East Lancashire Railway

A trip on the East Lancashire Railway is journey back in time. Opened in 1846 to link the Manchester to Bolton line with Radcliffe. It was a popular passenger and freight route which continued along the Irwell Valley to Rawtenstall.

1972 saw the last passengers travel on the Bury to Rawtenstall section, and it would have been the end of an era had the East Lancashire Preservation Society not been committed to restoring the line to its former glory.

The line was reopened in 1991. The traditional station buildings and developments along the tracks have contributed to the Society being presented with a number of environmental awards.

Today East Lancashire Railway is a vibrant, year-round attraction offering trips and tours, Lancastrian Lunch Trains, Theme Days and even opportunities to experience driving steam and diesel locomotives.