1. Events
  2. East Lancashire Railway
Today

Annual Diesel Multi Unit Gala

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

Fans of railcars won’t want to miss the annual diesel multiple unit gala. Usually seen supporting their larger cousins, this event sees the diminutive DMUs take centre stage.

Autumn Steam Gala

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

Another celebration of all things diesel powered, featuring iconic locomotives from this highly regarded home fleet. The event will see diesel services running an intensive passenger timetable throughout.

Fish and Chip Special at East Lancashire Railway

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

You can enjoy a slap-up meal of fish n’ chips served to you on-board a heritage train, between Bury, Heywood and Rawtenstall. Your ticket covers a whole day of travel to explore the line and nearby Bury Transport Museum. Adult £31, child £16.50.

Vintage 1940s Weekend

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

In 2024, the weekend is going to centre around the social and musical backdrop of life in Britain in the 1940s. We want to recreate the hope, the celebrations and the music of those bygone days, as well as the enormous pride everyone felt and continues to feel for the British and Allied forces for their sacrifice.

Travel to Wonderland

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

Your adventure includes a steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour curious adventure through Wonderland with Alice and her friends, with colourful characters, themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities. £17.50 - £21.

Storm the Castle

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

4079 “Pendennis Castle” will be visiting the East Lancashire Railway in Spring 2024, courtesy of Didcot Railway Centre, as part of her 100th anniversary celebrations! This historic steam locomotive was built in 1924 for the Great Western Railway and was well known for easily outperforming its rivals in speed and efficiency. Standard fares apply.

Legends of Steam

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

Celebrate the crowning glory of British industry, personified by these three incredible and iconic mainline steam locomotives - BR Standard, Class 7, 70000 ‘Britannia’, LNER, A4, 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ & LMS, Jubilee Class, 45690 ‘Leander’. These locomotives will be running an intensive public timetable for the whole three days. Various prices.

Santa Specials

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

Steam into Christmas on the East Lancashire Railway’s famously festive Santa Specials. Your family will make enchanted memories to share as they take a trip through the magical Irwell Valley alongside colourful characters and surprises. What Christmas treat would be complete without a visit from a host of happy elves and Santa Claus himself. Various prices.

Gruffalo Family Fun Day

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

Meet the Gruffalo at intervals on each day at Bury Transport Museum. There will also be a host of other family fun activities including fun fair rides, face painters, craft activities and more. Ticket Price includes a ride on any train services on the day of your visit – no need to book separately, just pick a time that suits you on the day. Adult £16, child £15, under 2s free.

Halloween Ghost Trains

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

Creeps, candy and costumes! Are you brave enough to board the “spooky” steam train? Join us at ELR this year for family Halloween fun aboard the “scream train” and help the Monster Squad keep order and vanquish the ghouliees! All Halloween Ghost Trains start and end at Bury Bolton Street Station. £15 - £22. Booking essential.

Day out with Thomas

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

Take a trip on Sodor’s number one tank engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt on this spectacular day out with Thomas. It’s all aboard the famous blue steam train for a magical ride on Thomas the Tank Engine at the ELR.

Summer Diesel Gala

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

The East Lancashire Railway is pleased to present the Summer Diesel Gala. See your favourite engines from our home fleet and who knows, we might be welcoming a guest or two.

1940s Weekend

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

We’ll meet again in May 2023 for some good, old fashioned vintage excitement.  The event makes a triumphant return with music, living history displays and plenty of period appropriate fashion.  Save the date for some forties fun.

Recurring

The Dino Adventure

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

It’s a perfect adventure for dino fans from ages 5 – 12 but anyone is welcome to join the fun.  Includes one return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall hauled by a dino-proofed steam train,  an approximately two hour dinosaur experience with expert rex wranglers and triceratops tamersa and dinosaur themed activities.        

Ride Behind Flying Scotsman

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

This iconic, record-breaking steam engine is celebrating 100 years since she entered service and will be revisiting the ELR as part of a victory lap around the entire country. Visitors will be able to ride behind her as she travels the 16 mile return trip between Bury and Rawtenstall through the beautiful Irwell Valley.  £23 - £36.    

CHRISTMAS DINNER

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

Indulge in an enchanting evening meal complete with all the trimmings and festive foodie favourites. Dinner on our Christmas steam trains are the best way to celebrate the season in style. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd Dec.    

£64.50

SANTA’S SPECIALS 2022

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

Kick start your Christmas on one of our famous Santa Specials and treat the family to an enchanting voyage through the magical Irwell Valley!  There’s more family fun, colourful characters and seasonal surprises than you can fit under a Christmas tree. Every weekend from 26th Nov to 18th Dec then 20th - 24th Dec. Various times and prices.        

DMU WEEKEND

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

Once again the humble DMU takes the limelight for our DMU Weekend.  These engines may be small, but they’re packed with power and personality!  This event is always a lot of fun, so don’t miss out.

MURDER MYSTERY EVENINGS

East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury

Each murder mystery night features a different theme, a different cast and a different riddle to solve. You’ll enjoy a delectable four course meal as the murder happens, mystery unfolds and the culprit is found, all while our vintage carriages – pulled by a historic steam engine – whisk you up and down the East Lancashire Railway.  5th & 19th Nov.

£79.50