East Lancashire Railway

I myself have the profoundly grateful pleasure in visiting the award winning east lancashire railway 'in-person' especially to the brilliantly imposing bury 'bolton street' rly station - the very hub of greater manchester's (and lancashire's) premier heritage railway that dates back 1846, Also enjoyably rode along the terrific 12 miles of pleasantly restored ex-cross country train track between heywood and rawtenstall - via bury, burrs country park... summerseat, across brooksbottom, onto ramsbottom, pass stubbins and Irwell vale along the course of two rivers roch and irwell in-between, My most favourite stations along the ELR... are bury bolton street, ramsbottom, and rawtenstall, including irwell vale, I in-fact like/love all the stations, especially the halt at burrs country park out there too, As with most heritage railways across our beloved united kingdom, the ELR is successfully well-run/properly well-operated by a fine bunch of volunteers, staff, and other helpfully assisting people who do a great job in running this lancastrian heritage railway that reaches it's 180th anniversary in 2026 by the way. I even recommend the east lancashire railway, for the surrounding scenery, the stations, the destinations, the trains of whom hauled by both steam & heritage diesel traction - all full of character & uplifting nostalgia to behold. My very first visit to the ELR was back in october 2005, followed by another visit of whom a revisit to heywood in 2006, a full revisit to the ELR in october 2011, with my last visit (hopefully NOT the last) being october 2023 during the spectacular autumn steam gala out there.... I hope to revisit the ELR 'in-person' one day.

Going back in time. Best £50 I spent for years. Forget going abroad, packed lunch and flask of tea. Absolutely brilliant time out. Met some top people from ELR. This is what made Britain Great.

Visited on the 200 years weekend which was very busy but easy to get on various trains though out the day, except the vintage cream tea train as it only had two carriages. Some lovely interaction with the actors on the train and friendly volunteers all day. Good long ride with interesting towns to visit along the way.

We are just back from another wonderful trip on the ELR having attended the Murder Mystery night which was brilliant. Top class entertainment from a talented production company who really worked hard to keep us all engaged and in total suspense. Not only was the evening intriguing but it was also highly amusing. This is a class outfit. The food and service were also excellent. The staff couldn’t do enough for you and the food quality was exceptional. The train was stunning as was the steam engine. All in all highly recommended. We will be back……Thank-you

An excellent evening's entertainment, I wondered how a play was going to be performed in a 1950s railway buffet car, but it was well thought out, and the actors did a great job,a very versatile group. The meal was excellent, as well as the service given by the very young staff, who were all very efficient and extremely polite. This experience was bought for us as a gift but we'll be returning soon to try another mystery murder trip. Can thoroughly recommend this experience.