Testimonials

“Absolutely fantastic from start to finish! We started our journey on the Heywood shuttle into Bury. Friendly staff who provided information about the Santa train itself. When we arrived at Bury, a great effort had been made to decorate the entrance and it felt like a Santa’s grotto! The train journey itself was magical, my children and I, really enjoyed the atmosphere, seeing Santa, the elves, magician and the band! The volunteers did a fantastic job at every point of this day out to ensure that all families were having a great time. Definitely visit next year!”

“We picked up the steam train which stopped at various stations where there was lots going on relating to the 1940s. Lots of people were dressed in forties costume. ‘Allo’ Allo characters on the train made journey even better! We will be back again next year! Well done to all those who made it possible.”

“We have had a fantastic day riding on the steam train and diesel service. Our children were offered the chance to go up and sit on the drivers seat. They were over the moon. Thank you to all the friendly and helpful staff. We will hopefully be back soon.”

“I started my training just over a year ago and, as with all ELR training, received a thorough grounding in the workings of the Booking Office. This is much more than just selling tickets and answering timetable queries. We are usually the first person a passenger has contact with so we have to be a font of knowledge.”

“Excellent Sunday lunch served on the train travelling through the Irwell valley , a must for any train/food fan. ”

“We had a spare day while in Manchester so decided to take the steam train from Bury to Ramsbottom. It was a great experience and felt like a trip back in time. My grandmother always talked about her love of steam trains and I now know why.”

“Honestly loved it. Excellent service. Loved the train journey. The staff & food were also excellent. Would definitely do this again. Absolutely bob on! ”

“Absolutely brilliant start to Christmas with our grand children. Our son and daughter came as well and it was a great morning out. Carols sung, sherry drunk and mince pies eaten, and presents off Santa for all the children! There were even magicians wandering up and down the carriage a great outing! ”

“ELR a great afternoon out for the family. Fantastic journey on steam train, brought back memories of travelling with my grandma in the 1960s. They do some brilliant events at ELR give it a go. ”

“This was our second time doing the Santa Special, this year with our four year old and 17 month old. We enjoyed it once again; the day seemed to go by so quickly. The staff were helpful, friendly and cheerful. The brass band even sang happy birthday to all born in December. We will do it again in the future.”

“The ELR experience takes you back in time to travel from a previous BR era. Great fun for both children and parents (and grandparents too)!”

“Had a wonderful time on the railway, lovely old stations and pubs in each station with local brewed beers and ciders. The war weekend is essential good very authentic and a great experience for all members of the family.”

“Great for a Christmas treat for the kids. Went on the train and my son saw Santa and got a prezzie and loved it. They had bury station all decorated up and had a brass band playing. Worth the visit! ”

“As a family we have visited most of the heritage lines in the north but we think this is by far the best run and indeed the best value. Enough carriages to cater for all, not a huge line in the buffet car all made it an enjoyable experience. Will be visiting again. ”

“As a family we have visited most of the heritage lines in the north but we think this is by far the best run and indeed the best value. Enough carriages to cater for all, not a huge line in the buffet car all made it an enjoyable experience. Will be visiting again. ”

“From arriving at Bury station to the moment we left we thoroughly enjoyed our festive dining experience. The train and platforms were decorated beautifully. The food was outstanding and the staff were professional, helpful and all smiling. We will definitely be booking again! ”

“Absolutely fantastic from start to finish! We started our journey on the Heywood shuttle into Bury. Friendly staff who provided information about the Santa train itself. When we arrived at Bury, a great effort had been made to decorate the entrance and it felt like a Santa’s grotto! The train journey itself was magical, my children and I, really enjoyed the atmosphere, seeing Santa, the elves, magician and the band! The volunteers did a fantastic job at every point of this day out to ensure that all families were having a great time. Definitely visit next year! ”

“Been on the ELR around 6 times now - never a disappointment. These enthusiasts are so dedicated & deserve recognition for the work they put in to giving the passengers a really enthralling day. They underpin so many events through the year from the Festive Diner evenings to the Santa Special events for children.”

“The East Lancs does the best steam and diesel galas in the country I’d say. If you remotely like a steam or diesel loco get yourself to this railway. Gradients, tunnels, long distance running, great pubs and stations. With easy access from Manchester by tram. It’s one railway I always make the effort to go to by train from Kent. An amazing place for all to enjoy their passion for trains.”

“It's a great place! The steam train rides are always enjoyable and station bar is well stocked and affordable. If you like model trains there also a couple of good shops full of second hand items. A very enjoyable place for visitors old or young.”

“Thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon train journey. Well organised - all staff very friendly and helpful. Food excellent quality. Wil not hesitate in booking similar journey next year! ”

“The ELR is a heritage railway which has been providing excellent days out for all ages for many years. ELR put on several 'special' activities throughout the year but the most exciting is whenever the Flying Scotsman is due in town - the stations are packed with enthusiasts whatever the weather. Christmas brings the opportunity for children to ride the 'Santa Specials' and leave their lists for Santa to work on. It doesn't matter what time of year, the ELR ensures you'll have a great day out. ”

“What a fantastic day, something I have wanted to do for many years. Every person we came across at ELR were brilliant and so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Thanks for giving me such a wonderful day and wonderful experience.”

“What a fantastic day, something I have wanted to do for many years. Every person we came across at ELR were brilliant and so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Thanks for giving me such a wonderful day and wonderful experience.”

“Friendly people and great facilities. Plus trains! Come out and visit, you will have a fantastic experience. ”

“Fantastic evening on the Halloween train with my 10 year old daughter. The train station was decorated very spooky with refreshments available at normal cost. We were joined in the carriages by numerous great actors who entertained us throughout the longer than expected journey. Well worth a visit, definately going back next year.”

“Cannot give a high enough review for our experience on the Red Rose Diner on the East Lancashire Railway. The whole evening was superbly executed by perhaps the best service staff I have ever seen. Right from the Dining Car Manager to the serving staff, all were so very pleasant and attentive and I have to say that this in conjunction with the EXCELLENT quality of the food! ”

“Took our 2 year old Grandson for a trip on the steam train from Rawtenstall to Bury and had a lovely journey. The volunteer staff do a fantastic job and the railway is a credit to them.”

“Can I just thank all concerned for a fabulous day, brilliantly organised, with such a friendly and expert crew and team of volunteers. I have waxed lyrical about the experience to family and friends and very much hope that my enthusiasm is infectious and others will also want to book.”

“Can I just thank all concerned for a fabulous day, brilliantly organised, with such a friendly and expert crew and team of volunteers. I have waxed lyrical about the experience to family and friends and very much hope that my enthusiasm is infectious and others will also want to book.”

“I have taken several friends on the Red Rose dinners, to celebrate their birthday - each time the food has been excellent and the whole experience fantastic. My guest's have since taken their friends and equally enjoyed the trip and meal. I would recommend the dinners to everyone. ”

“My friends & I went in the “Malice in Wonderland” murder mystery train trip. The experience was really good: the food was excellent & just the right amounts, the actors were good & the interaction was fun. The experience of travelling in old-world glamour was great too.”

“We love the East Lancashire Railway! We regularly take a train ride from Bury with my parents (my husband and dad are steam train enthusiasts)- sometimes we just have an afternoon out..(My dad is 83, so this is perfect for him as he doesn’t have too far to walk, and enjoys it so much).... and we have twice been for the ‘Dining with Distinction’ evenings which are a murder mystery night- in fact, my dad has requested that we might go again for his next birthday night out! ”

“They have a range of amazing locomotives. Seeing the amazing Duchess of Sutherland in steam was amazing, along with City of Wells and the other steam locomotives running. A range of stations large and small, varying scenery. Run by a group of brilliant volunteers we love this place. We will be coming back soon! ”

“To celebrate my Husband's 80th Birthday, five members of the family went for lunch on a steam train at The East Lancashire Railway today. We had a wonderful time, the food was excellent, the organization first class, the staff could not do enough for us, and it was lovely to step back in time and travel and dine on a steam train. ”

“Just spent a great day at the East Lancashire Railway during their Heritage Diesel Day, the opportunity to see and ride behind a classic collection of motive power is not to be missed. Bury is the hub and there is both a café and a Pub on the platforms, all in al a great day out.”

“Day with Thomas the tank engine, my little boy absolutely loves trains and Thomas! You can ride Steam engines and Diesel engines up and down the track and there were lots of different activities to do at stations. We were even able to sit on the train and sound the whistle. ”

“They have regular events throughout the year Ghost trains, Christmas, Thomas and friend and WW2 days. Have had some great music events linked to the Trackside pub. ”

“What a marvellous day I had at the 1940's weekend on the East Lancs. Everything perfect - including the weather! There must have been so much planning that went on beforehand for it all to come together as it did and nice little touches like renaming the stations were definitely appreciated. I made full use of the day rover (which was excellent value by the way) to take in the action at each station. All the trains ran on time and the day just flew by. Can't praise the railway highly enough. ”

“It was the most relaxing afternoon on board a train we have ever had. Lovely company on board very attentive staff and lovely afternoon tea. Truly a wonderful gift and would highly recommended the whole experience. ”

“It was as though you were going back in time, we arrived early so we went to the station to watch the comings and goings of other trains The station was clean and tidy and the guards were friendly and professional. ”

“A lovely, scenic railway with lots of history (including the last steam loco to run on the mainline), and helpful, friendly staff. Well worth a visit.”

“The railway staff were very helpful and friendly and we had a lovely few hours here. We even visited the adjoining transport museum which had hands on things for our children to do including dressing up etc. Will definitely come again. ”

“Midweek dining experience on the east lancs railway for a birthday treat. Lovely time was had by all. Attentive staff, good food and great scenery make this a must do steam experience.”

“We pop down here a lot to sit and watch the trains come in and out, occasionally jumping on to go into Tammy, taking a scrumpy cider with us from the Trackside. ”

“We have travelled on the railway many times with our children and always enjoy it. The staff are friendly, professional and so enthusiastic about the railway. The station has a lovely little gift shop and the gentleman working there was very friendly. ”

“How could you not love this? Amazing to see so close up an iconic part of our history. Amazing. Loved standing on the platform and watching this steam engine. The little boy with his Hornby train set really came out.”

“How could you not love this? Amazing to see so close up an iconic part of our history. Amazing. Loved standing on the platform and watching this steam engine. The little boy with his Hornby train set really came out.”

“I went on the Pies & Pints Ale Trail. It was a fantastic trip & the guide was excellent. He gave us a really good history of all the different sites & towns but kept it interesting & humorous.”

“Lots of places to get off and explore. The carriages are nice and there is a nice mix of locomotives of different types. Plenty of space for wheelchairs and buggies. Staff are really friendly and helpful. ”