East Lancashire Railway: Heritage Steam and Diesel Journeys in Bury

Step aboard the East Lancashire Railway for scenic steam and diesel journeys through historic Lancashire, starting at the iconic Bury Bolton Street Station.

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East Lancashire Railway

The East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is a celebrated heritage railway running steam and diesel trains through picturesque Pennine Lancashire. Centered at the historic Bury Bolton Street Station, the ELR offers an immersive journey into the region’s industrial past with seven stations, vintage vehicles, and interactive exhibits including the nearby Bury Transport Museum. A perfect blend of scenic countryside, traditional market towns, and rich railway heritage awaits visitors just 30 minutes from Manchester.

A brief summary to East Lancashire Railway

23A Bolton St, Bury, BL9 0EY, GB
+443333202830
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 5 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 9 am-4 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

Buy tickets in advance online to secure seats on popular steam train services, especially during special events.
Visit the Bury Transport Museum opposite Bolton Street Station for a deeper dive into Lancashire’s transport heritage.
Use the Greater Manchester Metrolink tram to reach Bury Bolton Street Station easily from Manchester city centre.
Plan your visit on weekends or during special event days for full train service and activities.
Parking in Bury town centre is limited and paid; consider public transport or park at Heywood or Rawtenstall stations with free park and ride.

Getting There

Public Transport

Take the Greater Manchester Metrolink tram from Manchester city centre to Bury Interchange, a journey of about 30 minutes. From the interchange, it’s a 5-minute walk to Bury Bolton Street Station. Trams run every 6 to 12 minutes depending on time of day. Tickets must be purchased before boarding, with family and day travelcards available.
Car

Access Bury Bolton Street Station via junction 2 off the M66 motorway. Parking in Bury town centre is limited and paid, with a small pay and display car park at the station managed by the local council. For more parking options, consider larger free park and ride facilities at Heywood or Rawtenstall stations, approximately 10–15 minutes by train.
Train and Bus

From Manchester Piccadilly or Victoria mainline stations, take any train to the city centre and transfer to the Metrolink tram towards Bury. Alternatively, from Castleton railway station, a short local bus ride connects to Heywood station to join the ELR line.

East Lancashire Railway location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Rain / Wet Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about East Lancashire Railway

Historic Heart at Bury Bolton Street Station

Bury Bolton Street Station serves as the spiritual and operational hub of the East Lancashire Railway. Opened in 1846 by the original East Lancashire Railway company, the station is a fine example of Victorian railway architecture, featuring a neo-classical Italianate headquarters building and a distinctive train shed roof supported by iron columns. The station was a key junction in Lancashire’s rail network, connecting towns like Ramsbottom, Rawtenstall, and Manchester. Today, it retains much of its historic charm, with four platforms and a blend of original and restored structures, including platform canopies dating from the 1880s.

Scenic Journeys Through Lancashire’s Countryside

The ELR runs a 12-mile line through the beautiful Pennine Lancashire landscape, linking seven stations including Ramsbottom, Summerseat, and Rawtenstall. Passengers can enjoy vintage steam and diesel train rides that traverse rolling hills, quaint villages, and scenic river valleys. The railway offers flexible travel options allowing visitors to hop on and off at different stops to explore local markets, rustic pubs, artisan shops, and peaceful countryside walks.

Engaging Heritage and Cultural Experiences

Beyond the trains, the ELR experience is enriched by the Bury Transport Museum located opposite Bolton Street Station. This museum houses a remarkable collection of vintage vehicles, transport memorabilia, and interactive exhibits that bring the region’s transport history to life. Nearby, Bury town centre offers additional cultural attractions including art galleries, theatres, and the famous Bury Market, known for its local produce and iconic black pudding.

Facilities and Visitor Comfort

Bury Bolton Street Station is well-equipped for visitors, featuring a booking office, gift shop, accessible toilets with baby changing facilities, and the Trackside pub on platform 2. Platforms 3 and 4 offer buffet services and accessible facilities, with staff assistance available for crossing tracks safely. Parking is limited and paid in the town centre, but nearby car parks and public transport options make access convenient.

Operating Schedule and Special Events

The East Lancashire Railway operates primarily on weekends year-round, with additional services on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during the warmer months. Special themed events, dining experiences, and seasonal trains such as Santa Specials add variety to the visitor experience. The railway is run by a dedicated team of volunteers and supported by the local community, preserving an important piece of Lancashire’s industrial heritage.

Connecting Community and History

The ELR is more than a railway; it is a vibrant cultural asset that connects communities across East Lancashire. It celebrates the region’s rich industrial past while providing a unique leisure experience. The railway’s commitment to heritage preservation and education makes it a must-visit destination for families, railway enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the story of Northern England’s transport evolution.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Robert Peel Statue

0.1 km

Honouring Bury’s most famous son: the 1851 bronze statue of Sir Robert Peel, twice Prime Minister and founder of the modern police force.

Sussex Avenue

2.9 km

Discover the charm of Bury from Sussex Avenue, your convenient gateway to local attractions and experiences in this historic English town.

Peel Tower

6.1 km

Historic Peel Tower on Holcombe Hill offers panoramic views and a tribute to Sir Robert Peel’s legacy near Bury.

Heaton Park Temple

7.0 km

Discover the tranquil neoclassical Heaton Park Temple, perched atop Manchester’s largest park with stunning city views and rich historic charm.

Heaton Park Papal Monument

7.6 km

A granite testament to faith and history where 200,000 gathered for a papal milestone in 1982.

Manchester Old Town Hall Colonnade

7.7 km

A neoclassical relic of Manchester’s first Town Hall, relocated and preserved as a serene monument in Heaton Park.

Tonge Hall

9.0 km

Discover Tonge Hall, a rare Elizabethan timber-framed manor in Middleton, blending Tudor grandeur with poignant history and ongoing restoration.

Lumb Viaduct

9.0 km

Discover the historic Victorian Lumb Viaduct, a stunning railway landmark offering scenic walks and cycling across Lancashire’s Rossendale Valley.

Wayoh Reservoir

9.1 km

Discover the tranquil beauty of Wayoh Reservoir in Bolton, a perfect retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Lowry Footbridge

11.9 km

A Victorian iron bridge immortalized in art, connecting Manchester's industrial past to its present.

Robert Owen Statue

12.5 km

Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.

The Undamaged Red Post Box

12.8 km

A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.

Murrays' Mill

13.1 km

Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.

Dalton Entry

13.1 km

Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.

Salford Lads Club

13.1 km

A Victorian youth sanctuary where music history, social purpose, and community spirit converge.

Unmissable attractions to see

Bury Transport Museum

0.1 km

Explore vintage vehicles and interactive exhibits in a historic 1848 railway warehouse celebrating Northwest England’s transport heritage.

Radcliffe Tower

3.4 km

Discover the rich history and architectural beauty of Radcliffe Tower, a must-visit landmark in Manchester that encapsulates the essence of local heritage.

Eagle & Child Inn

6.1 km

Historic Lancashire pub with five centuries of stories, ghosts, and award-winning hospitality.

Moses Gate Country Park

6.9 km

Explore Bolton’s largest nature reserve with lakes, woodlands, wildlife, and family-friendly trails at Moses Gate Country Park.

Heaton Park

7.1 km

Explore Manchester’s largest park with historic Heaton Hall, vast green spaces, family attractions, and year-round events in a stunning natural setting.

Heaton Hall

7.1 km

Explore Heaton Hall’s exquisite neoclassical architecture and rich history nestled within Manchester’s expansive Heaton Park.

Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Prestwich

7.2 km

A historic Grade I listed Anglican church in Prestwich with over 800 years of worship, rich architecture, and poignant community heritage.

Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Prestwich

Jumbles Country Park

7.4 km

Peaceful reservoir walks, accessible trails, and woodland serenity await at Bolton’s Jumbles Country Park.

Heaton Park Tramway

7.6 km

Step back in time with vintage tram rides and a charming museum nestled in Manchester’s scenic Heaton Park.

Hall i' th' Wood Museum

7.9 km

A rare Tudor manor house in Bolton, famous as the home where Samuel Crompton invented the Spinning Mule, now a museum of domestic and industrial history.

Uniquely Manchester Ltd

8.4 km

Modern, secure, and flexible self-storage and workspace solutions in the heart of Middleton, Manchester.

Turton Tower

8.4 km

Discover 600 years of history in a tranquil Tudor manor nestled in beautiful woodlands near Bolton, with gardens, a café, and engaging volunteer guides.

Market Place Shopping Centre

8.7 km

Historic charm meets modern shopping and entertainment at Bolton’s Market Place Shopping Centre, a vibrant hub for all ages.

Victoria Sq

8.7 km

Victoria Square is Bolton’s iconic civic hub where historic grandeur meets lively community spirit in the heart of the town.

Waugh's Well

9.1 km

A serene moorland monument honoring Edwin Waugh, Lancashire’s cherished dialect poet and his creative refuge on Scout Moor.

Discover Cane & Grain: where traditional American cuisine meets Manchester's vibrant nightlife scene in an unforgettable dining experience.

A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.

Discover Arcane, a cozy Victorian-inspired cocktail bar in Manchester’s city centre, blending inventive drinks with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Underground

7.9 km

Experience classic rave vibes and late-night energy at Underground, Bolton’s intimate clubbing hotspot in Farnworth.

Level Nightclub

8.6 km

Experience Bolton’s vibrant nightlife at Level Nightclub, where dynamic music, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere create unforgettable nights.

Hidden at Downtex Mill

11.9 km

Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.

Bijou Club

12.5 km

Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.

Cargo

12.7 km

Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.

Club Liv Manchester

13.0 km

Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.

Funkademia

13.0 km

Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.

Mint Lounge

13.0 km

Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.

YDSA Events | Queer Clubbing

13.1 km

Dive into Manchester's most inclusive queer rave: grungy beats, diverse dancers, and unapologetic joy at YDSA Events in Ancoats.

Aatma

13.1 km

Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.

Twenty Twenty Two

13.1 km

Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.

Venue Nightclub

13.2 km

Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.

42's

13.2 km

Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.

History Nightclub

13.3 km

Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.

Royal Vida Night Club

13.3 km

Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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East Lancashire Railway: Heritage Steam and Diesel Journeys in Bury

A brief summary to East Lancashire Railway

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Public Transport

Car

Train and Bus

East Lancashire Railway location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of East Lancashire Railway

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about East Lancashire Railway

Historic Heart at Bury Bolton Street Station

Scenic Journeys Through Lancashire’s Countryside

Engaging Heritage and Cultural Experiences

Facilities and Visitor Comfort

Operating Schedule and Special Events

Connecting Community and History

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Robert Peel Statue

Sussex Avenue

Peel Tower

Heaton Park Temple

Heaton Park Papal Monument

Manchester Old Town Hall Colonnade

Tonge Hall

Lumb Viaduct

Wayoh Reservoir

Lowry Footbridge

Robert Owen Statue

The Undamaged Red Post Box

Murrays' Mill

Dalton Entry

Salford Lads Club

Unmissable attractions to see

Bury Transport Museum

Radcliffe Tower

Eagle & Child Inn

Moses Gate Country Park

Heaton Park

Heaton Hall

Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Prestwich

Jumbles Country Park

Heaton Park Tramway

Hall i' th' Wood Museum

Uniquely Manchester Ltd

Turton Tower

Market Place Shopping Centre

Victoria Sq

Waugh's Well

Essential places to dine

Crowded House Restaurant

Northern Crafthouse

The Sparrows Continental Pasta & Spätzle

Restaurant Metamorphica

Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Manchester

Cosy Club

Climat

Trof Northern Quarter

TNQ - The Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar

Liquor and Burn

63 Degrees

Yard & Coop Manchester

Gaucho Manchester

Sicilian NQ - Restaurant and Bar

Cane & Grain

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Salford Shopping Centre

Annea Veleta

Hoot

GRACIOUS APPARELS

Rams Gift World

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

&made

Jessica6 Designs

Studio One - Jewellery, Craft, Gifts and Homewares

Menkind

Pulse