A Fantastic Family Day Out

A Family Day Out on the ELR starts at our Heywood Station.

It’s easy to get to from all directions, and there’s a large free car park. Check you have everyone, and then make your first choice for the day.

If you’ve got little ones, then a trip to Queen’s Park in Heywood is a must. It’s a lovely, green space with loads of room for the kids to run free and burn off some energy. Wander down a wildlife walk and see which feathered friends you can spot.

If you’ve got bigger kids, head to the platform and hop on a train straight to Burrs Country Park. It’s perfect for those adrenaline seekers to get some fresh air and experience the great outdoors, hiking a nature trail, perfecting your Parkour or trying your hand at canoeing. If all that sounds too strenuous, you could just relax with the fishing club here.

A mid-morning break

All that country air and excitement will make you thirsty. Stop by Tilly’s Tea room in Heywood town centre for cake and a cuppa, and then head back to Heywood Station for the train to Bury. If you’re at Burrs Country Park, then The Lamp Post Cafe is the place to stop (where you’ll get 10% off with your ELR ticket). Take the train back to Bury Bolton Street when you’re ready.

Wheels of fun

Next stop is Bury, where a visit to the Bury Transport Museum is an absolute must. There’s fun for everyone here, whether you’re 7 or 70! There are dozens of vintage vehicles to see, lots of exciting activities to try and even historical costumes to dress up in! The whole family will learn loads and have a brilliant time.

There’ll probably be lots of rumbling tummies by now, and Bury is the perfect place to find lunch. There’s lots of great places to choose, whether you fancy a sit down meal or a delicious snack from the world-famous Bury Market.

All aboard for Rawtenstall

Head back to Bury Bolton Street Station and hop on board the next train to Rawtenstall. Admire the beautiful countryside as you steam up the line, and see what wonderful wildlife you can spot.

If you’re looking for more adrenaline-fuelled fun when you arrive at Rawtenstall, head up to Ski Rossendale where you can zip down this brilliant dry ski slope. Or, for a calmer trip, stop by the Whitaker Museum to see a 12ft snake wrapped around a giant tiger, explore hundreds of other weird and wonderful stuffed animals, and see what a Victorian sitting room might have looked like.

Quench your thirst in the 1900s

If you’re feeling thirsty, the whole family will love Fitzpatrick’s Temperance Bar, where you can all sample an old fashioned Sarsaparilla and rosehip drink – the original Dandelion and Burdock! The friendly staff will tell you all about the historic anti-alcohol movement.

You can even take some traditional drinks back home as a souvenir, so stock up before you catch the train back from Rawtenstall to Heywood.

Still full of beans?

If there’s still time left in the day, or you’re staying for the evening, then The Rock at Bury is the place to be. There are several family-friendly restaurants, a huge bowling alley and a big cinema.