Easter at East Lancashire Railway
Plan your next adventurous Eggs-pedition this Easter at the ELR!
The Easter Half Term can be difficult for grownups. There’s a lot of pressure to think of things to see and do that will stop the little ones from getting bored whilst they are out of school. Well don’t worry because we’re here to help! We have come up with a list of ideas that will be sure to keep their minds active and engaged throughout the holiday.
We’ll be kicking things off with a visit from some wand waving wizards and friendly baby dinosaurs, and Peter Rabbit will also be paying us a visit!
If all this excitement builds up an appetite, then there are also a number of Dining Experiences available, as well as food offerings at The Trackside, and drinks and snacks at the cozy Buffer Stops in Rawtenstall.
Keep reading and totally tackle Easter Half-Term!
The Wizarding Adventure
9 April 2025
Sign up to the spellbinding school of sorcery and take a wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour of the Wizard Academy. During this magical interactive experience you’ll meet the entertaining enchanters on board a heritage train and complete themed activities to learn everything you need to know to become an expert in magic.
Book Now
The Dino Adventure
10 April 2025
Pet a Pachycephalosaurus, get together with a Triceratops or tickle a tiny T-Rex under the chin! The funky fossilists of the Dinosaur Adventure and their baby dino buddies are waiting for you on this interactive adventure. Meet the cute cretaceous critters and complete themed activities on board a heritage train.
Book Now
Peter Rabbit
18 – 19 April 2025
The mischievous bob-tailed bunny, Peter Rabbit, is coming to visit us at the Bury Transport Museum, and you can come and see him at intervals. There will be more family fun with three fun fair rides suitable for toddlers, face painters and craft activities, and ticket price includes a ride along one of our heritage steam or diesel trains. General Admission tickets must be purchased online, so don’t miss out.
Book Now
Enjoy a Fantastic Family Day Out
Looking to blaze your own trail? Swap the car for a historic steam train and take the whole family on an action packed, fun-filled day out on the ELR. This itinerary offers a host of options, starting with a relaxing walk in Heywood’s Queen’s Park and finishing off with a thirst-quenching soft drink at Fitzpatrick’s Temperance Bar, with lots to do in between.
Find out more
Explore the Great Outdoors
Make the most of the longer days and the slowly improving weather by setting out on some outdoor adventures. The Irwell Valley is our biggest and greatest attraction! The line is a gateway to great hikes, like the Irwell Sculpture Train or a jaunt up to Holcombe Hill, and there are plenty of green spaces if you just need to immerse yourself in nature.
Find out more
Lancastrian Lunch
6, 13, 20 April 2025
Bring the kids for a traditional Sunday lunch with a difference. Step on board your beautifully restored Pullman-Style Carriage and enjoy a delicious three course meal, accompanied by sensational views, impeccable service and a plate that celebrated the best that Lancashire has to offer.
Book Now
Midweek Lunch
4, 9, 16 April 2025
Let the whole family lunch in style on this fabulous Mid-Week treat. This two-course meal is great value for money and a perfect way to break up a day of adventuring up and down the Irwell Valley whilst introducing your little ones to the magic that is dining on board a heritage steam train.
Book Now
The Trackside
If there’s one thing we know about going on an adventure, it’s best to do it with a full stomach. Fortunately the ELR is home to an incredible bar and restaurant – The Trackside! Located right at the heart of things in Bury Station, it’s perfect no matter which stage of your journey you are at, whether you’re fuelling up to begin a day of adventure, stopping off for a quick snack as you pass by or finishing with a feast.
Find out more
Buffer Stops
Another must see stopping point along the ELR line, the quaint little Buffer Stops Bar is cozily nestled within Rawtenstall Station, even incorporating part of the traditional waiting room into its seating area. If you fancy a snack or something to drink before hopping back on the train, the Buffer Stops is for you.
Find out more