The festive season is upon us, whether we like it or not. We can already smell the mince pies, and the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is ready to deliver the magic. The immensely popular Santa Specials are already underway on ELR to get the Christmas vibes chugging along, and you don’t want to miss out!
Experience the enchantment as you steam into Christmas aboard the ELR. This famously festive journey takes the whole family through the magical Irwell Valley, creating memories with colourful characters and delightful surprises. Prepare for a wonderful Christmas treat featuring a visit from a host of happy elves and Santa Claus himself!
What route does the ELR Santa Special take?
The journey commences at Bury Bolton Street Station, where guests are welcomed into a magnificently decorated winter wonderland. Initial festive activities include meeting Mrs. Claus and the Talking Christmas Tree, along with an opportunity to join a singalong with the carol-singing polar bear choir.
You will then board the train for an approximate 80-minute round trip to Rawtenstall, hauled by a steam locomotive. Throughout the ride, enjoy continued festive entertainment, including encounters with favourite Christmas characters and music provided by a brass band.
A centerpiece of the trip is Santa’s visit to your carriage, where he will personally deliver a gift to each child and allow time for photos. Refreshments are provided: adults will receive a mince pie and a choice of festive alcoholic or soft drink, while children receive a drink, chocolate, and an activity pack (gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives available upon request).
What’s included in the ELR Santa Special experience?
- Winter wonderland walkthrough at Bury Bolton Street Station featuring beautifully decorated festive scenes, a choir of carol singing polar bears and a magical talking Christmas Tree (there will be some flashing lights).
- Interactions with special Christmas characters including old favourites like the elves, Mrs Claus and the lovely Ice Princess.
- An approximately 80-minute steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back.
- A visit from Santa with extra time to talk and take photographs.
- A Christmas gift for every child, selected by age brand.
- High quality children’s activity books.
- Traditional brass band on board.
How much are tickets for the ELR Santa Specials, and when are they?
Sat 29/Sun 30 November
- Adult − £31.00
- Child − £30.50
- Adult & under 3 on knee − £48.00
Sat 6/Sun 7 December
- Adult − £34.00
- Child − £33.50
- Adult & under 3 on knee − £50.00
Sat 13/Sun 14 December
- Adult − £37.00
- Child − £36.50
- Adult & under 3 on knee − £53.00
Sat 20/Sun 21 December
- Adult − £39.00
- Child − £38.50
- Adult & under 3 on knee − £54.00
Mon 22/Tue 23 December
- Adult − £40.00
- Child − £39.50
- Adult & under 3 on knee − £56.00
Wed 24 December (Christmas Eve)
- Adult − £41.50
- Child − £41.00
- Adult & under 3 on knee − £59.00
Heywood Shuttle
Why not start your journey at Heywood and board the Santa Shuttle Diesel Railcar from Heywood (journey time approximately 15 minutes), to reach Bury Bolton Street Station, which is the starting point of the steam-hauled Santa Specials? Santa Shuttle tickets are sold on an open return basis meaning that you can return on any service from Bury to Heywood.
Departure times – 29 & 30 November, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20-24 December
Departs Heywood
- 08:55
- 09:45
- 10:35
- 11:25
- 12:15
- 13:05
- 13:55
- 14:45
- 15:35
Santa Special departs Bury
- 09:30
- 10:20
- 11:10
- 12:00
- 12:50
- 13:40
- 14:30
- 15:20
- 16:10
How can I get tickets?
Christmas is chugging along nicely and the ELR Santa Specials have already begun, so get those tickets booked here!
📍 Santa Specials go from Bury Bolton Street Station, BL9 0EY.