East Lancashire Railway

Climb aboard and experience rail travel of a bygone era on the East Lancashire Railway. Whatever your age you are sure to be enthralled by this mainly steam hauled rail service as it travels between the towns Heywood, Bury, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall.

You‘ll get all the trimmings you would expect to find on one of Britain's best preserved railways including lovingly restored stations, level crossings and tunnels, not to mention stunning views across the Pennine Moors.

The line runs from Rawtenstall along the scenic Irwell Valley with views of the West Pennine Moors, it crosses and re-crosses the river Irwell passing over viaducts and through tunnels. At Rawtenstall you can visit Britain’s last Temperance Bar, and Helmshore Textile Museum with its demonstration water wheel providing a fascinating insight into Lancashire's Industrial Heritage.

As you leave Rawtenstall you get splendid views of the West Pennine Moors from your carriage window before arriving at Irwell Vale, a destination popular with hikers. Then onward again to Ramsbottom where you can explore the Victorian Town, with it's shops and Dickensian connections. The next stop is Summerseat, a quaint, typically British village. Traveling onwards you reach the largest town on the line, Bury, noted for its famous market, and newly restored Transport Museum. From Bury you head east to Heywood crossing high above the River Roch on a seven arched viaduct with views of Dramatic views of Holcombe Hill.

Passengers can break their journey at any of the stations en route. All stations have disabled access.