Parents searching for exciting ways to entertain their children during the Easter holidays can find exactly that at the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) this April with booking now available for the railway’s adventure days for children which will include fun events such as dinosaur-themed days and wizards-themed days.

The well-loved heritage railway will also be bringing back their popular murder mystery nights for the first time since the pandemic began. The events offer fantastic fun and a great way to spend an evening combining entertainment and fine dining. The event will be Murder Mystery – Malice in Wonderland and will offer guests an interactive experience for would-be detectives and performed by an award-winning cast and will take place on Saturday the 30th of April and also for summer on the 6th of August 2022.

Back for the second time this year after selling out during February, Wizard’s Academy offers an interactive experience for aspiring witches and wizards. Magicians of all abilities can come together at the ELR for a spellbinding adventure where they can work on their wand waving, brush up on broomstick techniques and conquer the evil forces who may wish to spoil the day. Suitable for young and old, the event features a host of performances from eccentric enchanters ahead of boarding the Wizard Express for a two hour trip through the magical Irwell Valley. The event will be held on Wednesdays the 6th and 13th and also Friday the 15th of April. The magical day will also return on Wednesday the 1st of June 2022.

Also returning for a second time having sold out earlier this year, ‘The Dino Adventure’ will see a time-travelling steam trip through Irwell Valley taking dinosaur fans right back to the Jurassic period. Dino-fans can also get up close with prehistoric creatures whilst enjoying the journey with both adults and children able to take part in a collection of entertaining activities – including the chance of tickling a T-Rex under the chin! The Dinky Dinosaur Adventure days will take place on Thursdays the 7th & 14th of April and will also be back later in the year on Thursday the 2nd of June 2022.

For Thomas fans, everybody’s favourite little blue engine will make his return to the East Lancs Railway this April! Visitors can enjoy a trip behind Sodor’s number one tank engine with a 35 minute trip between Bury and Rawtenstall. The event will also see the Bury Transport Museum which is just over the road from the station, host live entertainment right through the day with activities such as sing-a-longs with Sodor’s cheeky station sweepers Rusty & Dusty, arts and crafts and an Imagination Station which will give children the chance to play with their favourite Thomas & Friends toys and books. Ticket holders can also enjoy funfair rides, magicians, balloon modelling and face painting which are all taking place at the Bury Transport Museum.

A Day Out With Thomas will run right through the early May Bank Holiday from Saturday the 30th of April to Monday the 2nd of May. A Day Out with Thomas will also return for further dates during 2022 including Saturday the 6th & Sunday the 7th of August and Saturday the 1st & Sunday the 2nd of October.

Red Rose Diners will also be held and will be fantastic for food-fans and rail enthusiasts alike, the event offers the ultimate foodie experience for Lancashire on board traditional Pullman-style carriages. Guests will be seated with a glass of sparkly whilst enjoying the sumptuous furnishing, crisp table linen and polished wood panelling which all bring the charm and nostalgia of a first-class dining experience to life. The experience takes place over a 2¾ hour journey through the Irwell Valley and includes a delicious four-course dinner followed up with tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolates. A wonderful gift for couples or groups of friends as well as families, the Red Rose diners will run right through April on the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 22nd, 23rd and 29th. The diners will also be back later in 2022 from May to November.

On the 23rd of April, the St. George’s Diner will be taking place at the ELR and will see the best that England has to offer including English Onion Soup, Prime British Rib and Eton Mess.

Relaxing Sunday lunches will be available onboard an ELR steam locomotive this April and features the best of local produce whilst enjoying steam travel through the Irwell Valley. The Sunday lunch is made up of three delicious courses, sparkling wine and tea or coffee with after-dinner chocolates to finish. Sunday lunches are available to book during April on the: 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th and will also return for dates through May and November 2022.

For further information or to book tickets for any of the above events and experiences please visit: http://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk or call 0333 320 2830.