The East Lancashire Railway
The East Lancashire Railway
The East Lancashire Railway
4.5
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
2024
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4.5
2,227 reviews
Excellent
1,743
Very good
299
Average
76
Poor
38
Terrible
71
David0ff82
Liverpool, UK1,450 contributions
Jul 2019
For our anniversary the previous month one of the presents from my partner was a meal on this steam train it’s something We’d been wanting to do for a while and it was booked for July 2019 for a Sunday lunch. Myself and my partner decided to make a weekend of it staying in Bury Saturday to the Monday. We arrived at the station and walking through the entrance was a bit like stepping back in time we had a look around looking in the gift shop then headed to the platform which had plenty of people milling about with everyone in good spirits. We took a look at the old train taking photos and I couldn’t wait to get on but we had time for a quick drink and headed to the bar on the platform. Inside the bar was also busy but we got served and found a place to stand after a short while we took our drinks to the platform and before we knew it we were being called to show our tickets and were shown to our table on the train with our drinks. It was nice and again like a step back in time we really liked it and the atmosphere was really good. A drinks order was taken and before we knew it we began to leave the station leaving a fair few people behind as it seems many people go just to use the bar for a drink and also get something to eat. As we set off and received our drinks we were also served our first course of a cheese and asparagus soufflé which was lovely as the first course was ending we came to stop there was some restocking and then the train went back on its self passing back through the station to go on a longer journey we continued with our courses enjoying our main of a lamb roast dinner taking in the sights and generally enjoying ourselves before coming to a stop and the end of the line station where we were able to get out to take a look at the old station, small gift shop and have some photo opportunities at the front of the steam train. After a short stop we got back on the train for our trip back and pudding of cheese cake followed by coffees and chocolate. We really enjoyed this experience and meal and the staff were also really nice and everything was pretty well organised. Would recommend!
Written 28 June 2020
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.
Georgina
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
I never leave reviews but I think East Lancashire Railway should be credited for such an amazing experience during this incredibly strange time. We are regulars on the railway we probably travel a couple of times a month and always attend the Santa special and Thomas day out. We visited today with our two young boys and the experience was as magical as ever. The staff were as always so helpful and friendly. I felt so safe with all they had in place from temperature checks to one way systems to strict cleaning and blocking tables off, so everyone was at a safe distance. Thank you to all the staff for making us feel so safe we had a wonderful trip and to see our boys so happy was priceless.
Written 9 August 2020
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.
Natasha
Manchester, UK178 contributions
May 2021 • Family
The East Lancs was one of the first places to open when the restrictions were lifted and I’m so glad it has. They have catered really well for the pandemic, you are sat spaced out, the carriages are covid safe and the steam trains are back up running up to rawtenstall.
Tickets have to be purchased in advance via the website to ensure a safe number of people are on the trains. It’s a brilliant day out and well worth supporting.
Tickets have to be purchased in advance via the website to ensure a safe number of people are on the trains. It’s a brilliant day out and well worth supporting.
Written 22 May 2021
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.
David S
Bolton, UK73 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Visited the Trackside Bar on the steam gala weekend and was disgusted by the prices of some items.
I ordered a packet of Pork scratching and was amazed to be charged £2.50 for a tiny bag of these. In addition I ordered coffee which was served in a paper cup for another £2.50 making a total of £5. Daylight robbery!
I ordered a packet of Pork scratching and was amazed to be charged £2.50 for a tiny bag of these. In addition I ordered coffee which was served in a paper cup for another £2.50 making a total of £5. Daylight robbery!
Written 9 March 2020
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.
derek h
Liverpool, UK27 contributions
Sept 2021
If you're into steam rail (even if you're not!) and like a bite to eat you will enjoy an afternoon tea.
My advice is splash out that little bit more and take the afternoon tea and you won't be disappointed.
We combined this trip with a one night stay over to take in Bury market the following day, but started the rail trip with a visit to the Museum.
I booked the museum on line for 11am which gave us plenty of time to wonder around before we boarded the train at 1pm
TOP TIP: if you visit the museum first, they will allow you to park for free. The station is reached by a set of stairs from the car park
My advice is splash out that little bit more and take the afternoon tea and you won't be disappointed.
We combined this trip with a one night stay over to take in Bury market the following day, but started the rail trip with a visit to the Museum.
I booked the museum on line for 11am which gave us plenty of time to wonder around before we boarded the train at 1pm
TOP TIP: if you visit the museum first, they will allow you to park for free. The station is reached by a set of stairs from the car park
Written 6 September 2021
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.
Mark
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Well organised by the passionate volunteers who operate the railway. The Thomas day was a great family day out with plenty to do at the station and the transport museum across the road from Bury Station all included in the ticket price along with rides on the other trains. Nice railway to ride up and down would recommend parking at heywood so you get to ride the full line. Unfortunately thomas had an issue and was unable to take us on our ride. It was a shame but they couldn't apologise more for something that was out of their control. They quickly changed to the diesel character train and we were on our way they kept thomas at the station so you could see him and have a photo with him and you could hop on the footplate if you liked.
Overall great day out would definitely visit again
Overall great day out would definitely visit again
Written 6 August 2022
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.
Bethany G
6 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
I literally can’t believe we wasted almost £50 on this (2 adults, 1 child). We arrived and had high hopes. The train station had spooky decorations and was quite atmospheric. When we got on the train, it was like taking any regular train! Three people in Halloween costumes walked through the train with minimal interaction and that was the extent of our experience. No dimmed lights, no spooky music... nothing! We even got so bored we started looking on our phones and even started to write this review! AVOID!!!! Best part was the very polite gentleman who showed us to our seats. Definitely avoid this one!
Written 30 October 2020
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.
Ian K
Bolton, UK381 contributions
Feb 2020
A day on the ELR has become a regular outing for me & this particular day was for the Winter Diesel Gala. This was on the Saturday, the day before Storm Ciara arrived & caused havoc within the Irwell Valley so fingers crossed everything & everybody got through the weekend safely.
Like me you genuinely don't necessarily need to be a big rail enthusiast to enjoy the ELR & you can travel along the 12 mile or so route with a day ticket / Freedom of the line ticket & break the day / journey to factor in a nice walk up to somewhere like Peel Tower or stop off to enjoy the pleasant market towns of Ramsbottom & Rawtenstall. On this occasion I did a bit of "loco spotting" at the Bury Station first & then travelled a few stops to Ramsbottom where I got off & had a nice largely riverside walk to the Irwell Vale Stop which I picked up the next service & went on to Rawtenstall. Irwell Vale is a picturesque very quiet station that provides excellent vantage points for photo opps. Once in Rawtenstall had a nice beer in the Buffer Stops bar on the station itself & then had a short walk to the excellent Casked craft beer bar/pub nearby across on Bury Road.
I took a return trip back to Bury on one of the majestic diesel locos working on the day with some more engine/loco spotting back at Bolton Street Bury & watching all the comings & goings. Had a really enjoyable day & will certainly be back for the steam version of the Gala Day in early March (weather permitting !)
Like me you genuinely don't necessarily need to be a big rail enthusiast to enjoy the ELR & you can travel along the 12 mile or so route with a day ticket / Freedom of the line ticket & break the day / journey to factor in a nice walk up to somewhere like Peel Tower or stop off to enjoy the pleasant market towns of Ramsbottom & Rawtenstall. On this occasion I did a bit of "loco spotting" at the Bury Station first & then travelled a few stops to Ramsbottom where I got off & had a nice largely riverside walk to the Irwell Vale Stop which I picked up the next service & went on to Rawtenstall. Irwell Vale is a picturesque very quiet station that provides excellent vantage points for photo opps. Once in Rawtenstall had a nice beer in the Buffer Stops bar on the station itself & then had a short walk to the excellent Casked craft beer bar/pub nearby across on Bury Road.
I took a return trip back to Bury on one of the majestic diesel locos working on the day with some more engine/loco spotting back at Bolton Street Bury & watching all the comings & goings. Had a really enjoyable day & will certainly be back for the steam version of the Gala Day in early March (weather permitting !)
Written 10 February 2020
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.
Claire P
Liverpool, UK17 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
There is only one word Exceptional! Went on the Red Rose dining experience and had the most amazing time, an evening we will not forget....from start to finish the food was excellent, the customer service I haven't experienced for such a very long time and your staff are a credit to you. Bar prices were reasonable, comfortable surroundings and we felt utterly spoilt....We started off having drinks at the platform bar and the atmosphere was delightful. Would of loved to have had classical music as background music but besides from that tiny detail.... Excellent!
If your traveling and need an overnight stay I would recommend using the Premier Inn only a short walk and secure parking overnight was £12.
If your traveling and need an overnight stay I would recommend using the Premier Inn only a short walk and secure parking overnight was £12.
Written 8 October 2022
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.
holidaymanWashington
Washington, UK4,854 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We arrived to find that the train was waiting at the furthest platform from the entrance. Taking social distancing to the extreme, as the station is used solely by the ELR and no other trains were running that day. The additional distance isn't very helpful for people with disabilities. We had to wait a good five minutes before someone came to escort us across the tracks, so that we could access the correct platform without having to go up and over the bridge. Then the first carriage was not being used, so we had a lengthy walk down the platform to find a carriage with available seats.
Having said that, the staff we met throughout, were very helpful and friendly and their assistance was much appreciated. The locomotive was a magnificent beast and the journey to Rawtenstall and back went all too quickly. It is a problem with most heritage railways, that for pleasure's sake they should be at least three times longer. The wind must have been in the wrong direction, as there was no wisps of smoke passing the window, nor that superb smell that a steam engine gives off when travelling. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day and long may the good folks of the ELR continue.
Having said that, the staff we met throughout, were very helpful and friendly and their assistance was much appreciated. The locomotive was a magnificent beast and the journey to Rawtenstall and back went all too quickly. It is a problem with most heritage railways, that for pleasure's sake they should be at least three times longer. The wind must have been in the wrong direction, as there was no wisps of smoke passing the window, nor that superb smell that a steam engine gives off when travelling. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day and long may the good folks of the ELR continue.
Written 16 July 2021
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 do the murder mystery nights work please? Are we able to explore the train to solve the mystery?
Written 28 February 2024
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
Written 4 August 2022
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?
Written 26 July 2019
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.
Written 26 July 2019
We are attending a red rose dinner experience next month and I'm wondering what the dress code is please?..
Written 9 February 2019
Anna D
Bury, United Kingdom
Hi, our Red Rose Diners are 'smart casual', it is a first class dining experience, but we want to ensure you are comfortable too.
Written 11 February 2019
Anna D
Bury, United Kingdom
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.
Written 1 February 2019
Hi, how long is the journey for the Santa express thank you.
Written 2 October 2018
John
Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
4,433 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.
Written 2 October 2018
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.
Written 7 August 2018
Just sent an email about disability access at the station for the forthcoming forties weekend.
Written 22 May 2018
The railway boasts traditional railway carriages which have been lovingly restored but modified to allow disabled access. Hope this helps.
Written 14 November 2018
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.
Written 22 May 2018
John
Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
4,433 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
Written 23 May 2018
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