Wizards, Wonderland and more at the East Lancashire Railway this half term!
The East Lancashire Railway is running full steam ahead into 2025 and kicking off their schedule of annual family events with an exciting selection of adventurous escapades that will keep the little ones busy this February Half Term and beyond!
If you’re looking for a little more magic in your life then you won’t want to miss the Wizarding Adventure, 19 February. This interactive experience will see you join the colourful conjurers of the Grand Old School of Wizardry for a train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back. Whilst you travel you will complete themed activities, chat to the wizards and maybe even meet some magical critters before you return to Bury for more photo opportunities. Tickets must be purchased online HERE, so don’t miss out.
Make sure you’re not running late for this very important date, Alice and friends have invited you to tumble down the rabbit hole with them as they Travel to Wonderland on a heritage train, 20 February. Meet and interact with your favourite characters from the story, like the Red Queen, the Mad Hatter and Alice herself as you take part in themed activities and try to complete the story. Once you get back to bury you will have more time to make sure you get plenty of photographs. BOOK HERE!
The railway is also celebrating the 200th year since the birth of the modern railway by offering free travel for children on non-event days throughout the year. Every adult who purchases a ticket is entitled to up to two free Child Day Rovers or Full Line Return tickets for 3 – 15 Year olds. This is a great way to explore the many treasures the Irwell Valley has to offer and save money whilst doing so. See the East Lancashire Railway website for more details.
If you haven’t gotten your fill of enthusiast events at the ELR then we have our “Legends of Steam” event lined up for 14 – 16 March 2025. It’s the first large scale steam event of the year, and your chance to ride up and down the line behind a strong line-up of express steam locomotives. Icons include LNER A1 Peppercorn 60163 “Tornado”, LMS Black 5 45407 “The Lancashire Fusilier” and a pair of “Bulleid” light pacifics, 34092 “City of Wells” and the recently arrived Battle of Britain Class, 34081 “92 Squadron”.
Finally, if all this adventure works up an appetite, be sure to pay a visit to the East Lancashire Railway’s own Trackside Bar and Restaurant sited at Bury. This traditional real ale pub offers not only a wide selection of drinks, it also features a menu jam packed with pub food favourites. Little ones don’t have to feel left out as a kids menu is also available. Just make sure to check the opening times available HERE ON THE ELR WEBSITE.
