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Villain Academy

Join a rogue’s gallery of vile villains on a journey to complete a dastardly quest.

During this devilishly delightful interactive experience you’ll meet a host of cads and bounders from your favourite stories.

Your adventure includes a train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour Villain experience with colourful characters, themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities

It’s the perfect adventure for the whole family.

What’s Included

  • One return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall hauled by a heritage diesel train.
  • An approximately two-hour Villain experience with colourful characters
  • Villain themed activities
  • Plenty of photo opportunities
  • Make your day complete with a trip to Bury Transport Museum, sited just across the road from Bury Bolton Street Station.

Food and drink will be available to purchase from our café on Platform 3 and 4 at Bury Bolton Street Station and from the Rawtenstall Buffet.

Adult Adult with under 2 on knee Child Book Now
£20 £20 £17.50 Book Now

2025 Dates

30 May

15 August

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Departure Times

It is recommended you arrive 20 minutes before the departure time stated on your ticket.

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FAQs

Where is the event located?

The Villain Academy is based onboard the steam train.

What's the best age range for this event?

This event is suitable for all ages, however specifically those between 5 – 12 will get the most from this experience.

Will there be an accessible route?

Yes, we have marked out an accessible route to avoid the steps to our platform. Please note we do not have lifts located at Bury Bolton Street Station.

Do you have food and drink available?

Yes we have a café on platform 3 & 4 serving pies, sandwiches and hot & cold drinks. Located on Platform 2 we have our family friendly Trackside pub serving traditional pub grub and a kid’s menu.

You are also more than welcome to bring a picnic and eat this on board.

Where can I park?

We have FREE parking at Heywood Station, you can start your journey here and use your ticket to gain access to the most suitable train to get you to Bolton Street Station on time for the start of the event located on your ticket.

Please CLICK HERE to view our timetable.

There are multiple council owned car parks within walking distance of Bury Bolton Street Station, all of which are chargeable. Please factor in enough time to ensure you arrive on time.

Please see this link for details: CLICK HERE 

These are the closest car parks to us:

  • Bolton Street Station, BL9 0LQ
  • The Castle, BL9 0EY (entrance on Bolton Street)
  • Castle Leisure, Lower Bank St, Bury BL9 0EZ
How long will this event last?

Your train journey will last approximately 1 1/2 hours.

Can we access Bury Transport Museum?

Yes you can, just show your ticket upon entry.

Are dogs allowed to attend the event?

Dogs are not permitted to attend this event, excluding service dogs.

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