East Lancashire Railway
East Lancashire Railway
Ages
All ages
Price
£££
East Lancashire Railway is a preserved railway line running 12 miles through the Lancashire countryside between Heywood and Rawtenstall, with the main hub at Bury Bolton Street station. The railway operates heritage steam trains and vintage diesel services, taking families on nostalgic journeys through restored stations and scenic countryside. You'll travel in beautifully restored vintage carriages pulled by authentic locomotives, with plenty of opportunities to get close to the engines and explore the working heritage of the railway.
Beyond the train journey itself, there's a lot to discover during your visit. The station has a visitor centre and heritage exhibits worth exploring before you depart, and the railway runs special themed experiences throughout the year including festive Christmas dinners, cream teas, and anniversary celebrations. These special events often feature actors and costumed volunteers who add to the atmosphere. The journey stops at various stations along the line, each with their own character, so you can hop off to explore villages like Summerseat or simply enjoy the views from the platform.
This is genuinely a full day out rather than a quick hour. Families with children from about 5 upwards will get the most from it, though younger children can enjoy the novelty of the journey and the hustle and bustle of the station. The railway is well organised and accessible, with plenty of volunteers around to help. Bring snacks and layers, as trains can be draughty and the experience is as much about the journey as the destination.
Facilities
What to bring
- Layers and a windproof jacket, as open-air platforms and upper decks on trains can be quite chilly and draughty
- A packed lunch and flask of tea or coffee, as on-train catering is limited and station facilities may be stretched during busy days
- A camera to capture the vintage trains, engines, and countryside views along the route
- Books, activity packs or entertainment for younger children during the journey, particularly if you're doing a longer route
- Sun cream and a hat for sunny days, especially if you're sitting in open carriages or on exposed platforms
- Comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore different stations along the line
Top tips
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early to explore the visitor centre, heritage exhibits, and get up close to the engines in the engine room before your train departs. This turns the wait into part of the experience rather than a chore
- Check the timetable and book tickets well in advance, especially for special themed events like Christmas dinners or cream tea trains, as these sell out and some have limited carriages
- The railway only operates on weekends, so plan accordingly. Weekdays are closed, but weekends often have multiple departures throughout the day so you can mix and match experiences
- Plan for a full day out rather than a flying visit. The 12-mile route takes time, there are different stations to explore along the line, and there's plenty to see and do at the main station
- Take advantage of the special event weekends and themed experiences throughout the year, as they transform the visit and often feature costumed volunteers and actors who add real character to the day
Practical details
All ages
Suitable for all ages. Young children may enjoy the novelty of steam trains, while older children and families can appreciate the railway heritage and engineering history.
Accessibility
Tags
Location
23A Bolton St, Bury BL9 0EY
free parking lot, paid parking lot, free street parking, paid street parking