Summer at East Lancashire Railway

Travel to Wonderland

9, 30 August 2024

This is one very important date you don’t want to be late for. Alice and her friends are coming to the ELR to take a curious steam train trip to Wonderland, and they want you to come along and join the fun. There will be themed activities to complete, colourful characters to meet and interact with, plenty of opportunities to take photographs and of course a train ride.

The Dino Adventure

15, 28 August 2024

Get set for a roar-some adventure of pre-historic proportions. A herd of cute cretaceous critters has shown up at the railway, and it’s up to you and our expedition of friendly fossilists to learn everything they can about these baby dinos. You’ll get to meet these mini monsters, complete themed activities and enjoy a train ride through the Irwell Valley.

The Wizarding Adventure

16, 29 August, 23 October 2024

A new term is beginning at the Wizard Academy, so don’t miss this opportunity to enroll. Our team of silly sorcerers will have you brush up on the basics of broomstick riding, practice making potions, instruct you in incantations and familiarise you with the fundamentals of familiars. The adventure includes themed activities as well as a steam train ride.

Peppa Pig Family Fun Day

22 – 23 August 2024

The East Lancashire Railway is thrilled to welcome back everyone’s favourite cheeky little piggy. Come and meet Peppa Pig at intervals at Bury Transport Museum. With no additional cost to general admission, the family fun continues with a  heritage train ride, a cracking fun fair with three rides suitable for toddlers, face painters, craft activities and even a petting farm.

Meccano Model Exhibition

31 August 2024

Bury Transport Museum is delighted to host the North-Western Meccano Guild to house a display of expertly made Meccano models. These intricate machines are a great way to teach younger people about mechanical engineering, and there will be a section devoted to plastic Meccano where little ones can build their own models and have fun.

Dining Experiences

Various Dates 2024

Our Dining with Distinction experiences are the perfect way to enjoy an afternoon or evening meal with a steam powered twist. Be transported back to a time of effortless style and superb first-class service on board one of our luxury Pullman-style carriages. Themes range from atmospheric and intimate evening diners to side splitting Comedy Nights and thrilling Murder Mysteries.

Outdoor Exploration

Take advantage of our incredible Family Explorer Ticket and discover every secret of the Irwell Valley at a significant discount. The ticket is available on selected dates throughout the year and lets two adults and up to three children ride for just £22.50. If you’re looking for inspiration for things to do, take a look at our carefully crafted Itinerary, which will take you around some of the region’s most impressive outdoor spaces.

Trackside Bar

If you fancy a tipple before or after your travels and you want to do it in style, The Trackside is the place to be. Situated against the unique backdrop of Bury Bolton Street Station, this traditional pub is the perfect place to watch the trains go by whilst enjoying a pint of award-winning real ale or cider and sampling delicious offerings from the menu.

Buffer Stops Bar

A cozy stop-off after a journey up the line to Rawtenstall, the bustling Buffer Stops Bar – complete with traditional waiting room – is a lovely country pub. The bar offers a bonanza of beverages, with a total of five real ales and one real cider on handpump, as well as a variety of lagers, continental beers and traditional pub snacks. Don’t miss out on this gorgeous hidden gem.