Next month, the East Lancashire Railway will resume its memorable Dining With Distinction experiences, and tickets are available to book now.

The experiences allow guests to step back in time and enjoy sophisticated first-class service travelling on a heritage steam train while they enjoy a luxurious lunch, afternoon meal, or evening dining, as they travel through the charming Lancashire countryside soaking up the picturesque views.

The experiences start running on 24th March, and include evening dining experiences, themed nights, tasting nights, and daytime and Evening dining experiences.

Evening Dining Experiences

The Red Rose Diner is ideal for food lovers and rail enthusiasts who want to enjoy the first-class dining experience of days gone by, with a glass of fizz upon boarding, followed by a four-course meal and silver service. Red Rose Diners run from 24th March to 24th November.

Premium Nights are for those who revel in luxury where black tie is a must. It is a finer way to enjoy a traditional Pullman-style dining experience in luxurious surroundings and live music. A classical harpist and violinist will greet guests as board the train for a four-course meal complete with a table magician, and end the night with a prosecco reception on the platform. Premium Nights run from 13th May to 7th October.

Themed Nights

During the railway’s Murder Mystery Nights, guests are invited to put their thinking caps on. Each features a different theme and a riddle to solve, as they enjoy a three-course meal travelling on a steam train through Irwell Valley. The Murder Mystery Nights include the Great Gatsby Mystery, Disoriented Express, Ello Ello Enigma, and many more, and run from 1st April to 25th November.

Comedy Nights are just the ticket for those who are after an evening packed full of laughter and song. While guests watch their on-screen favourites, they can indulge in a delicious three course meal accompanied by continuous mayhem, action, and laughs. Comedy Nights run on 8th April and 26th August, and guests are encouraged to dress to fit the theme.

Tasting Nights

Gin Tasting and Wine Tasting experiences are the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion when they are accompanied by a fabulous four-course meal. During the railway’s expert-led tasting nights, guests’ taste buds will be treated to an evening of fantastic flavours and aromas, complete with a four-course meal, followed by tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolate. Gin Tasting nights will be and run from 21st April to 21st October, whilst Wine Tasting nights run from 24th March to 10th November.

Daytime Dining Experiences

Afternoon Tea is an alternative to evening dining, when guests will be welcomed with a glass of fizz and a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones, and locally made patisseries accompanied by unlimited tea and coffee, whilst they travel through the beautiful countryside behind a heritage steam locomotive. Afternoon Tea experiences run from 6th April to 26th October.

For something more filling, a Midweek Lunch or Sunday Lunch is the perfect answer. Midweek Lunches offer guests a freshly prepared two-course meal followed by coffee and after-dinner chocolate. On Sundays, guests will be greeted with a glass of fizz, and indulge in a delicious three-course meal followed by coffee and chocolate. Midweek Lunches run from 5th April to 27th October and Sunday Lunches run from 26th March to 19th November.

Further information about all the experiences and book details are all online at https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/experiences/dining-experiences/