how far we've come.
We're still at a standstill, awaiting a 2nd opinion from RCR, and hopefully we'll be moving again soon. The good thing is that we broke down at a safe and beautiful location overlooking a row of houses with gardens along the canal. They are probably bored of seeing us 😁
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A lovely post indeed!
I am a long time fan of steam engines and trains in general. 😊
Thank you @amberyooper :)
There's just something about trains eh! 😍
I'm not a massive fan of navigating my way around the London Underground because I hate tunnels and small places that are so crowded, but once I get on it's ok.
When I lived in Jamaica I'd always do one month holiday to visit my sister in London, and I would take the train into Central London everyday. When I returned to Jamaica, the words "Mind The Gap" would be stuck in my mind for ages 🤣
Looks like you both had a lovely day out! I've never been to Leicester, the food markets sound like a good place to visit and well as the trains.
If you ever come to Wales I think its still running but we have a Thomas The Tank Steam Train!
Hello @pumpkinsandcats nice user name :)
Yes,Leicester has the largest covered outdoor market in Europe, With a varied selection of goods.
Funny you mention Steam Trains in Wales, I was talking to another boater the other day and he mentioned that I could check them out. He gave me this cut-out from a newspaper.
Thank You = D
I had no idea at all, learn something new everyday. Maybe the next Hive Meet up could be there, two birds one stone ha haa
It's the Llandudno Train Station where they have the Thomas The Tank One.
There are some heritage trains as well, which you can catch for a short price.
Its a good day out Llangollen in my opinion, worth a trip.