Summer at East Lancashire Railway

Family Explorer Tickets

Selected dates throughout the year

Use the school holidays to broaden your horizons, and save some money into the bargain. Our Family Explorer Day Rover tickets offer excellent savings. Whether your exploring the great outdoors, bagging some bargains at the local shops or searching for something to eat, these tickets are your gateway to new adventures.

Peppa Pig

22 August 2026

The East Lancashire Railway is thrilled to welcome back everyone’s favourite cheeky little piggy. Come and meet Peppa Pig in the fantastic Bury Transport Museum at intervals. Just pre-book your general admission ticket and pick a meet & greet slot that suits you. With no additional cost to general admission, the family fun continues with a cracking fun fair with three rides suitable for toddlers, face painters, craft activities and a petting farm. Complete your day out with a ride aboard one of our heritage trains through the Irwell Valley. Your general admission ticket includes a complimentary ride on any train services on the day of your visit.

Wonderland Adventure

23 August 2026

Step through the looking glass and join Alice and her delightfully mad friends for a topsy-turvy day where nothing is quite as it seems. Follow the White Rabbit, take a dive into the Mad Hatter’s Mind and try to keep up with the March Hare. Just keep your eyes open for the Queen of Hearts and don’t lose your head!

Resident’s Pass

Make the railway part of your summer routine with exclusive discounted travel for local residents. Explore your favourite stations and enjoy journeys along the line for less. It’s the perfect way to stay connected with your local community and enjoy more great days out on your doorstep. This offer is available to residents of Rochdale, Bury and Rossendale.

Whole Day Itineraries

Plan your perfect day out. Whether you’re looking for a fun family adventure, a scenic countryside escape, a journey through local market towns, or a step back into the area’s rich heritage, there’s a route ready to guide your experience. Each itinerary helps you make the most of the 12-mile line, linking charming stations and great places to eat, shop, explore and relax along the way. It’s an easy way to turn a visit into a full day of discovery.

Trackside Bar

Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere and a wide selection of real ales, ciders and more, as well as a menu of tasty pub food faves served throughout the day. Whether you’re stopping off mid-journey or making it a part of your day out, The Trackside is the ideal place to soak up the railway experience in style.

Buffer Stops Bar

Housed in a charming former waiting room, this traditional real ale bar is a relaxed spot to take a break. Watch steam trains arrive and depart just beyond the platform as you settle in with a drink. With plenty of local flavour, it’s a great place to round off your journey through the valley.

The Buffet

Enjoy a tasty stop at the platform-side café at Buy Bolton Street Station. Perfect for a quick break or a relaxed pause during your journey, it serves up a selection of hot and cold drinks and light bites.