This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Welcome to Villain Academy – Where Mischief Reigns!
15 August
Step into the shadows and unleash your inner baddie as you train with the most diabolical, devious and downright dastardly villains! At Villain Academy, rules are meant to be broken, and chaos is highly encouraged.
What’s in Store?
Master the art of the Evil Laugh – Mwa-ha-ha!
Perfect your dramatic entrance – Because first impressions matter.
Learn how to be a Pirate – Beware, betrayal is everywhere!
Test how Evil you are – Will you rise to ultimate villain status?
Scream! – Can you collect all the screams?
Characters you may meet:
The Evil Queen – Red or Green, which will you choose?
Captain Hook – He will turn you into a menace of the seas!
Mal – Mean, green and not afraid to be seen!
Winnie – Magical mayhem follows this one around.
Cruella – She will turn anything into a garment!
Villainous challenges await! Don your darkest cloak, sharpen your wits and prepare for a wickedly fun day where bad is the new good.
Food and drink will be available to purchase from our café on Platform 3 and 4 at Bury Bolton Street Station and from the Rawtenstall Buffet.
| Adult | Adult with under 2 on knee | Child | Book Now |
| £20 | £20 | £17.50 | Book Now |
Departure times
It is recommended you arrive 20 minutes before the departure time stated on your ticket.
Pre Event Information
Download Pre-Event Information here.
FAQs
Where is the event located?
The Villain Academy is based onboard the steam train.
What's the best age range for this event?
This event is suitable for all ages, however specifically those between 5 – 12 will get the most from this experience.
Will there be an accessible route?
Yes, we have marked out an accessible route to avoid the steps to our platform. Please note we do not have lifts located at Bury Bolton Street Station.
Do you have food and drink available?
Yes we have a café on platform 3 & 4 serving pies, sandwiches and hot & cold drinks. Located on Platform 2 we have our family friendly Trackside pub serving traditional pub grub and a kid’s menu.
You are also more than welcome to bring a picnic and eat this on board.
Where can I park?
We have FREE parking at Heywood Station, you can start your journey here and use your ticket to gain access to the most suitable train to get you to Bolton Street Station on time for the start of the event located on your ticket.
Please CLICK HERE to view our timetable.
There are multiple council owned car parks within walking distance of Bury Bolton Street Station, all of which are chargeable. Please factor in enough time to ensure you arrive on time.
Please see this link for details: CLICK HERE
These are the closest car parks to us:
- Bolton Street Station, BL9 0LQ
- The Castle, BL9 0EY (entrance on Bolton Street)
- Castle Leisure, Lower Bank St, Bury BL9 0EZ
How long will this event last?
Your train journey will last approximately 1 1/2 hours.
Can we access Bury Transport Museum?
Yes you can, just show your ticket upon entry.
Are dogs allowed to attend the event?
Dogs are not permitted to attend this event, excluding service dogs.
Substitution of Locomotives
While every effort is made to operate advertised services with the scheduled locomotive, the Company reserves the right to substitute the advertised locomotive with another heritage locomotive (steam or diesel) at its discretion and without prior notice.
Substitutions may be necessary for reasons including, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions (e.g., high fire risk), mechanical issues, operational constraints, or safety considerations.
Such substitutions shall not constitute a significant alteration of the service and do not entitle passengers to a refund, partial refund, compensation, or transfer, provided the advertised journey, catering provision (if applicable), and other core elements of the experience are fulfilled with reasonable care and skill.
By purchasing a ticket, passengers accept that locomotive substitutions are a recognised possibility inherent to the operation of heritage railways and do not diminish the service’s overall value when delivered per these terms.
Our Children’s Adventure Days wouldn’t be possible without help from our friends at Funcast Character Company! They provide all of the colourful and quirky characters you will meet on board during your adventure.