About East Lancashire Railway
Each Nestled deep in the heart of the Irwell Valley, the East Lancashire Railway spans 12 miles of beautiful Lancastrian scenery and over a century of rich history. The railway can trace its storied origins back to the heady days of the Industrial Revolution when it was part of a network ferrying goods and people around the region. Whilst those days are long past, the railway continues to serve the local community, now as a transport to unforgettable experiences.
Stations along the line offers something unique, from picture perfect little villages to bustling urban centres. Visitors can take a stroll around historic Heywood, relax in Rawtenstall and Ramsbottom, pay a visit to bucolic Burrs and busy Bury or soak up the scenery in Summerseat. Local attractions include eclectic boutiques, tea rooms, a wide array of real ale bars and trendy pubs and restaurants, cafés and more.
The ELR even offers a number of curated itineraries to help you to get your adventure started, and there are a number of experiences available that showcase the best the line has to offer. Dine in style on a Dining Experience or take a walk on the "mild" side with a Rail Ale Trail. No visit to the ELR would be complete without a stop at Bury Transport Museum, where you can discover the rich history of transportation in the North-West.
The railway also boasts an extensive programme of events to suit any age and interest. For families we have regular visits from characters like Thomas the Tank Engine, Peppa Pig and more, as well as our popular seasonal events like the Halloween Ghost Trains and the famous Santa Specials. Loco enthusiasts won't miss out as we host a range of Diesel and Steam exclusive galas throughout the year, often featuring guest engines from across the country. Every stop is a start!
Related
Day Out With Thomas at East Lancashire Railway - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 3rd Oct 2026 - 4th Oct 2026
All aboard for a day of adventure!Enjoy a full day of fun with the whole family, there's so much to…
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Premium Night Diner - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 22nd Aug 2026 - 12th Sept 2026
As one of our flagship dining experiences, join us as we indulge you into the world of premium…
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Festive Dinner - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 28th Nov 2026 - 23rd Dec 2026
What better way to enjoy a festive dinner than being hauled by a vintage locomotive through the…
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Rail Ale Trail - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 29th Aug 2026 - 26th Sept 2026
Does chugging through lush valleys and pretty villages, stopping at some of the finest drinking…
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Red Rose Diner - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 26th Sept 2026 - 20th Nov 2026
Step on board our luxury Pullman carriages and sample fine cuisine in opulent surroundings whilst…
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Dining with Distinction at East Lancashire Railway
Enjoy first class service and fine dining behind one of our historic steam engines whilst…
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Santa Special - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 28th Nov 2026 - 24th Dec 2026
Santa Claus is coming to town!Meet Father Christmas on this seasonal spectacular that is a…
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Dining with Distinction at East Lancashire Railway
Enjoy first class service and fine dining behind one of our historic steam engines whilst…
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Travel to Wonderland - East Lancashire Railway
Date: 23rd Aug 2026
You're late, you're late, for a very important date!It's time to take a tumble down the Rabbit Hole…
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Goldilocks and Friends Teddy Bear Adventure - East Lancashire Railway
Date: 21st Aug 2026
If you go down to the woods today, you'll be sure of an amazing surprise!The Magic of Fairytales…
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The Wizarding Adventure - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 29th Oct 2026 - 30th Oct 2026
It's time to sign up to our spellbinding school of sorcery as you take a wacky and wonderful…
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Allo Allo Comedy Night - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 21st Aug 2026 - 9th Oct 2026
All the spoof and silliness along with fine dining and more madness and mayhem, what could possibly…
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Lancastrian Luncheon - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 16th Aug 2026 - 22nd Nov 2026
What better way to enjoy your Sunday than with a classic British Sunday Roast than being hauled by…
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The Dino Adventure - East Lancashire Railway
Date: 16th Aug 2026
Have you ever wanted to pet a pachycephalosaurus, get together with a Triceratops or tickle a T-Rex…
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Wine Tasting Diner - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 10th Oct 2026 - 7th Nov 2026
Enjoy a culinary adventure expertly paired to fine wines from around the world! Sample some…
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Midweek Luncheon - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 4th Sept 2026 - 28th Oct 2026
Sit back and relax in our luxury Pullman style carriages while we serve up some traditional hearty…
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Bury Transport Museum
The industrial heritage of the north west is brought to life before your very eyes.
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All Day Rover - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 15th Aug 2026 - 15th Nov 2026
Fancy one of the best days out in the North West?Try our Day Rover Tickets, an amazing steam train…
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Drive A Steam Train Experience - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 11th Sept 2026 - 23rd Oct 2026
Bring your childhood dreams to life as you step onto the footplate of a full-sized, fully…
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One Return Trip of the Full Line - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 15th Aug 2026 - 15th Nov 2026
Fancy one of the best days out in the North West?Try our Day Rover Tickets, an amazing steam train…
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Peppa Pig - East Lancashire Railway
Date: 22nd Aug 2026
The East Lancashire Railway is thrilled to welcome back everyone's favourite cheeky little…
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Festive Lunch - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 25th Nov 2026 - 18th Dec 2026
What better way to enjoy a traditional roast turkey lunch with all the trimmings, than being hauled…
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ELRPS Members Standard Tickets - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 31st Aug 2026 - 27th Sept 2026
Customers purchasing these tickets need to hold a valid ELRPS Membership for 2026 and your card…
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Murder Mystery Evening - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 15th Aug 2026 - 18th Dec 2026
All the clues and mystery for a date with death!Can you solve the clues to uncover the culprit? Let…
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Diesel Midweek Luncheon - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 19th Aug 2026 - 26th Aug 2026
Sit back and relax in our luxury Pullman style carriages while we serve up some traditional hearty…
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East Lancashire Railway Weddings
The East Lancashire Railway provides a memorable and quirky wedding experience, with a wide range…
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SEND Family Santa Special - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 28th Nov 2026 - 22nd Dec 2026
Santa Clause is coming to town!The East Lancashire Railway is putting on a Santa Special train…
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Bluey & Bingo - East Lancashire Railway
Date: 12th Sept 2026
Wackadoo! The excitable sisters from Down Under are coming to visit us here at the Bury Transport…
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What's Nearby
The Old Mill Hotel & Leisure Club
A welcoming approach of flowers gardens, rockeries, seated terraces, cascading streams and pools set the hotel in a delightful tranquillity.
Sir Robert Peel Restaurant
Situated in the Old Mill Hotel, this first floor restaurant makes the most of the beautiful surroundings and offers stunning views of Irwell Valley. The bar is situated…
East Lancashire Railway Weddings
The East Lancashire Railway provides a memorable and quirky wedding experience, with a wide range of options and locations from receptions aboard dining trains and the luxury…
Buffer Stops Bar
Sited at Rawtenstall Station, Buffer Stops offers five ales and one real cider on handpump, a range of lagers, continental beers, traditional pub snacks and locally sourced…
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