Autumn at the East Lancashire Railway

Autumn Appetisers

Time to load up for winter (like a bear), and fortunately there are plenty of places along the line to pick up a snack or something to drink. In Heywood you can stop for a cuppa at Tilly’s Tea Room or the Whistlestop Café before setting off on your journey, then take a quick stop along the route for a drink at The Trackside in Bury, or to browse the boutique cafés of Ramsbottom. Once you reach Rawtenstall you can finish things off with something sweet at Molly’s Cakes and a soft drink at Fitzpatrick’s Temperance Bar.

October Gems

Looking to up your social media game? There are a series of hidden treasures stashed away along the line, and the railway provides a unique way to discover them. You can bring some adventure to your timeline with a hike along the sculpture trails that wind their way through the Irwell Valley. Alternatively capture your experiences at some of the region’s quirkiest eateries and bars.

Family Exploration

Autumn is the perfect time for adventure, whether that be exploring the beauty of the season by trekking through the great outdoors or delving into the history and the culture of the region by visiting one of the many museum’s or art galleries dotted around the valley. You can enjoy all day travel at a discount with one of our fantastic value Family Explorer Tickets. £22.50 for 2 adults and up to 3 children, tickets must be purchased at least 7 days in advance.

Halloween Ghost Trains

24 – 26, 31 October 2024

Uh-oh, looks like the Pumpkin King has caught wind of our Halloween Ghost Train event and has decided to make a nuisance of himself to shake up the “Year of the Pumpkin” celebrations. Are you brave enough to join the East Lancashire Railway’s elite Monster Squad to “squash” his schemes? Eerie entertainment includes a haunted house walkthrough (with jump scares), interaction with friendly fiends, a spooky steam train ride and more.

Dining Experiences

Various Dates

There are a selection of luxury lunchtime, afternoon and evening meals available on board our Dining trains throughout the Autumn. Let yourself be transported back to a time of unparalleled style and sophistication, when to dine on board a steam train was the height of culinary experience. From intimate Red Rose Diners to side splitting Comedy Night’s we have something for you.