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East Lancashire Railway

Type:Steam Railway

Bolton Street Station, Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 0EY

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 2188 reviews2188 reviews

Tel: 0333 320 2830

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East Lancashire Railway

Make the trip from grandparent to grandchild on a journey that spans generations on this heritage railway.

With a storied history stretching back to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the East Lancashire Railway is the steam powered heart of the Irwell Valley, pumping goods and people around the region for nearly 200 years!

The line runs for 12 miles through scenic Lancastrian landscapes, from beautiful rural panoramas and postcard pretty villages to bustling Victorian towns and cotton mill dotted horizons. Each station offers something unique, from historical Heywood to relaxing Rawtenstall, scenic Summerseat and bustling Bury.

Local attractions include real ale bars, quaint tea rooms, quirky boutiques, markets, restaurants, cafés and more!

Take a walk on the “mild side” on a professionally guided Rail Ale Trail, experience the enchantment of fine dining aboard a heritage steam train or discover the North West’s transport history at the Bury Transport Museum. The railway also hosts an annual programme of events to suit any age and interest. Put on your dancing shoes and sashay along to the popular 1940s Weekend or make magical memories on board the award-winning Santa Specials.

Every stop is a start!

Book Tickets

Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Family (1 adult, 2 children)£42.00 per ticket
Family (2 adult, 3 children)£55.00 per ticket
Full Line Return Adult (18 and over)£22.00 per ticket
Full Line Return Child (3 – 17)£13.50 per ticket
Under 3Free

Single and standard returns also available, more information on dates is available on https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/plan-your-day-out/fares/

Opening Times

East Lancashire Railway (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - TuesdayClosed*
Wednesday - Sunday09:00 - 17:00*

* Please check website for opening times and dates.

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Events

Sunday, 31st March 2024 - Monday, 1st April 2024

Peter Rabbit Family Fun Day at East Lancashire RailwayThat mischievous bob-tailed bunny, Peter Rabbit™, is visiting the transport museum.
more info

Wednesday, 3rd April 2024 - Wednesday, 3rd April 2024

Sunday, 19th May 2024 - Sunday, 19th May 2024

Thursday, 30th May 2024 - Thursday, 30th May 2024

Friday, 16th August 2024 - Friday, 16th August 2024

Thursday, 29th August 2024 - Thursday, 29th August 2024

Wednesday, 23rd October 2024 - Wednesday, 23rd October 2024

The Wizarding Adventure at East Lancashire RailwayIt’s time to sign up to this spellbinding school of sorcery.
more info

Wednesday, 10th April 2024 - Sunday, 14th April 2024

Wednesday, 10th April 2024 - Sunday, 28th April 2024

Saturday, 20th April 2024 - Sunday, 21st April 2024

Saturday, 27th April 2024 - Sunday, 28th April 2024

Steam events at East Lancashire RailwayCelebrate the crowning glory of British industry
more info

Thursday, 11th April 2024 - Thursday, 11th April 2024

Friday, 9th August 2024 - Friday, 9th August 2024

Friday, 30th August 2024 - Friday, 30th August 2024

Travel to Wonderland at East Lancashire RailwayIt’s time to take a tumble down the rabbit hole for a curious adventure through wonderland with Alice and her friends.
more info

Friday, 12th April 2024 - Friday, 12th April 2024

Thursday, 15th August 2024 - Thursday, 15th August 2024

Wednesday, 28th August 2024 - Wednesday, 28th August 2024

The Dino Adventure at East Lancashire RailwayHave you ever wanted to pet a pachycephalosaurus, get together with a Triceratops or tickle a T-Rex under the chin?
more info

Saturday, 13th April 2024 - Sunday, 14th April 2024

Western Region Weekend at East Lancashire RailwayVenturing west.
more info

Saturday, 20th April 2024 - Sunday, 21st April 2024

Saturday, 27th April 2024 - Sunday, 28th April 2024

Sunday, 9th June 2024 - Sunday, 9th June 2024

Saturday, 22nd June 2024 - Sunday, 23rd June 2024

Saturday, 6th July 2024 - Sunday, 7th July 2024

Saturday, 20th July 2024 - Sunday, 21st July 2024

Saturday, 7th September 2024 - Sunday, 8th September 2024

Saturday, 21st September 2024 - Sunday, 22nd September 2024

Sunday, 29th September 2024 - Sunday, 29th September 2024

Saturday, 19th October 2024 - Sunday, 20th October 2024

Saturday, 2nd November 2024 - Sunday, 3rd November 2024

Fish and Chip Special at East Lancashire RailwayEnjoy a slap-up meal of fish n’ chips served to you on-board a heritage train.
more info

Saturday, 4th May 2024 - Monday, 6th May 2024

Saturday, 3rd August 2024 - Sunday, 4th August 2024

Saturday, 5th October 2024 - Sunday, 6th October 2024

Day Out with Thomas at East Lancashire RailwayIt’s all aboard the famous blue steam train for a magical ride on Thomas the Tank Engine.
more info

Saturday, 25th May 2024 - Monday, 27th May 2024

Vintage 1940s Weekend at East Lancashire Railway​​​​​​Join the celebration of this incredible time period.
more info

Friday, 31st May 2024 - Friday, 31st May 2024

Villain Academy at East Lancashire RailwayJoin a rogue’s gallery of vile villains on a journey to complete a dastardly quest.
more info

Sunday, 16th June 2024 - Sunday, 16th June 2024

Race the Train at East Lancashire RailwayIt’s a climactic conflict between human and machine, are these runners faster than a speeding locomotive? 
more info

Thursday, 27th June 2024 - Saturday, 29th June 2024

Friday, 13th September 2024 - Saturday, 14th September 2024

Saturday, 9th November 2024 - Sunday, 10th November 2024

Diesel events at East Lancashire RailwayCelebration of all things diesel powered, featuring iconic locomotives from this highly regarded home fleet. 
more info

Thursday, 22nd August 2024 - Friday, 23rd August 2024

Peppa Pig Family Fun Day at East Lancashire RailwayThe East Lancashire Railway is thrilled to welcome back everyone’s favourite cheeky little piggy.
more info

Gradings

  • VAQAS VB Attraction
VAQAS VB Attraction

Awards

  • Sub-Regional AwardsPartner of Visit Lancashire Partner of Visit Lancashire 2018

Directions

Facilities

Other

  • Open All Year
  • Outdoor

Establishment Features

  • Disabled Access/Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • Coaches Welcome

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