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Day Out

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifty first, there’s always plenty to do along the East Lancashire Railway.

We’ve got amazing steam trains for fans of heritage railways. We’ve got historic waiting rooms and picture perfect platforms. And of course we have a gift shop. But we also have 12 miles of stunning scenery and 7 different stops for you to hop off and explore the beautiful countryside and vibrant market towns. Whatever stop you start at and wherever you are coming from, be it near Lancashire, Preston, Liverpool, Chester or even further afield. Whether your a couple looking to create some memories, friends that need good things to do indoors on a rainy day, or a family exploring Manchester for places to see, you’ll find everything you need to know to enjoy cheap, fun days out in the North West.

Accessibility on the ELR

We welcome everyone to the ELR, and have made accessibility a priority on our trains and at our stations.

Getting Here

We’re easy to find – whichever station you’re starting from. Get driving and parking details here. We’re also only a short tram journey from Manchester Picadilly.

Make a full day of it

Start early and make the most of your time with one of our most-recommended day trip itineraries.

Timetables & Fares

View timetables via our easy to use calendar and see fares for your chosen day.

Food & Drinks

We’ve got brilliant buffets, delicious platform cafés, heritage pubs and a whole host of places for you to eat, drink and watch the trains go by

Buy a Gift Card

Perfect for any rail buff or family member you want to treat with a unique day out, our gift cards are super flexible to match any occasion.

Explore Our Stations

Want to know where to begin your journey? Just pick any of our stations, because every stop is a start
on the East Lancashire Railway. Explore the map below to see the route our trains take.

Heywood

A historic mill town and the station furthest South (and East) on the ELR

Bury

This bustling town has loads to do and is home to the amazing Bury Transport Museum

Burrs Country Park

Our newest station and the stop for this award-winning country park

Summerseat

Hop off here for two picture perfect pubs (and a lovely little village)

Summerseat Garden Centre

Ramsbottom

A lively market town, ideal for walking, shopping, eating and drinking

Irwell Vale

A charming village stop with stunning walks along the rivers Irwell and Ogden

Rawtenstall

The end of the line up North, a truly historic Lancashire town

Heywood

A historic mill town and the station furthest South (and East) on the ELR

Bury

This bustling town has loads to do and is home to the amazing Bury Transport Museum

Burrs Country Park

Our newest station and the stop for this award-winning country park

Summerseat

Hop off here for two picture perfect pubs (and a lovely little village)

Summerseat Garden Centre

Ramsbottom

A lively market town, ideal for walking, shopping, eating and drinking

Irwell Vale

A charming village stop with stunning walks along the rivers Irwell and Ogden

Rawtenstall

The end of the line up North, a truly historic Lancashire town

Bury Transport Museum

One of the star attractions on the ELR,
don’t miss the amazing Bury Transport Museum,
packed with historic vehicles of every shape and size.

Find out more

Whole Day Itineraries

Get your whole day sorted easily with one of our pre-planned itineraries.

View all itineraries

A Fantastic Family Day Out

There’s fun for little kids, big kids and everyone in between on the ELR, the perfect place to spend a day together.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

With four market towns to explore, you’re sure to find a bargain and bring home some wonderful gifts.

Explore The Great Outdoors

Strap up your hiking boots, fill up your flasks and get out into the breathtaking countryside that surrounds the ELR.

A Step Back In Time

Journey back to the 19th Century and explore the industrial history that forged the Irwell Valley and its local towns.

Stunning Sculptures

Trace the route of the Irwell Sculpture Trail – and enjoy the scenery from a heritage train in between stops!

A Fantastic Family Day Out

There’s fun for little kids, big kids and everyone in between on the ELR, the perfect place to spend a day together.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

With four market towns to explore, you’re sure to find a bargain and bring home some wonderful gifts.

Explore The Great Outdoors

Strap up your hiking boots, fill up your flasks and get out into the breathtaking countryside that surrounds the ELR.

A Step Back In Time

Journey back to the 19th Century and explore the industrial history that forged the Irwell Valley and its local towns.

Stunning Sculptures

Trace the route of the Irwell Sculpture Trail – and enjoy the scenery from a heritage train in between stops!

2024 Timetable

Download the East Lancashire Railway’s latest Timetable Leaflet.

Download the Timetable

Buy a Gift Voucher!

Perfect for any rail buff or family member you want
to treat with a unique day out, our gift vouchers
are super flexible to match any occasion.

Buy a Gift Voucher
train
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