October (and beyond) at the East Lancashire Railway

Halloween Ghost Trains

26 – 28 October

Creeps, candy and costumes, are you brave enough to board the spooky “scream” train? Help the East Lancashire Railway’s very own freaky, friendly monster squad keep order and banish the ghouls and ghosts on this fun, family friendly trip into the unknown. There will be tricks and treats galore, and maybe even a bit of singing and dancing. Be sure to dress to impress with your best Halloween costume!

Wizarding Adventure

27 October 

Sign up to the East Lancashire Railway’s spellbinding school of sorcery and take a wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour of the Wizard Academy. During this magical interactive experience you’ll take lessons in the basis of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl. This is the perfect adventure or students ages 5 – 12 and is sure to be an enchanting experience for the whole family.

Gruffalo Family Fun Day

4 – 5 November

The Gruffalo is leaving the deep, dark woods to visit the East Lancashire Railway, and you can meet him at intervals on each day at Bury Transport Museum. There will also be a host of other family fun activities including fun fair rides, face painters, craft activities and more, all included in the ticket price. Complete your day out with a ride with one of our heritage trains through the Irwell Valley. Ticket price includes a ride on any ELR train service on the day of your visit.

Fish and Chip Special

12 November

Everyone loves a good chippy tea, that’s why the ELR has brought back the Fish and Chip lunchtime special. On selected dates visitors can purchase a slap-up meal of fish n’ chips served on board a heritage train. The ticket also covers a full day’s travel on the railway so you don’t need to stop the fun once the chips are down. Each meal also comes with a soft drink.

Hunt for hidden gems

Make it your goal to level up your social media feed this half term and hunt for the hidden treasures that are scattered around the region. Top picks include the delectable Jersey Girls, which offers artisanal ice creams and Mr Fitzpatrick’s, Britain’s last remaining original temperance bar. If you’re looking for something more visual, there are some out of the way spots that offer amazing views, like the hike up to Peel Tower.

Family Exploration in the Irwell Valley

Make use of our great value Family Explorer ticket and take everyone out for an action-packed, fun-filled day out on the East Lancashire Railway. Kick things off in Heywood with a stroll around scenic Queen’s Park before taking the train to Bury where you can get out of the cold and discover Lancashire’s history at the Bury Transport Museum. Finish your day out with a trip even further up the line to Rawtenstall where more museums, food and drink awaits.

The Trackside

Fancy a tipple before or after your travels, and you want to do it in style next to our spectacular engines? The Trackside is situated on Platform 2 at Bury Bolton Street Station, and it’s the place to be to enjoy a pint on the platform whilst watching the trains  go by.

The Buffer Stops

A cosy stop after a journey up the line to Rawtenstall, the bustling little Buffer Stops Bar – complete with a beautiful traditional waiting room – is the perfect place to enjoy one of five hand-pumped real ales, a craft cider or a continental beer or lager.