Steam Meets Screen As Great Central Railway Steals The Spotlight On Netflix Series Seven Dials

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Netflix’s new series Seven Dials puts the spotlight on the UK’s most cinematic heritage railway as iconic steam locomotive 6990 Witherslack Hall steams into view, proving once again why the Great Central Railway is the ultimate destination for filmmakers and steam enthusiasts alike.

The Great Central Railway (GCR) has once again taken centre stage in the world of film and television. One of its home-fleet steam locomotives, the majestic Great Western Railway icon 6990 Witherslack Hall, features prominently in Netflix’s brand-new series Seven Dials.

Although filming took place outside the railway’s home in Charnwood, Leicestershire, the locomotive’s on-screen appearance serves as a powerful endorsement. It reinforces the GCR’s well-earned reputation as the UK’s most cinematic heritage railway — and the only one offering a genuine double-track main line steam experience.

A Versatile Backdrop for Cinematic Storytelling

Whether a production requires dramatic railway action, atmospheric period station scenes, or picturesque rural branch line vistas, the Great Central Railway delivers. With its versatility, extensive facilities, and specialist expertise, the GCR brings creative visions to life with unmatched authenticity.

The railway has become the filmmaker’s premier choice for heritage rail locations in the UK. Its impressive screen credits include major films such as The Hours (starring Nicole Kidman), Shadowlands (with Sir Anthony Hopkins), Goodnight Mister Tom, Enigma, Victoria, and Cemetery Junction. On the small screen, it has appeared in hit dramas including The Crown, Happy Valley, Ripper Street, and Casualty.

Unparalleled Facilities and Convenient Location

What sets the Great Central Railway apart is its infrastructure, which mirrors a full-scale main line operation:

• Double-track running
• Large period station buildings
• A fully operational turntable
• An extensive fleet of steam and diesel locomotives, heritage carriages, and freight wagons

This combination provides an unparalleled backdrop for film, television, music videos, and photography. Adding to its appeal is its practical location — just ten minutes from Junction 23 of the M1 motorway — making it easily accessible for production crews and heavy equipment.

As audiences around the world discover Seven Dials on Netflix, the GCR continues to cement its status as one of Britain’s most versatile and authentic filming locations, where history, heritage, and cinematic storytelling converge on the main line.

A Volunteer-Led Legacy of Preservation

Leicestershire’s Great Central Railway exists today thanks to a determined group of volunteers. Following the line’s closure by British Railways in 1969, they stepped in to save it and recreate the golden age of main line steam for future generations.

Originally opened to passenger traffic in 1899, the line later became part of the London and North Eastern Railway in 1923 and then British Rail in 1948. The last trains ran in 1969, but preservation efforts began immediately. Today, nearly 700 volunteers work on the ground, behind the scenes, and on the trains themselves, keeping the heritage alive.

What Visitors and Industry Can Experience Today

The GCR offers a full range of experiences for the public and professionals alike. Visitors can enjoy regular passenger trains, luxurious first-class dining car services, and even the thrill of driving a steam locomotive. Film crews frequently use the site, while the national rail industry utilises it for vehicle testing and staff training.

Looking Ahead: The Reunification Project

The railway’s ambitious future is embodied in the Reunification project — a multimillion-pound initiative to reconnect the two separate halves of the original line. One of the largest schemes in UK railway preservation, several key elements have already been completed, promising to restore even greater historical and operational authenticity in the years ahead.

From its early days as a volunteer rescue mission to its current role as a major visitor attraction, educational resource, and sought-after filming location, the Great Central Railway continues to educate, entertain, and deliver value to local communities while sharing Britain’s rich railway heritage with the world.

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More information about the railway can be found at www.gcrailway.co.uk