Glenfield Tunnel
The Glenfield Tunnel - built in 1829 and the longest railway tunnel in the world when opened in 1832, was one of the world's first underground rail routes used by steam trains to carry coal from North West Leicestershire's pits to the city.
It shut in the 1960s when British Rail sold it to Leicester City Council for £5. The tunnel is now open to visit in selective months, 400 yards of the perfectly maintained tunnel can be explored.
Guided Tours 2025
Public tours of the tunnel are taking place during weekends in July and September and are available to book through the Ticket Source website.
In addition there will be train rides within the tunnel on a miniature railway along a 70 metre track, to celebrate the very first running in the world of a train 200 years ago. Tickets for this will soon be available also on the Ticket Source website.
The tours are free, but donations are welcome and used to fund visits for school children and voluntary groups.
The tours are facilitated by the Leicestershire Industrial History Society, for further information visit the LIHS Facebook Page.
- Events
- Competition Terms and Conditions
- Uncover The Story
- Inspiration
- Blaby District Heritage Trails
- Blaby District Tourism Map and Guide
- Watch our Tourism Video
-
Attractions
- Blaby Golf Centre
- Attfield's Farm Shop and Cafe
- Countesthorpe Country Park
- Fosse Meadows
- Paradise Found Educational Farm Park
- 360 Play Leicester
- Myrtle's Home Furnishings
- Cosby Golf Club
- Enderby Leisure and Golf Centre
- Everards Meadows
- Fosse Park
- Glenfield Tunnel
- Kirby Muxloe Castle
- Meridian Leisure Park
- Palmers Garden Centre
- Parks and Open Spaces
- Specialized Leicester
- Stanton Lakes
- Stoney Cove Dive Centre
- Whetstone Golf Club
- Thurlaston Airgun & Archery Centre
- Food and Drink
- Stay
- Heritage
- Fosse Foxes
- Walking Trails and Open Spaces
- Fitcation - Active Escapes in Leicestershire
- Travelling to and around Blaby District
- Taste The Place