Flying Scotsman Legendary Journeys (Nottinghamshire)
Event Summary
Fox & Edwards Events are teaming up with the Great Central Railway Nottingham to bring you the unforgettable chance to travel behind the world famous LNER A3 Flying Scotsman in May 2026. Don't miss your chance to experience the thrill of riding behind this legendary locomotive as it returns to the Midlands for the first time in 25 years.
Step aboard at Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre's Ruddington Fields station for a return journey along the northern section of the Great Central Railway to Loughborough and back travelling through the pretty countryside route. Along the way, you'll experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of one of the most iconic steam locomotives in the world.
About the Flying Scotsman:
Built in 1923 by the London & North Eastern Railway, Flying Scotsman is one of Britain's most celebrated locomotives.
- 1928: Completed the first non-stop run between London and Edinburgh.
- 1934: Became the first steam locomotive to officially reach 100mph.
- 1968: Recreated its famous non-stop run, celebrating 40 years of service.
- 1969-1973: Toured the USA before being rescued and bought back home to Britain.
- 1988-1989: Toured Australia, becoming the first locomotive to circumnavigate the globe and setting a record non-stop run of 422 miles.
- 2004: Saved by a major National Railway Museum campaign, supported by the public and heritage funds.
- 2016: Completed its most recent major overhaul, returning to service to the delight of fans worldwide.
Weighing 97 tons and stretching 70 feet long, Flying Scotsman remains a jewel in railway history and a true icon of steam travel.
You Ticket Includes:
- A return steam train journey from Ruddington Fields to Loughborough hauled by the Flying Scotsman.
- A commemorative brochure
Key Facts About 'Flying Scotsman'
- Built:1923 by the LNER at Doncaster Works,Yorkshire
- Weight: 97 tons
- Length: 70 feet
- Fuel: Coal
- Water Capacity: 5,000 gallons
How is the seating arranged?
Travel in style right behind 'Flying Scotsman' in the GWR Hawksworth first class saloon. Enjoy a complemetary glass of fizz and canapes during the journey too!
Seating is arranged casually with sofas and armchairs for you to truly relax and experience the magic.
Please note: We are unable to accommodate specific dietary requirements with the canapes.
Make your journey extra special with a premium first class private compartment seating up to 6 passengers. Arranged in two rows of wonderfully comfortable seats, these compartments are great for a quality experience with family or friends.
Please note: Seat fabrics etc may vary.
Experience travel as it used to be with a traditional class compartment. Arranged with seating for up to 8 passengers, you can have a private area on the train for your family or friends.
Open seating is ideal for larger groups or those who wish to soak up the atmosohere on board. Seating is generally arranged around tables for 4 however there are a limited number of tables for 2 as well.
- If your booking is for fewer than four people, you may be seated with other small parties at the same table.
- Groups larger than four will usually be seated at tables opposite each other across the aisle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact us as soon as possible should you wish to cancel or alter your booking.
You can freely make a cancellation or amendment to your booking up until the end of the Monday prior to your visit. A £25 administration charge for cancellations or amendments applies from the Tuesday before your visit until 24 hours before. We are unable to offer cancellations or amendments within 24 hours of your visit.
See our standard terms & conditions of booking for details.
Please note - we expect this event to be very popular so amendments will only be possible where there is still availability
Parking details will be sent to the email address on your booking in advance of your visit. We intend to spread visitors across multiple car parks where possible to make your arrival as simple as possible.
Remember, you should arrive at the railway no later than 30 minutes prior to your departure time.
Please contact our team on 01629 380600 to discuss your requirements.
The train has limited toilet facilities on board - toilets cubicles are small but offer a basic toilet and handwash facility.
Full toilet facilities are available around the Ruddington Fields Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre site including accessible and baby change.
There is no platform at the end of the line in Loughborough. The train travels from Ruddington Fields for 10 miles until the current end of the northern part of the Great Central Railway and back. The end of the journey is the site which is being prepared for reconnection to the southern section of the Great Central Railway.
There is one station stop, in one direction, at Rushcliffe Halt. It is expected that the stop at Rushcliff Halt will be short.
All ticket reservations start at Ruddington Fields and return there too.
Child ticket age is 3 to 15 years.
Children under 3 are free of charge however they should sit on the knee and are not allocated a seat.
Children should be included towards the passenger count in your private compartment. A maximum of one additional free infant may be permitted in a private compartment above the permitted number.
There are no child tickets for First Class Observation.
There will be a limited bar and refreshment service on board the train.
There is a cafe and catering outlets at the Ruddington Fields Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre site and refreshments may be taken on board.
All of our tickets are fixed price. We do not operate any concessionary schemes.
The train will be operated by Flying Scotsman on one end and another locomotive, which may be diesel, on the other end. Top tip...if you wish to be seated nearer to Flying Scotsman then we recommend booking a compartment.
Ruddington Fields Station is well connected by public transport.
Bus
Nottingham City Transport 10, 10X and 10C buses from Nottingham City Centre terminate near to Ruddington Fields Station
Nottingham City Transport 3 from Nottingham City Centre also goes via Ruddington but stops are slightly further from the station.
Kinchbus 9 between Nottingham City Centre and Loughborough stops in Ruddington near to the railway.
Train
The nearest main line railway stations are Nottingham, East Midlands Parkway or Loughborough however visitors will require a method of onward transport to Ruddington Fields as they are not closeby.
Tram
The nearest tram stop is Ruddington Lane however this is around 3 miles from the station.
Should Flying Scotsman not be able to operate for any reason, bookings will still go ahead hauled by an alternative steam locomotive and visitors will receive an automatic partial refund of 30%.
