East Lancs Open House Weekend - 24th & 25th January 2026

Following a successful and busy one day first event last year, the ELR's Open House returns in 2026 for a full weekend on the 24th and 25th January.

This year we are opening up the works to the public for the first time in many years. To take part in this experience book your Open House + Shed Tour tickets for £25 (Young Person (16-17 Yrs) £21.50 / Child (10-15 Yrs) £18.00), these are booking fast and limited spaces per tour departure time. Tours start every 45 minutes 9am - 3pm each day and start with a diesel railcar trip from Bury Bolton Street station into the Buckley Wells carriage and wagon depot. Following the shed tour at Baron Street, visitors will be transported back by Brake Van ride which has two steam locos (one on each end) which takes you on a rare route from the Locomotive Works to the Station at Bury. Plenty of rare track on offer!

Please note the minimum age for shed tours is 10 years old.

Tickets not including the shed tours for activities (including 75t crane on display as well as Trade Stalls) and train rides centred around Bury Bolton Street station (more details to be released shortly) is £15 (young persons £13.50/child £10).


There will be a chance to drive MSC No. 32 ‘Gothenburg’ - For just £75 per person you get to take to the controls with our crew on ‘Gothenburg’ and drive from Bury Bolton Street to Burrs Country Park and return. Each session must be booked on the day, on a first come first served basis (T&C’s Apply). Sessions for each day are as follows… Saturday 24th January: 10.20, 11.05, 12.05, 13.05, 14.05, 15.05, Sunday 25th January: 10.20, 11.05, 12.05. Min. age 18

Details and to book tickets visit: https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/open-house-weekend/

The event co-insides with the visit of the Railway 200 Inspiration Train, with public able to visit on 23rd and 24th January: https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/inspiration-train/ (slots must be booked online).