East Lancashire Railway gearing up for half term with family events

Whether your little ones are drawn to dinosaurs, bright-eyed for Bluey or dazzled by the wizarding world, there is something for everyone at the ELR over February half term.

Meanwhile, ELR’s loyal train enthusiasts will be welcomed back to the railway, with a grand reopening taking place on Saturday, February 10.

Winter Diesel Day

On Saturday, February 10 ELR is on track to reopen after a busy festive season and what better way to kick it off than with their acclaimed Winter Diesel Day?

With tickets starting at £25, the event is perfect for passionate train enthusiasts to come down and see some of the finest locomotives that ELR has to offer.

Featuring a colourful line-up of named locomotives including a Class 24 known as ‘Phil Southern’, Class 33 ‘Captain Bill Smith RNR’ and Class 40 ‘Aureol’, making it a fantastic opportunity to see some of the top heritage diesels from the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

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The Wizarding Adventure

This February, your aspiring young witches and wizards can learn to master magic and mystery on the Wizard Academy's wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour.

Visitors young and old will take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, before concocting their very own powerful potion. The enchanting experience will also teach wizards to tattle and talk with a tawny owl.

The adventure includes a return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall, hauled by a heritage (and spell) powered train, lasting approximately an hour and a half, and will take place on February 22, before returning again at the start of April.

Dino Adventure at East Lancashire Railway (Image: ELR)

The Dino Adventure

From the tyrannosaurus to the triceratops, intrepid explorers at ELR have a whole family of pesky prehistorics on hand to give aspiring adventurers an educational and entertaining journey through time to learn all about their favourite creatures.

The adventure lasts around 90 minutes, with a dino-proofed steam train transporting the team between Bury and Rawtenstall.

The ELR Dino Adventure is perfect for those from ages five to 12, however, anyone is welcome to visit and earn their diploma in dinosaurs.

The Dino Adventure will take place on February 23 and tickets are selling quickly.

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Bluey & Bingo Family Fun Day

An ELR favourite returns in February as the excitable sisters from Down Under pay a visit to the Bury Transport Museum.

On February 24, the loveable duo will bring an action-packed fun day which is certain to make your little ones go “Wackadoo”!

With a fun fair, face painters, a petting zoo and craft activities on offer, plus a heritage train ride, there is something for all of the family to enjoy included in the ticket price. Tickets for the day must be purchased online and customers are urged to be prompt with their booking as tickets are high in demand.

Dining Experiences 

Experience Dining with Distinction in one of the Pullman-style carriages where you can enjoy a delightful lunch, afternoon, or evening immersed in the charm of the historic steam engines as they whisk you away to a time of seamless elegance, style, sophistication, and impeccable first-class service. 

On February 23, you can indulge in a traditional luncheon enjoying views of the picturesque Irwell Valley whilst relaxing, knowing every aspect of your experience will be catered for to the highest standards. 

Create your own Unique Day Out 

As well as all of this varied activity, ELR has put together a selection of carefully crafted itineraries that showcase the best of what the line has to offer.

Whether you are looking for a fantastic family day out, a place to shop until you drop or even a step back in time, ELR has you covered. 

These itineraries can be found on the ELR website under the plan your day out tab filled with in-depth information to help customers create their perfect day out at ELR.

And if the post-festive period is a busy one, there is always the hugely popular bar and restaurant The Trackside located at the heart of Bury station, where customers can fuel up for whatever they have in store on that day. 

To buy tickets or for more information on any of the events, please visit www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk or contact East Lancashire Railway at 0333 320 2830.