Autumn at the East Lancashire Railway - The East Lancashire Railway

The weather is almost as crisp as the freshly fallen leaves, the mornings are just that little bit darker and everyone’s swapping their shorts and t-shirts for jeans and chunky knits. Autumn is here!

Don’t tell the other seasons, but Autumn is one of our favourite times of year at the East Lancashire Railway. There’s just something especially cosy about steam heated carriages and rumbling diesels when it’s cold and rainy outside.

Add to that some of our most loved events like our Halloween Ghost Trains, a magical Wizarding Adventure and an Autumn Steam Gala. Finally a visit from a certain jolly someone is just around the corner…

So keep reading, and make your Autumn awesome at ELR.

Halloween Ghost Trains

30, 31 Oct, 1 Nov 2025

Are you brave enough to climb aboard our Halloween Ghost Trains to celebrate the Year of the Bat? Storied horror hunter Dr Hurtz Von Driver, Count Brian the Vampire and the rest of the monster squad are just dying to meet you on this spook-tacular steam train ride. Help them solve the mystery of “The Blood Bat of Irwell Vale”, and have some frightening family fun!

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The Wizarding Adventure

29 Oct 2025

Grab your wizard robes and get ready for an epic adventure on board the train. Join the delightfully wacky professors as they reveal the secrets of real magic. You will learn powerful incantations and perfect your wand waving skills, discover the proper way to greet mystical creatures, even take care of a real dragon egg – who knows what might hatch?

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Kids Go Free

Need something to do to keep the little ones busy over the weekends or during the October Half Term? Take advantage of our Kids Go Free offer! Each paying adult is entitled to purchase two free Child One Day Rovers or Full Line Returns (3 – 15-year-olds) with additional child tickets to be paid.

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Things to Eat and Drink

Explore the ELR with a view to broadening your culinary horizons. Try out the countless cafés and eateries that lie along the line, from a cosy tearoom in Heywood and the traditional pub surrounds of Bury to the cafes of charming Ramsbottom and the old world charm of the market in Rawtenstall.

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Autumn Steam Gala

17 – 19 Oct 2025

The last large scale steam event of the annual calendar. We’re thrilled to be welcoming guest locomotives Ivatt 2MT 46441, her first appearance at the ELR in over 20 years, and LMS Stanier Mogul 13268 on her debut visit. These engines will look right at home in our Lancastrian landscape, joining fellow LMS and Midland Region locomotives for a packed weekend.

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Red Rose Diner

10 Oct and various dates 2025

Treat yourself to a luxurious evening diner on board a glamorously decked out and beautifully restored steam train. You can expect a sparking welcome drink upon boarding which you can enjoy before tucking into a sumptuous four course, silver served meal.

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The Trackside

Get out of the cold and get cosy at a traditional pub. Situated on and set against the unique backdrop of Bury Bolton Street Station, the Trackside is the perfect place to enjoy a pint whilst you watch the trains go by. The menu is also ideal for fending off that nip in the air, offering favourites like Fish and Chips, sharing platters and tasty pizzas.

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Buffer Stops

The bustling Buffer Stops Bar is located at the end of the line in Rawtenstall, and it’s well worth the trip! It offers a bonanza of beverages including five real ales and one real cider, as well as a variety of lagers, continental beers and traditional pub snacks. There are also regular live music acts, offers and more, so be sure to check it out.

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