Are you ready for a fang-tastically frightening time on board the Halloween Ghost Trains? Count Brian the Vampire, his trusted henchman Bogeye and the whole monster squad are just dying to meet you at the East Lancashire Railway to celebrate the Year of the BAT this October!

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. Adult £24.97, child £14.85.            

Join our intrepid explorers (10th April and 28th May) on an adventure of Jurassic proportions as we give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with our baby dinosaurs. Your adventure includes a steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour dino experience with our professional dinosaur handlers, themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities. Various times. £17.50/£20.

One return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall hauled by a genuine heritage (and spell) powered train. An approximately hour and a half wizarding experience with the region’s most pre-eminent enchanters. Wizard themed activities. Ages  5yr - 12yr but anyone is welcome. £20/£17.50.

Keen to find a way to unwind after a hectic Christmas? We’ve got you covered with our relaxing Mince Pie Train. Every visitor travelling on a heritage train along the Irwell Valley on this date will be given their very own mince pie, compliments of the ELR.

The East Lancashire Railway's Murder Mystery evenings are the perfect way to enjoy delicious food and an evening of murder, puzzles, questioning and solving the ultimate "whodunnit".          

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.    

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.        

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.