The much loved East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is ramping up for a busy month this April – with a mix of events for families and young people looking for a unique new experience. 

Parents looking to entertain their children over the Easter break can now book one of the railway’s adventure days for children, including dinosaur and wizard-themed days.

Murder Mystery – Malice in Wonderland

The East Lancashire Railway has brought back murder mystery nights in 2022 for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. A wonderful evening for those looking to combine fun and entertainment with fine dining this April.

Guests will enjoy an interactive experience for aspiring detectives – with a Malice in Wonderland themed experience, executed by an award-winning cast.

Malice in Wonderland is taking place on Saturday 30th April and will also return on 6th August 2022.

Wizards’ Academy 

Returning for the second time this year after selling out in February, the Wizards’ Academy is an interactive day out for all aspiring witches and wizards. Magicians of all abilities will gather at the ELR, and enjoy a spellbinding adventure to work on wand waving, brush up on broomstick skills and defeat the evil forces that might be out to spoil the day. Visitors young and old will enjoy an array of performances from eccentric enchanters before boarding the Wizard Express, for a two-hour round trip through the magical Irwell Valley.

Wizards’ Academy for Easter will take place on Wednesday 6th & Wednesday 13th April, and Friday 15th April, and then the magical event returns again later on in the year on Wednesday 1st June.

The Dino Adventure 

Also making a return following a sellout event earlier in 2022 is a time travelling steam journey through the Irwell Valley transporting dino fans back to the Jurassic Period. Dinosaur lovers will be able to get up close with prehistoric creatures during the train ride, with adults and children alike taking part in a host of entertaining activities – you may even have the chance to give a T-Rex a tickle under the chin!

Dinky Dinosaur Adventure days for Easter will take place on Thursday 7th & Thursday 14th April, and then the event will return later on in the year on Thursday 2nd June.

A Day Out With Thomas

Everyone’s favourite little blue engine, Thomas the Tank Engine, is to make his return to the East Lancashire Railway’s tracks this April.

Visitors can take a trip behind Sodor’s number one tank engine, with a 35-minute journey exploring the route of the ELR, between Bury and Rawtenstall.

And the fun continues back at the Bury Transport Museum, just across the road from the station, with live entertainment throughout the day. Activities include sing-a-longs with Sodor’s cheeky station sweepers Rusty & Dusty, arts and crafts, and an Imagination Station, where kids can play with their favourite Thomas & Friends toys and books.

Ticket holders can also enjoy funfair rides, magicians, balloon modelling and face painting – all at the museum.

A Day Out With Thomas will take place across the early May Bank Holiday from Saturday 30th April – Monday 2nd May, returning for a selection of dates later on in the year: Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th August; Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd October.

Red Rose Diners

Food-lovers and rail enthusiasts can book to treat themselves to the ultimate foodie experience in Lancashire on board traditional Pullman-style carriages.

On arrival guests will be seated with a glass of fizz, while plush furnishings, crisp table linen and polished wooden panelling bring the glamour of first-class dining experience from times gone by to life.

The experience stretches over a two and three quarter hour steam train ride through the Irwell Valley,  including a four course dinner followed by tea or coffee and after dinner chocolates.

This indulgent food experience is perfect for couples or groups of friends, as well as families.

Red Rose diners will run throughout April over the following dates: April 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 22nd, 23rd and 29th. The event will return for a selection of dates later on in the year from May to November.

St George’s Diner

East Lancashire Railway offers a calendar of themed night experiences on selected Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year – and this April, the railway is celebrating St George with a special dining experience.

Guests will have the chance to enjoy the best that England has to offer including English Onion Soup, Prime British Rib Roast and Eton Mess.

The St George’s Diner will run on Saturday 23rd April.

Sunday Lunch

Treat yourself to a relaxing Sunday with a twist with a traditional roast dinner aboard one of the East Lancashire Railway’s steam locomotives this April.

The fantastic and unique experience combines quality local produce with a steam journey through the Irwell Valley, and includes a three course Sunday lunch, with sparkling wine, followed by tea or coffee and after dinner chocolates.

Sunday lunch bookings are available over the following April dates: 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th. The event will also be available for dates from May through November of this year.

To buy tickets or for more information on any of the experiences and events, visitors should click here or call 0333 320 2830.

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