Very busy due to the Scotsman. Great place to visit. Only thing that dropped the rating for me was a certain demographic that pushed my 4 year old out the way to get past and take pictures. Happened more than once. Yes the trains are from your generation but they are for everyone to enjoy. Who do you think will keep them running in the future through interest gained as a child. Have some manners and stop pushing kids out of the way.

This is about cafe at Rawtenstall. If you don't work or friends of staff, be prepared to wait until they have finished their conversation. If you say anything they will ignore you and move to next customer. All I wanted was a pie. Could not get it.

Came here today beautifuly kept station has a pub on site that has cosy rooms also a cafe on an old train. Worth a visit when the steam trains are running. There's a good kid friendly pub down the road from the station too that's worth a visit if you have kids.

Absolutely loved it. If you are a train fan, visit this place! I was here with my family. The landscape is nice in the Valley of the river Irwell. We didn't see the Heywood-Bury part but I think it's nice too. Recommended!

Love it here, a very picturesque heritage line between Heywood and Rawtenstall. All the staff are friendly and very helpful especially for the event weekends they put on. Can't wait for the next 👌

A nice piece of history unfolds when you visit Rawtenstall,Station of the East Lancashire Railway. This is a well presented railway and certainly a must if heritage is your interest.

A delightful heritage steam railway. Everything is beautifully maintained, clean, and there’s lots of helpful staff/volunteers. We did the full trip on a ‘steam’ day and loved the journey. It’s everything you would expect, all done very well. Well worth visiting.

Excellent! All ELR personnel very helpful informative and kind. Came to watch our son Race the Train. Two grandsons enjoyed their trip back on the train albeit a tad disappointed that it wasn't the steam train that set off the race at Bury.🚂🛤️

A well run Heritage Railway that I re-visited to ride behind Flying Scotsman in her Centenary Year. There is a large Tesco just across the road with unlimited parking. This makes it an easier option to use than Bury, Bolton Street Station at the southern end of the line.

A large car park right by the station, and only a few minutes walk to Rawtenstall, the station is a treat with old world interior, and steam and diesel trains running along the heritage line linking with other towns on the way to Bury and Heywood. Locals can use this as a means of transport rather than a tourist line. On return it was great to see people lingering over beers in the station making for a lovely relaxed atmosphere. We walked to Whitaker Park in Rawtenstall, only about 7mins from the station bit a good museum, cafe and playpark which would ge a good destination for those with children.

Absolutely loved going here. The trains were glorious, and the service and people made it even better. We love having it close to us and can't wait to visit again.

Was a very enjoyable day, we went with our 2yo and 8yo both had a great day. All the staff here are very helpful and friendly, food was great at Bury station cafe.. Our day rover tickets also gave us free entry to the Museum superb

Nostalgic experience, mostly deisel, but some steam. Bury transport museum is also worth a brief visit (across the road from the Bury station exit). It's only relatively small but the history fits well with the era of the railway experience. Staff are great, knowledgeable and helpful. There is a free car park at the Rawtenstall end but it's not that big so have alternative in mind on busier days. Ideally, give yourself a full day and stop off at the main stations and have an explore round and a drink at the bar before hopping onto the next train. A good relaxing day out that makes a change from the usual.

At the northern end of the line. For good beer lovers a visit to the Buffer Stops is a must!

Had a Sunday lunch on board the steam train, was delicious food and good friendly service.

Absolutely loved this heritage railway, we had a great weekend there on both days. Sadly no steam possible due to fire risk following dry weather but a selection of diesels instead. Staff were efficient, welcoming and very helpful and pleasant especially the platform cafe lady at Heywood station. She made the most amazing crispy bacon butties despite only just having opened up for the day (and a bacon puppochino for our dog) plus later in the day a good selection of pies with mushy peas & gravy, delicious. Also the station lady at Rawtenstall who carried our coffees the length of the platform for me & came back with napkins for our pies. The punctuality was excellent even when there was an accident with a car crashing down the bank to the track. Staff kept us informed and kept things running smoothly. A great day out

Great place to see the trains! Diesel Gala was well worth a visit! Always popular with the younger spotters!

Super day for my mum's birthday surprise. The volunteers couldn't have been more lovely, helpful or enthusiastic at answering our questions. A special thank you to Jimmy for making my mum's day extra special joining in and getting others to join in singing happy birthday! Also a special thank you to the two gents who engages so well with my engineering mad son who was thrilled with their chats.

Has good facilities. Toilets, a waiting room. A small cafe/buffet in an olds railway carriage.

Took 9yo Grandson on the Santa train... First time and do wish we'd taken him before as I guess he will be too old next year. Lovely experience. We'll done to all who made this a magical experience.

Amazing experience at the Red Rose dinner on a vintage steam train! The service and food was so impressive! Would certainly recommend booking a trip

Great day out including Transport Museum. My little lad loved it