Great Central Railway has launched a special steam train experience combining onboard dining with the partial solar eclipse taking place on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
The Fish & Eclipse Evening Special will depart from Loughborough Central at 6.15pm before travelling along the heritage railway towards Swithland Viaduct.
Passengers will be served a fish and chip supper during the journey before the train stops on the viaduct, overlooking Swithland Reservoir, for views of the eclipse.
The journey will then continue to Leicester North before returning to Loughborough Central.
The partial eclipse will begin in the Leicester area at approximately 6.15pm, reaching its maximum at around 7.11pm before ending shortly after 8pm.
Around 90% of the Sun is expected to be covered across much of the UK, making it the most substantial solar eclipse visible from Britain and Ireland since 1999.
Great Central Railway is also offering a Heritage Veranda Experience, limited to 24 passengers.
The upgraded ticket includes a fish and chip supper, a glass of fizz on arrival, solar eclipse viewing glasses and access to the restored carriage’s open-ended veranda.
A dedicated onboard bar will also be available, subject to demand.
Standard tickets start at £43, including the fish and chip supper, while the Heritage Veranda Experience is priced at £53.
Dining tickets also include complimentary travel on the railway’s standard passenger services during the day, allowing visitors to explore its historic stations before the evening departure.
Malcolm Holmes, General Manager at Great Central Railway, said: “Opportunities to experience a solar eclipse from a heritage steam railway do not come along very often, and we wondered how we could best enjoy it with our visitors.
“Combining that with Britain’s favourite supper and the beautiful setting of Swithland Reservoir makes for a truly memorable evening.”
The railway has advised that eclipse timings are approximate and visibility will be dependent on weather conditions.
Visitors should not look directly at the Sun without suitable protection. The Royal Observatory Greenwich advises using certified eclipse glasses, as ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection.
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