Railway history can be found on the East Lancashire Railway, the longest heritage line in North West England. Trains run every weekend, and some weekdays in summer, mainly steam hauled but also with some heritage diesel engines. Catch the train at Heywood station and travel through 12 miles of countryside to Bury and Rawtenstall. Special events, dinner and lunch trains also run, and there’s even a Rail Ale Trail for history buffs who like to combine nostalgia with a pint of good local beer. Stations are at Rawtenstall, Irwell Vale, Ramsbottom, Summerseat, Burrs Country Park, Bury and Heywood. Eastlancs railway
Besides taking a train ride there are lots of other entertainments such as Drive a Train Experience, Real Ale Trail, Thomas the Tank engine.
Please check the website for special Thomas the Tank Engine events.