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Day Out With Thomas

2 – 3 August, 4 – 5 October

Wizarding Adventure

27 July, 14 August, 29 October

Gin Tasting and Delicious Food on a luxury steam train

Dates throughout 2025

Plan your day out

Explore our stations, timetable and ticket options

See what’s on

We host dozens of exciting
events all year long

Experiences

Join us for an unforgettable
journey on the ELR

A rail of a time for everyone

There’s always carriage loads of fun for all the family (and plenty to please the train buffs)
on the East Lancs Railway. Pop along any day you’d like, or join us for a special event.
Leave the car behind and climb aboard one of our incredible heritage steam trains
or dazzling diesels – there’s no better way to explore the great outdoors and
wonderful market towns of East Lancashire.

View all events

12 July + various dates

Fish and Chip Special

Chip off the old block!

The Dino Adventure

Take a time travelling safari to meet a herd of baby dinosaurs!

27 Jul, 14 Aug, 29 Oct

The Wizarding Adventure

Get your wands ready for a wacky wizard adventure!

Next Event: 27 Jul

Heywood Car Boot Sale

Car Boot-ilicious!

2-3 Aug, 4-5 Oct

Day Out With Thomas

It’s all aboard the famous blue steam train for a magical ride on Thomas the Tank Engine

Travel to Wonderland

Take a trip down the rabbit hole for a wondrous adventure.

NEXT Date: 9 Aug

Lancashire & Yorkshire Running Days

Villain Academy

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

Peppa Pig

Join everyone’s favourite cheeky little piggy.

Railway 200 ‘Celebration Weekend’

A celebration of Railway 200 – birth of the modern railway.

Heritage Open Days

England’s biggest festival of history and culture!

Bluey and Bingo

Wackadoo! Everyone’s favourite Heeler pups are coming to the museum.

Autumn Steam Gala

The last large scale steam event of the year!

30 - 31 Oct, 1 Nov

Halloween Ghost Trains

It’s the year of the Bat! Dare you uncover the legend of the Blood Bat of Irwell Vale on the Halloween Ghost Train?

DMU (Diesel Railcar) Gala

The day (or two) of the DMU. It’s time these railcars took their turn in the spotlight.

SEND Family Santa Special

Accessible Christmas magic.

Santa Specials

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Mince Pie Special

Reach for the pie!

Whisky Chaser

Whisky in the (Rail) Car-o!

Climb Aboard

Buy tickets
and check timetables

View tickets

Dine Aboard

Experience a
magnificent meal

Explore dining

From Heywood to
Rawtenstall, every stop
is a start.

A 12 mile line including stunning scenery. 7 stations packed with things to do. There’s so much to explore along the East Lancashire Railway, you won’t know where to begin. That’s OK. Start at any stop. Hop on, hop off and just enjoy your journey with us.

Explore our stations

Burrs Country Park

Trainline

What people are saying about us

We’ve been welcoming fun-seeking families and passionate railway buffs for over 30 years

We depend on
your support

We keep our trains running and the ELR line
open thanks to the generous help from our
supporters and volunteers. Can we count on
you too?

6 ways to help the ELR

Family

© The East Lancashire Railway