Name: East Lancashire Railway
Rating: 5.0

East Lancashire Railway

Bolton Street Station, Bury, Greater Manchester, BL9 0EY, England

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

East Lancashire Railway is a heritage steam and diesel railway running through the market towns and countryside of East Lancashire, with its main base in Bury. It offers a classic railway day out for families, history lovers, and train enthusiasts of all ages. Visitors can hop on and off at charming stations while enjoying the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of traditional rail travel.

The railway operates beautifully restored steam locomotives and vintage diesel trains, with journeys connecting stations such as Bury, Ramsbottom, Rawtenstall, Heywood, Summerseat, and Irwell Vale. Along the line, visitors can explore countryside walks, market towns, cafés, and pubs, as well as the Bury Transport Museum. The ELR also hosts a wide range of special events, including themed train days, visiting famous locomotives, Rail Ale Trails, and behind-the-scenes experiences like Drive a Steam or Diesel Train.

Ticket options include Full Line Return tickets priced at £24.00 for adults and £16.50 for children (on the day), with discounted advance online prices available. Family tickets range from £36.00 to £57.00, while Day Rover tickets allow unlimited travel for the day, with adult prices up to £26.00. Entry to Bury Transport Museum is free with a valid Day Rover ticket.

East Lancashire Railway delivers a nostalgic yet lively experience with something for everyone. From scenic journeys and heritage stations to dining trains and special events, no two visits are the same. With flexible ticket options and year-round activities, it is a standout attraction for memorable family days out in Lancashire.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Unique Experiences

Drive A Diesel Train: Take control of one of our historic diesel locomotives and realise your childhood dream of working as a train driver. We’ll help you become a fully-fledged railway man or woman for the day on the ELR.
Drive a Steam Train: Bring your childhood dreams to life as you step onto the footplate of a full-sized, fully operational heritage steam train and take control of the magnificent engine.
Drive a Train: Their chance (or yours) to feel the power of our magnificent steam or diesel trains and go behind the scenes at the ELR.
Rail Ale Trail: Take in the stunning scenery and sample delicious local ales as you explore the pubs and peaks of the Irwell Valley – on foot and aboard.

Special Events

Rail Testing at the East Lancashire Railway: What can the East Lancashire Railway do for you? Do you work in the railway industry and are looking for opportunities to test equipment and access track and infrastructure not readily available on the “big” railway?
Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Directors Saloon: Whatever the occasion, make your day truly special on board this newly restored vintage saloon. Built back in 1906, every facet of this custom carriage was meticulously designed to allow the directors of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway to inspect their line in style.
Observation Saloon: It’s a luxurious all-day trip and the best way to see the line, offering truly unparalleled views of the surrounding countryside, as well as the locomotive in action! Does that sound like heaven? Then book a voyage on the Observation Saloon.
Filming at the East Lancashire Railway: Looking for a truly unique location to film your next project? Do you want access to fully operational railway infrastructure as well as scenic surroundings? The East Lancashire Railway could be just what you need.

Dining Experiences

Burns Night: Toast to Scotland’s national bard Rabbie Burns by dining on-board a luxury steam-hauled train.
Valentine’s Night: Celebrate Valentine’s Day is style by dining on-board a luxury steam-hauled train, and treat a loved-one to the ultimate foodie experience.
Premium Nights: The ultimate fine dining experience, a premium night on the ELR is a black tie affair that you’ll never forget.
Red Rose Diner: An ultimate foodie experience, and a perfect option for date nights, romantic getaways or friendly get-togethers – indulge with a glass of fizz and a fine four course dinner.
Afternoon Tea: Enjoy a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea in true luxury and sophistication, as you indulge in sandwiches, scones and cakes onboard a vintage steam train.
Lancastrian Lunch: Treat the family to a Sunday ‘Lancastrian’ Lunch like no other with sensational views, fresh local produce, and a plate that celebrates the best of Lancashire.
Midweek Luncheon: Lunch in style on your trip along the ELR with this fabulous two-course, midweek treat. The perfect opportunity to experience our vintage Pullman-style carriages.
Murder Mystery Nights: Put your thinking cap on and join us for an evening of investigation, intrigue and a truly indulgent dinner.
Wine Tasting Nights: It’s a good time when you wine whilst you dine! Join us on a journey through the world of fine wines and delicious food.
Comedy Night: Got an appetite for amusement? Our Comedy Nights are making a rib-tickling return.

Facilities

Parking: Parking available.
Food & Drinks: We’ve got brilliant buffets, delicious platform cafés, heritage pubs and a whole host of places for you to eat, drink and watch the trains go by.

What to see

Our Stations

Heywood Station: Heywood Train Station is the most easterly point of the ELR, and a great place to start your journey if you want to ride the line from end to end (and back again)!
Bury Station: Bury is a busy market town, just a few miles from Manchester City Centre. It’s the home of the Bury Transport Museum and our ELR operations.
Burrs Country Park Station: The newest station along the East Lancashire Railway, it’s the place to hop off if you want to explore Burrs Country Park or if you’re staying at Burrs Caravan Park.
Summerseat Station: Whatever time of year you visit, Summerseat is a picturesque village that would be right at home on any vintage railway postcard. It’s the place to stop for stunning countryside views.
Ramsbottom Station: A perfect midpoint on the ELR line, Ramsbottom station is your stop for this lively town with its artisan markets, rustic pubs, delightful cafés and wonderful local shops.
Irwell Vale Station: An ideal stop for those looking for tranquil walks and stunning scenery, Irwell Vale Station is perfect for walkers, cyclists and anyone who wants to learn a little more about the area’s history.
Rawtenstall Station: The northern end of the line for the ELR, Rawtenstall Station is a great place to start your day if you’re travelling from North Yorkshire or North Lancashire.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Full Line Return (On the Day / Advance Online)

Adult: £24.00 / £18.50
Young Person (16–17 years): £20.00 / £14.50
Child (3–15 years): £16.50 / £10.50
Family (1 Adult + 2 Children): £36.00 / £31.00
Family (2 Adults + 1 Child): £45.00 / £40.00
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children): £57.00 / £52.00
Adult / Young Person Resident Permit Holder: TBC / TBC
Child Resident Permit Holder: TBC / TBC
ELRPS Member: £10.50 / £10.50

Day Rover (On the Day / Advance Online)

Adult: £26.00 / £19.50
Young Person (16–17 years): £22.00 / £15.50
Child (3–15 years): £18.50 / £12.50
Family (1 Adult + 2 Children): £46.00 / £41.00
Family (2 Adults + 1 Child): £55.00 / £50.00
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children): £67.00 / £62.00
Adult / Young Person Resident Permit Holder: TBC / TBC
Child Resident Permit Holder: TBC / TBC
ELRPS Member: £14.00 / £14.00

Family Explorer Day Rover (On the Day / Advance Online)

1 Adult + 2 Children: £40.00 / £37.00
2 Adults + 1 Child: £48.00 / £45.00
2 Adults + 2 Children: £58.00 / £55.00

Bury Transport Museum

Adult: £5.00
Child (3-17): £3.00
Large Family (2 adults, 3 children): £13.00
Small Family (1 adult, 2 children): £8.00
Entry is FREE for visitors with an East Lancashire Railway Day Rover ticket.

Pricing URL: https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/plan-your-day-out/fares/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

What’s better than experiencing all the fun of the East Lancashire Railway? Experiencing all the fun of the East Lancashire Railway at your very own private event. No crowds, no queues, just your own private railway experience.

Private Dining and Catering: Whisk your guests back in time to the days when fine dining on a train was the height of sophisticated luxury. With three luxurious Pullman-style carriages available to hire, each served by professional waiters and catering staff, you can welcome up to 138 guests to your own private dinner on the rails.
Hire Your Own Private Train Carriage: Owning a private train is a luxury reserved for royalty and the highest of high society – but you can experience that luxury for yourself by hiring our Observation Saloon. Sumptuously fitted with wooden marquetry and traditional fittings, this private car is a moving venue for up to 25 people to enjoy a luxurious afternoon or evening. The Observation Saloon can be attached to nearly all of our service trains, and includes a tea and coffee service. You can also hire our standard carriages.

Visit the website for more information.

Visit the website to view the timetable.

Address: Bolton Street Station, Bury, Greater Manchester, BL9 0EY, England

Post Code: BL9 0EY

Council: Bury

County: Greater Manchester

By Car: There are seven different stations along the East Lancashire Railway, and you can start your journey at any one of them. If you’re travelling by car we’d recommend either Heywood or Rawtenstall where there are large car parks and free park and ride options. Parking is available at all stations, but is very limited in some places. You’ll need to pay to park in Bury.
By Metrolink: It only takes 30 minutes to get from Manchester City Centre to the ELR in Bury via the Greater Manchester Metrolink. Hop on any tram heading towards Bury and you’ll be here in no time at all. Our Bury Bolton Street Station is just a 5 minute walk from the Bury Metrolink stop.
By Train: Manchester is served by an extensive railway network. Take any train to the city centre and then transfer to a Metrolink heading towards Bury at either Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria. The nearest mainline station to the ELR is at Castleton. A short bus ride will take you to Heywood to start your journey here.
By Coach: If you’re visiting as a group, you’ll find coach drop off points at both Bury and Rawtenstall stations. There’s restricted coach parking on Castlecroft Road in Bury.
By Plane: Coming from further afield? Manchester Airport sits on both the national railway network and the Metrolink network. It’s easy to get from the airport to Bury.