Santa Claus is coming to town!
This year the East Lancashire Railway will have been hosting almost 40 magical years of the Santa Specials. That means we have nearly 4 decades of experience making sure everything is set up just so, to ensure you have the best start to the season possible.
Find out why families have been coming back to us again and again as we celebrate this legacy in unforgettable style, with Christmas magic packed into every second from the moment you arrive to when you step off the train.
You'll begin with a walk through Bury Station, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Here you'll be welcomed by the first of our colourful characters and be directed to your seat on board our heritage steam train. A quick toot of the whistle and off you go!
As you meander through the Irwell Valley there will be even more fun, with carols with a traditional brass band, a mince pie and festive tipple and of course, a special visit with Santa himself.
Whether this is your first visit, or a treasured annual tradition, this year promises to be our most magical yet!
| Season (28 Nov 2026 - 29 Nov 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Saturday - Sunday | 09:00 | - 17:00 |
| Season (5 Dec 2026 - 6 Dec 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Saturday - Sunday | 09:00 | - 17:00 |
| Season (12 Dec 2026 - 13 Dec 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Saturday - Sunday | 09:00 | - 17:00 |
| Season (19 Dec 2026 - 24 Dec 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Saturday - Thursday | 09:00 | - 17:00 |
Ticketing information available on website.
The industrial heritage of the north west is brought to life before your very eyes.
The East Lancashire Railway is a mainly steam hauled service between Heywood, Bury,…
Turton Tower is a distinctive English country house located in the small village of…
A traditional West Pennine working hill farm with 16 hectares of land above Helmshore.…
At Healey Dell the River Spodden has carved its way through the woodlands through…
Recently renovated meadowland course, offering a real test and plenty of variety; from…
Visit a place where Lancashire’s industrial past is brought to life through a…
Set in beautiful countryside around Whitworth and boasts some of the best facilities for…
Challenge yourself and conquer new heights at the state-of-the-art indoor climbing…
Horse + Bamboo is a multi-arts community venue, situated in the heart of Waterfoot,…
Charge through the custom-built District A Laser Tag Arena at Adrenaline, unearthing…
If you’re looking for exciting skate action with a rocking music mix and vivid party…
Set in the beautiful Whitaker Park in Rawtenstall, it’s a great day out for all. A…
Whitaker Park is a large park on the outskirts of Rawtenstall. The facilities available…
In the old St Stephens Church, surrounded by beautiful countryside, are over 30 antique…
Set in the picturesque valley, it is the premier outdoor ski and snowboarding centre in…