This Easter holidays, visitors to Great Central Railway can enjoy steam trains, an interactive storytelling performance, treasure hunt and trail with a doggy theme as Ruffle the Rail Dog, an Airedale Terrier with a love of the railway, takes over the trains on Wednesday 27th March and Thursday 28th March and Tuesday 2nd, Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th April.

In the much-loved books by Leicestershire author and illustrator, Rachel Greaves (pic), Ruffle the Rail Dog experiences a series of steam train-based adventures and is always on paw to help out his friends at the Great Central Railway. Visiting families will be able to enjoy fun and laughter with puppets as well as meet the pup himself in Ruffle’s Den, the Marquee at Quorn and Woodhouse Station at various times across the holidays (see website for details).

What’s more, all children visiting will receive a free activity pack full of puzzles, a competition and Ruffle’s Trail to compete as they enjoy a ride on the steam train. Dogs have always been incredibly welcome at Great Central Railway, making it one of Leicestershire’s top dog-friendly visitor attractions. 

To ‘celebark’ the Ruffle event with a wag, ‘Pups Don’t Pay’ – meaning all well-behaved, accompanied dogs can join in the fun and travel for free during the Easter holidays. In addition, waggy-tailed riders will be given a tasty treat to enjoy on their journey!

Running throughout the Easter Holidays, Great Central Railways’ hugely popular ‘Kids Go for a Quid’ offer will mean that all children under the age of 13 travel for just £1, with an accompanying adult, making a day at the railway an affordable treat for families to enjoy. Richard Bruce, Head of Stations and Events at the Great Central Railway said “We’re really excited to welcome Ruffle the Rail Dog and author, Rachel Greaves, to Great Central Railway and to share Ruffle’s amazing adventures.

“Our Ruffle the Rail Dog Easter Extravaganza is set to be a great day out for all the family and with our Kids Go for a Quid deal, it adds up to a great, affordable staycation solution for the Easter holiday.” The Ruffle the Rail Dog Easter Extravaganza is just one of the ways Great Central Railway is celebrating Easter with afternoon teas and fine dining packages available across the school holidays.

There are also once-in-a-lifetime gift experiences available such as the chance to drive your own steam train – that’s better than an Easter Egg and memories will last forever!