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
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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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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Rail Ale Trail - East Lancashire Railway
Date: 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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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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Bury Transport Museum
The industrial heritage of the north west is brought to life before your very eyes.
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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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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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Autumn Steam Gala Night Goods Train - East Lancashire Railway
Date: 17th Oct 2026
Soak in the unique atmosphere of an evening/night-time goods service. Experience the railway from…
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Allo Allo Comedy Night - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 4th Sept 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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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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Murder Mystery Evening - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 11th Sept 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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Autumn Steam Gala Brake Van Rides - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 16th Oct 2026 - 18th Oct 2026
Experience the Autumn Steam Gala from the best seats in the house!Brake van rides are available for…
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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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Autumn Steam Gala Footplate Rides - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 17th Oct 2026 - 18th Oct 2026
Experience the East Lancashire Railway from the footplate! See first hand the work needed by our…
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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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Lancastrian Luncheon - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 6th Sept 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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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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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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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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Autumn Steam Gala - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 16th Oct 2026 - 18th Oct 2026
It's the last large scale steam event of the year, so make sure to mark it in your calendar!Climb…
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One Return Trip of the Full Line - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 5th Sept 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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All Day Rover - East Lancashire Railway
Dates: 5th Sept 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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Premium Night Diner - East Lancashire Railway
Date: 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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Irwell Valley Fryer: Autumn Steam Gala Fish & Chips Special - East Lancashire Railway
Date: 16th Oct 2026
Enjoy a Chippy Tea from the comfort of a Mark I as the "Irwell Valley Fryer" Fish and Chip special…
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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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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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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…
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…
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…
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