North West - Lancashire

The East Lancashire Railway’s origins date back to 1846, when it was the vital link between the industrial towns of the Irwell Valley. The railway carried goods and passengers until its closure in the 1980s. The story didn’t end there however, thanks to the hard work of the ELR Preservation Society this slice of British history has been preserved and restored.
Today the 12-mile line covers seven stops, all waiting to be explored. The factory town of Heywood is home to original railway buildings and a beautiful public park, whilst Bury hosts a world-famous traditional market and a cultural quarter featuring a host of museums, an art Gallery and a theatre. Passing through Burrs and Summerseat you will reach Ramsbottom, a picture-perfect market town offering independent stores and boutiques. Past Irwell Vale you will find Rawtenstall, with more magnificent examples of times past, like the cobbled main street and Victorian store fronts.
There are plenty of things to see and do around the line and the stations are well suited to group visits with cafés, pubs, gift shops and more. The nearby Bury Transport Museum also enables visitors to get up close to restored vehicles and learn about the region’s rich history.
The railway also has a range of fantastic events scheduled throughout the year, from the guided Rail Ale Trails to live music, family days out and enthusiast galas.

Visit eastlancsrailway.org.uk for more information and to plan your next visit.