The East Lancashire Railway
The East Lancashire Railway
The East Lancashire Railway
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view

About
Located in Bury, just 30 minutes from Manchester City Centre, is the award-winning East Lancashire Railway. A heritage railway that runs steam and diesel train services through the beautiful Pennine Lancashire scenery. There are plenty of things to see and do and stations are well equipped for group visits with cafes, pubs, gift shops and a dedicated Transport Museum, housing vintage vehicles, transport memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Guided tours and talks are also available. The railway also has some fantastic events scheduled throughout the year from guided Rail Ale Trail tours of some of the excellent local drinking spots to the nostalgia of their award winning 1940's weekend. Looking for something a little different? Why not indulge in a luxury steam train hauled dining experience on board Orient Express style carriages, learn to drive a train or get snap happy with a Photography Course?
Bury, Greater Manchester, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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4.5
2,168 reviews
Excellent
1,693
Very good
298
Average
71
Poor
36
Terrible
70
john
34 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Bought for my 70th from my children, what a fabulous day out lovely weather top class comfortable seats warm carriage, topped off by a beautiful meal served by very competent staff by Lords caterers. We had a great time thanks
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gerimoniponi
London, UK6 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
I booked the Santa Express knowing that I was attending with two Santa-sceptics aged 11 and 14. To say we all had an amazing time is an understatement: from the entry to the exit we all enjoyed the experience so much: the sounds and smells of the station and train; the chocolate coins and drink; the brilliant brass band and sing-a-long; the elves and the main man himself. Adults are not forgotten: on arrival I accepted with greet joy a bag containing a miniature bottle of Baileys with a mince pie chaser. When we left the ELR building we spotted a sign for the Transport Museum so we went in - and were told that because we had been on the Santa Express we had free entry to the Museum. This service is the gift that keeps on giving. Please book it for your family immediately- you will not be disappointed.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
Santa Special train ride.
Okay! We go most years, and it is always brilliant, but as my youngest is getting older, it's tinged a little bit of sadness. He knew the Santa wasn't real mainly because there was no disguising it was a bloke in a beard (complete with elastic) it didn't spoil it because he played the part well and all the characters were amazing, but I'd sooner pay a couple of quid extra (per person) and get a Santa similar to the one on the website!!
Still, it was amazing. The staff and volunteers do an amazing job and Gabriel loved it. We will be back
Okay! We go most years, and it is always brilliant, but as my youngest is getting older, it's tinged a little bit of sadness. He knew the Santa wasn't real mainly because there was no disguising it was a bloke in a beard (complete with elastic) it didn't spoil it because he played the part well and all the characters were amazing, but I'd sooner pay a couple of quid extra (per person) and get a Santa similar to the one on the website!!
Still, it was amazing. The staff and volunteers do an amazing job and Gabriel loved it. We will be back
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheFussyTeenager
Manchester, UK687 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
My friend and I wanted to visit the Cocoa Tree café in Ramsbottom, so getting an All Day Rover on the ELR seemed like a fun way to get there. That ticket allowed us to get on/off at any station as we pleased.
The steam train was definitely more exciting than the diesel one! Though there were some scenic countryside views, we also saw a lot of…ugly industrial landscape, I suppose.
After spending a bit of time in Rawtenstall, we headed back to the station and ended up waiting 40 minutes for a delayed ride home. There was nobody around to ask for advice, so we just had to hang about and hope it would come.
It’s probably more worthwhile to do one of the themed events.
The steam train was definitely more exciting than the diesel one! Though there were some scenic countryside views, we also saw a lot of…ugly industrial landscape, I suppose.
After spending a bit of time in Rawtenstall, we headed back to the station and ended up waiting 40 minutes for a delayed ride home. There was nobody around to ask for advice, so we just had to hang about and hope it would come.
It’s probably more worthwhile to do one of the themed events.
Written 5 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SLEEPLESS IN SOMERSET
Blackburn, UK14 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We went for the murder mystery train and dine ride. We were in first class luckily as it has more of a cosy train ride feel than the other classes it looked like. The murder mystery was very easy to solve and honestly, boring. But the train setting was lively. The good wasn't up to much to be honest. The drink were cheap though!
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy A
30 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Wonderful Spooky evening on the Halloween Express did not disappoint
From getting on to the platform being entertained by two naughty sisters 1 and 2 all the actors were fantastic
Even I was scared as costumes were so good also nice to see adults in fancy dress as well as the children getting on the train
Food served on the platform and drinks the only downside we wished we had taken drinks on board as not served
Great Night
From getting on to the platform being entertained by two naughty sisters 1 and 2 all the actors were fantastic
Even I was scared as costumes were so good also nice to see adults in fancy dress as well as the children getting on the train
Food served on the platform and drinks the only downside we wished we had taken drinks on board as not served
Great Night
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam S
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Couples
It was only by chance that we spotted a poster at the ELR when we were looking for wedding venues, and it immediately felt like the right decision for both of us, as we had a personal connection to the railway. We got in contact with Lorna, the events manager at ELR, who was simply amazing.
There is always a worry of the venue seeing pound signs when you book them for a wedding and trying to get as much money out of you as possible, but we never felt like that once with Lorna or the ELR, it genuinely felt like she just wanted to make the day as stress free and memorable as possible. She was willing to work with us every step of the way and even gave us really helpful suggestions to keep costs under control. She was always free for a meeting or phone call, and she always answered emails very quickly. There was one meeting where we went in feeling completely overwhelmed by planning a wedding and by the time Lorna had gone through everything with us she had helped us to realise that everything was actually progressing really well. Lorna really understood how we were approaching the wedding and the vibe we wanted and on the day it was exactly how we envisioned it, casual, fun, and friendly!
We decided to have the ceremony on Ramsbottom platform, then have a private train take the observation saloon (a private carriage with windows at both ends) up and down the line for a few hours.
On the day everything was perfect, the platform was set out beautifully, and Lorna was there to keep everything on schedule, running everything behind the scenes. Our 5 year old nephew was there, and Lorna had even provided a train set and a few other things to entertain him whilst he was on the train, which definitely came in handy! The volunteers were absolutely lovely and really helpful, and kept us entertained with stories about the history of the railway and the surrounding area, as well as keeping our drinks full and the train running. We decided to have afternoon tea on the train and it was very tasty, and was more than enough food for everyone involved. The groom and groom's father even got to ride on the train's footplate, where the two drivers told them all about the train itself which was a memorable experience.
Everyone involved left the station happy at the end, and we have had many of the guests tell us what a unique and lovely day it was.
In summary, we can only say that the ELR is an amazing venue for a wedding, and that every wedding would benefit from a Lorna! Thank you to everyone involved for making our special day perfect!
There is always a worry of the venue seeing pound signs when you book them for a wedding and trying to get as much money out of you as possible, but we never felt like that once with Lorna or the ELR, it genuinely felt like she just wanted to make the day as stress free and memorable as possible. She was willing to work with us every step of the way and even gave us really helpful suggestions to keep costs under control. She was always free for a meeting or phone call, and she always answered emails very quickly. There was one meeting where we went in feeling completely overwhelmed by planning a wedding and by the time Lorna had gone through everything with us she had helped us to realise that everything was actually progressing really well. Lorna really understood how we were approaching the wedding and the vibe we wanted and on the day it was exactly how we envisioned it, casual, fun, and friendly!
We decided to have the ceremony on Ramsbottom platform, then have a private train take the observation saloon (a private carriage with windows at both ends) up and down the line for a few hours.
On the day everything was perfect, the platform was set out beautifully, and Lorna was there to keep everything on schedule, running everything behind the scenes. Our 5 year old nephew was there, and Lorna had even provided a train set and a few other things to entertain him whilst he was on the train, which definitely came in handy! The volunteers were absolutely lovely and really helpful, and kept us entertained with stories about the history of the railway and the surrounding area, as well as keeping our drinks full and the train running. We decided to have afternoon tea on the train and it was very tasty, and was more than enough food for everyone involved. The groom and groom's father even got to ride on the train's footplate, where the two drivers told them all about the train itself which was a memorable experience.
Everyone involved left the station happy at the end, and we have had many of the guests tell us what a unique and lovely day it was.
In summary, we can only say that the ELR is an amazing venue for a wedding, and that every wedding would benefit from a Lorna! Thank you to everyone involved for making our special day perfect!
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
northerntravelling
11 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We had the most amazing evening on the Red Rose Diner. It was a fantastic opportunity to get a bit dressed up and I'm glad we did as everyone had decided to!
The train was beautiful and it felt like stepping back in time to a bit of vintage glamour! It was very comfortable and we were well looked after by the friendly and attentive staff.
The food was incredible and the wine was very reasonably priced (and they take card payments).
It was dark outside so we couldn't really see much out the window but that is to be expected in September! It was a fantastic way to spend the evening and I would highly recommend the experience to anyone!
The train was beautiful and it felt like stepping back in time to a bit of vintage glamour! It was very comfortable and we were well looked after by the friendly and attentive staff.
The food was incredible and the wine was very reasonably priced (and they take card payments).
It was dark outside so we couldn't really see much out the window but that is to be expected in September! It was a fantastic way to spend the evening and I would highly recommend the experience to anyone!
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
slaterjo40
Manchester, UK133 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
I surprised my Hubby for his birthday to the dining experience, wow was amazing the food & service absolutely fantastic. The food was hot & the wine was very cold 😊 My hubby even went to the engine to look round & turn it back when we stopped at Rawtenstall, so nice of them to organise it he even got birthday banner & card they sang happy birthday too. Overall great experience highly recommend it. Thank you for making it so special. 🚂
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glynjo64
Wirral, UK55 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
What a fabulous experience! We had a four course dinner on the train, stopping regularly for breaks - excellent to stretch your legs or if in need of a vape.
The pullman carriage was beautiful, spotlessly clean and well-maintained. The seats were really comfortable.
The staff were friendly, professional and honestly could not be more attentive. A huge bonus was the drink prices. Comapnies tend to exploit a captive market, but from £18 for a bottle of wine, you certainly couldn't complain. We had excellent service from Gemma and Claudia, who really seemed to enjoy their time with the passengers. The food was piping hot and delicious.
I really hope to take a trip in the future. This experience was well worth the 120 mile round-trip drive, and parking is free after 6pm in the station car park. The old station waiting room has been converted into a lovely pub.
The pullman carriage was beautiful, spotlessly clean and well-maintained. The seats were really comfortable.
The staff were friendly, professional and honestly could not be more attentive. A huge bonus was the drink prices. Comapnies tend to exploit a captive market, but from £18 for a bottle of wine, you certainly couldn't complain. We had excellent service from Gemma and Claudia, who really seemed to enjoy their time with the passengers. The food was piping hot and delicious.
I really hope to take a trip in the future. This experience was well worth the 120 mile round-trip drive, and parking is free after 6pm in the station car park. The old station waiting room has been converted into a lovely pub.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How often are trains from Heywood Station on sundays
Pamela C
Preston, UK141 contributions
As the man from Haslingden said, you need to go to the website and check the specific Sunday. They have special events and weekends and there are different coloured timetables for different days. No trains from Heywood on green timetable days you can't post links here but search for eastlancsrailway timetables
ms.jy
Singapore, Singapore2 contributions
I’m traveling with kids in Nov, during the cold season. Where should we board the train and alight? How Long does it take? Is the fare for round trip?
Wontolla1
Manchester, UK400 contributions
If you are arriving Wednesday Thursday or Friday in winter the railway only runs limited mid week services, weekends no problem nor are the Santa Specials etc. Please check the timetable on the railways website.
A full trip Bury-Rawtenstall-Heywood-Bury takes around two and half hours. Bury is the usual start point as there are other facilities at the station including as mentioned the Transport Museum and the 'Trackside' station pub and eatery.
All the stops have something to offer, and you can hop on and off as you wish. As mentioned, Heywood has free parking, but pick your day as trains do not run to Heywood on weekdays.
There is a car park next to the station on Bolton Street and one at the Baths just a few yards down the street, both of which are owned and run bu Bury Council and both incur a charge.
BrianWorsley
Worsley2 contributions
Is there car parking at the station.
Anna D
Bury, UK
Hi, there are a series of council-owned car parks close to Bury Station. There is a free car park at Heywood and Rawtenstall and limited parking at all other stations.
angeltop
manchester england8 contributions
Hi, how long is the journey for the Santa express thank you.
John
Greater Manchester, UK6,410 contributions
It depends where you mean from where to where. The railway starts at Heywood, goes onto Bury Bolton Street, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall, with various other stops along the route. I think it does the full route. You could do all or part of this.
How much does it cost for the full return train ride,
Hi Gary , a Full line return ticket is called a Freedom of the Line ticket this allows you to hop on and hop off and all the stops. This is priced at £15.50 for Adults.
Please check before you travel as prices change if there is a special event on.
Anne G
East Preston, UK3 contributions
Can I ask about disability at the station, from remembrance there are many steps into the station ok when my husband was younger. We are coming to the forties weekend but worried as to how he will manage.
John
Greater Manchester, UK6,410 contributions
There is some access to Bury Bolton street from around the side of platform 3 where the pub is. As far as I am aware Ramsbottom is wheelchair accessible on 1 side, I think both Rawtenstall is accessible on both sides, Heywood is accessible on both sides
Johnderry4711
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK3 contributions
I have a best friend who has loved steam trains for all our lives - its his 70th birthday in June and I wondered do you have a steam train driver test where he would be able to drive a steam train. And if so what would it cost. Regards John Derrington.
Wontolla1
Manchester, UK400 contributions
Bronze Steam Experiences - Mondays/Fridays
A full day experience with half a day spend driving, firing and guarding between Bury and Rawtenstall with the other half spent on a guided tour.
Ticket cost £399.00
Includes:
Safety briefing with the crew before your journey begins
Basic instruction on the operation of a steam locomotive
Driving and firing for 16 miles
Guarding and travel for 16 miles
Guided tour visiting the Metrolink Bridge, Locomotive and Carriage works, Engine Shed, Engine Yards and Bury South Signal Box
Photo opportunities
Presentation of commemorative Certificate
Free ELRPS membership for the rest of the year*
Hot lunch for the participant
Travel for 2 guests per participant – extra charge of £9.00pp for lunch and £4.50pp for guided tour
*Cut off point is October 2018, memberships registered after this point expire Dec 2019, see terms and conditions for full information.