Shop ‘Til You Drop
With four fabulous market towns to explore, each packed with independent shops, specialist boutiques and outdoor markets, you’re sure to bring back a few bargains from your big shopping day out!
If you’re in need of some retail therapy, then the East Lancashire Railway is the perfect way to spend your day. We’ll whisk you between four different destinations, each with a unique collection of shops to browse.
Start the day at Heywood. It’s the best place to drop the car off in our large free car park – just make sure there’s space in your boot for plenty of bargains. Before you catch a steam or diesel train from our Heywood Station, pop over to Heywood’s Magic Market. It’s a community trust project and there are loads of brilliant local retailers inside – like traditional butchers, fishmongers, bakers and much more.
When you’ve explored the stalls there, catch the next train up the ELR to Bury Bolton Street.
The Famous Bury Market
A trip to Bury wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the award-winning Bury Market. Maybe you’re in search of a local delicacy like the ever popular, world famous Bury Black Pudding, a pack of rustic oven bottom muffins or a delicious simnel cake. Or maybe you’re bargain hunting for a special occasion or just taking in the sights and sounds of this historic market.
Either way, you’re sure to have a great time and pick up a few treats.
If you’re looking for the big, national retailers, Bury has two great shopping centres to visit – The Rock or Mill Gate.
Vintage gifts, goods and crafts in Ramsbottom
When you’ve explored all the shops in Bury, hop back on the train and head to Ramsbottom. If you’re not bursting with all the treats you picked up at Bury Market, this is a great place to grab a bite to eat, with lots of delicious cafes and indulgent restaurants to choose from.
In the centre of Ramsbottom you’ll find a vintage emporium at Memories Antiques and Collectors Centre, where you can browse jewellery, furniture and a host of other unique gifts. There’s loads of independent shops on the high street too – packed with clothes, bags, natural beauty products, crafts, toys and more!
Wander up Bank Street
Hop back on the train for the final stop on your shopping expedition, Rawtenstall. Bank Street is the place to visit here, a picturesque cobbled street with shops up and down it’s length.
Fill your boots with the latest fashion, pick some gifts for the family and then just before you catch the train back to Heywood, stop by a Right Royal Tea Party for some fabulous cupcakes, either to eat in or take out.