Summer at East Lancashire Railway

Scotsman at East Lancashire Railway

June 2026

The legendary Flying Scotsman makes her long awaited return to the East Lancashire Railway this Summer. A British icon, visitors will not only get the opportunity to ride behind the locomotive during the event, but also to see her on static display and get a really close look. For those wanting the ultimate experience, there is also a luxury Scotsman-hauled dining train.

Summer Diesel Gala

2 – 5 July 2026

Join us for some diesel-powered fun in the sun and see and ride behind your favourite engines. This year we will be welcoming guests 20303 and Class 37 – 37610, courtesy of our friends at Swietelsky UK. We will also be welcoming 58023, which is appearing thanks to Edward Stevenson. Alongside these guests, visitors can also enjoy brake van rides and a special evening Curry Train.

Day Out With Thomas™

18 – 19 July 2026

All aboard for a rocking good time as Thomas and friends hit the tracks for the Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour. This will be their second visit this year, and we’re inviting you along to help give them the welcome they deserve. You will get to hop on board a train ride with Thomas, a REAL steam engine, watch exciting live shows with Rusty and Dusty, join in the Thomas and Friends™ character hunt, keep the beat going at the Music Corner and more.

K-Pop Party

31 July 2026

This event is going to be golden! If your little ones have recently gone bonkers for K-Pop thanks to a certain movie, then this is the event for you. Join a trio of K-pop inspired characters at Bury Transport Museum for a live sing and dance along featuring songs from the movie. This will be followed by a meet and greet session, allowing the children to pose for photos with the characters.

Wizarding Adventure

6 August 2026

Wands at the ready, we’re heading out on another adventure with the eccentric enchanters from the Grand Old School of Wizardry. During this special train ride you will interact with hilarious characters, learn powerful spells, complete activities and even meet a few mystical creatures like Felix the Phoenix and Twoo the Owl.

Dino Adventure

7 August 2026

Sink your teeth into a truly roarsome adventure on the East Lancashire Railway line this summer. You will join an expedition of fun-loving fossilists and their friendly baby dinosaurs on an interactive train ride. You will unearth prehistoric secrets and become a dino detective, try to learn the basics of raptor training and more. You will also meet cute cretaceous critters like Tina the Triceratops, Vernon the Raptor and more.

Villain Adventure

13 August 2026

Are you ready to join the ranks of your favourite storybook baddies? Indulge your inner evildoer and join a cadre of cads for a truly villainous day out. During this adventure on board a train you will meet kooky characters, master the art of the evil laugh, perfect your dramatic entrance, learn how to be a pirate and more. Your mischievous mentors will include The Evil Queen, Captain Hook, Cruella and Mal the witch.

Goldilocks and Friends Teddy Bear Adventure

21 August 2026

Take a trip to the fairytale forest with Goldilocks and her furry friends. During the journey they will tell tall tales about their adventures, and you will be introduced to the cute and cuddly creatures who live in the Forest of Dreams. Characters include Goldilocks and Baby Bear, Red Riding Hood and the Little Good Wolf, Little Bo Peep and her sheep and Old King Cole.

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!

Trackside Bar

If you’re planning to go exploring along the line this Summer, then we recommend doing it on a full stomach. Thankfully the railway is host to an incredible bar and restaurant – The Trackside. Located at the heart of all the action on Bury Station Platform, this traditional pub is the perfect pit stop no matter where you are in your journey, whether you’re starting strong or finishing with a feast.

Buffer Stops Bar

Another must see stopping point along the ELR line, the quaint little Buffer Stops is cozily nestled within Rawtenstall Station, and even incorporates part of the traditional waiting room into it’s seating area, as well as the ample outdoor seating available on the platform itself, perfect for whiling away a summer day. The bar offers an ever changing selection of quality ales, ciders and perries.