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Travelling with Children

The ELR takes pride in welcoming visitors of all ages.

Whether it’s your little one’s first train ride or a special family day out, we want everyone to enjoy their visit safely and confidently.

To help us do that, we have a few essential guidelines in place regarding children and young people travelling on our services.

Children aged 0 – 15 years

All children aged 0 to 15 years must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult aged 18 or over.

Children in this age group are not permitted to travel alone under ay circumstances.

For safety and safeguarding reasons, young people aged 16 – 17 are not classed as responsible adults and therefore cannot accompany younger children on their own.

This applies to all areas of the railway, including trains, stations, and event spaces.

We ask parents and guardians to keep their children within sight and under supervision throughout their visit to ensure everyone’s wellbeing.

Young People aged 16 – 17 years

Young people aged 16 and 17 are welcome to travel independently on our trains and visit the railway without an adult.

However, they cannot take responsibility for any child under the age of 16.

If a 16 – 17 year old is travelling with younger siblings or friends aged 0 – 15, an adult aged 18+ must still accompany the group.

This distinction enables us to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all passengers, particularly during busy family-themed events and peak periods.

Why do we have this policy?

Our Child Travel Policy is designed in line with national safeguarding best practices and industry standards. As a heritage railway, we operate a working railway environment with moving trains, raised platforms, and busy stations, so children must be appropriately supervised at all times.

By following this policy, you’re helping us to ensure that the East Lancashire Railway remains a safe, enjoyable place for families and young people alike.

Need more information?

If you have any questions about travelling with children or need assistance planning your visit, our friendly team is here to help. Feel free to contact us here (customer.services@eastlancsrailway.co.uk) or speak to staff at any of our stations.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you aboard for your next adventure.

© The East Lancashire Railway