Great Central Railway

Steam trains still run along this restored Victorian railway line between Leicestershire and Rutland, and it's genuinely one of those places that works whether you're a trainspotter or just after a nostalgic afternoon out. The Great Central Railway operates heritage services using proper old locomotives, so you'll get the whole experience - the smell of coal, the whistle, the whole lot. You can ride the trains on scheduled days, and the route takes you through proper countryside. It's based near Barrow upon Soar, which makes it easy to slot into a broader East Midlands trip.

Who gets the most from it? Families with kids who like trains will be in their element, especially if you time it for a special event day. Adults often surprise themselves at how much they enjoy it. Serious railway enthusiasts will spend hours examining the engines and rolling stock. The less patient might find an hour sufficient and move on.

You'll want to check their website for running days and ticket prices, but expect to pay for train rides. The journey itself takes a couple of hours depending on which service you book. Go mid-week if crowds bother you. If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Proctors Park is closest at just over two miles away - this makes a decent half-day activity. Combine it with Bradgate Park five miles south if you want to pack in more walking and scenery. The railway works best as part of a longer Leicestershire break rather than a standalone visit.