On 4th and 5th November, children and toddlers can have a day to remember when the Gruffalo ventures out from his home in the deep dark wood and has the run of the East Lancashire Railway (ELR).

The weekend will be suitable for anyone from toddlers as small as the mouse, to adults as large as the Gruffalo. Everyone can get involved, for as well as the mythical Gruffalo frequently appearing throughout the day there will be funfair rides suitable for toddlers. The railway’s Trackside pub will be offering a children’s menu as well as traditional pub grub; fortunately, Gruffalo Crumble will not be on the menu!

During the day, Gruffalo will be visiting the Bury Transport Museum and taking part in many other great activities. Visitors can remember their day with Gruffalo by having a photo taken with him if they book a time slot in advance on the East Lancashire Railway website here

Tickets for the whole day cost just £16 for adults and £15 for children which, as well as train rides, includes unlimited rides on the funfair, craft activities. Children (and adults) can also get to look like Gruffalo with his terrible tusks and terrible teeth as face painting is included in the ticket price.

This event is aimed at families, and there are multiple time slots each day to make friends with Gruffalo. However, although the railway can guarantee that Gruffalo will be there, it cannot guarantee that there will be blue skies as seen in the book, so waterproofs are recommended, just in case. Bury station and the Transport Museum both have accessible routes.

After the exertions of chasing Gruffalo, a trip on a heritage train along the beautiful Irwell Valley is the ideal antidote. Trains will be running all day and there’s no need to book separately, just pick a suitable time to travel from the train timetables here.

More information about the weekend and booking details can be found here.

Mike Kelly, Chairman of the East Lancashire Railway comments: “The Gruffalo began as a figment of the imagination, and we will be bringing him to life for children, and those who are children at heart. This is the first time the Gruffalo has come to East Lancashire Railway, and it will be a fun-filled day out for the whole family”.