KarenOur nearest train station is actually a steam railway station called the East Lancashire Railway. It runs a local service and offers some wonderful experiences for young and old alike.
Running from Bury to Rawtenstall you can take a leisurely train ride through beautiful countryside before stopping off for a pint of real ale (or something more to your own taste if you prefer) and something to eat at one of the stations. It’s a wonderful way to spend the day.
Both of our boys have gone through the stage of being ever so slightly obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine and trains in general. The National Rail Museum in York is a must-see for train fanatics, but it’s some way away for us. We’ve been more than once to The ELR to their Thomas events and the children always thoroughly enjoy it.
There are lots of other events and activities year round at East Lancs Railway. They run Santa Specials for children during the festive season and as I’ve mentioned the Day out with Thomas which runs three times a year, the next one being 3-4th October 2015. In the coming months there will be a Halloween ghost train, a Santa special and photography courses too.
The classic bike rally has been a huge success and the 1940s weekend is always a massive event which sees many hundreds of people dress in costume for a weekend of fun, music … and of course trains!
Christmas parties on the trains are a great idea for a works night out over the festive season, or maybe just treat yourself to a romantic meal on the railway with their ‘Dining with Distinction’ offers.
For more information browse the East Lancs website where they regularly update their site with events and news.
