A Quieter Day Out With Thomas at East Lancashire Railway

All aboard for a day of adventure!

Activities

A SEND-friendly event with fewer visitors, reduced sensory stimulation and quieter activities, giving families more space and time to enjoy the adventure. Your ticket includes all the activities listed below plus, Thomas & Friends? giveaways for every child!

? Hop on board for a ride behind Thomas, a REAL steam engine!
? Meet Diesel
? Say hello to Sir Topham Hatt
? Watch the exciting live shows with Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty
? Fun for all the family with the Thomas & Friends character hunt
? Play with the Thomas & Friends garden games
? Listen to the Thomas & Friends storytelling sessions
? Visit the Play Pod for Thomas & Friends toys, arts and crafts
? Capture your family memories with the Thomas & Friends photo opportunities
? Build your own train with Mega Blocks
? Visit the turn and learn station to discover how gears work
? Explore facts about our heritage railway
? Make your own engineer hat
? Endless fun on 4 funfair rides, all suitable for toddlers
? Have your face painted (over 2 year's old only)
? Enjoy additional scenic train rides
? Pop along to the Thomas & Friends gift shop

2027 Event Dates

3rd May
18th July
3rd October

Ticket Prices

Prices include a non-refundable 10% booking fee (8% on family discount). All transactions are subject to a non-refundable 0.75p transaction charge.

FAQ's

Will the event be less busy than a standard event?
Yes. We will operate at 50% of our usual capacity, giving your family more space and a much quieter experience.

Will music and visual effects be reduced?
Yes. We will lower music volumes and reduce visual stimuli throughout the event to create a calmer environment.

Is there somewhere quieter to go on the train?
Yes. Respite carriages will provide a quieter space on board where your family can take a break when needed.

Will Rusty & Dusty still be performing?
Yes! Rusty & Dusty will be joining us with toned-down performances designed to suit a quieter experience.

Can we choose how much interaction we have with the performers?
Absolutely. You can let our performers know what level of interaction your family is comfortable with, whether you would like to join in or prefer to watch.

Does my child have to have their face painted?
No. Our face painter can paint your child?s face, arm or hand?whatever they feel comfortable with. Small, simple designs are available, along with the option of a glitter tattoo to have applied at the event or take home.

Can we avoid the steps down to the platform?
If your family would prefer to avoid steps ,we can provide chaperoned access via an outdoor, step-free route. Please speak to a member of our team for assistance at the entrance.

Do I need to book my Thomas ride?
Yes. Choose a date and time from the options listed.

Do infants under two require a ticket?
Infants under two happy to sit on a parent or guardian?s lap do not require a ticket. Should under two's wish to have their own seat, please select and purchase a child ticket.

Do you have special pricing for carers?
Yes. We offer one free carer ticket per full price ticket for those with access needs. Please book by contacting Quaytickets on 0161 876 2199. Proof of status such as a PIP entitlement letter will need to be provided on arrival at the railway.

Do I need to book in advance, and will tickets be available on the day?
Yes, to avoid disappointment please book in advance. Limited tickets may be available on the day from Bury Bolton Street Station only. Please email enquiries@eastlancsrailway.co.uk.

How long are the Thomas rides?
Approximately 45 minutes long. Rides depart from Bury Bolton Street Station for a return journey to Ramsbottom. Photographs with Thomas will be available at Bury.

Will there be other trains available to travel on?
Yes. An additional heritage train ride will operate between Bury Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall (a 90 minute round trip), and a scenic diesel railcar shuttle will run between Bury and Heywood (15 minutes each way). You can also use these services to connect with your Thomas ride from Bury.

Can I stay all day?
Yes, activities are available to visitors all day between 09:00 - 17:00. Please note our quieter session activity will start at 15:45, after the quieter Thomas train has returned to Bury.

Does the event have disabled access and are you able to accommodate Wheelchairs?
Yes. We have a large accessible compartment which can accommodate 2 wheelchair users and their families. Please book by contacting Quaytickets on 0161 876 2199.

Is there somewhere to eat and drink?
Drinks and snacks will be available on the day at Bury Station from The Trackside Pub, the Cafe on Platform 3, and also Bury Transport Museum. At Rawtenstall Station both the Buffer Stops Pub and Cafe will be open. The Whistlestop Caf? at Heywood Station will be serving drinks and an impressive selection of cakes.

Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not permitted to attend this event, with the exception of service dogs,

If you have more questions about the Day Out With Thomas program, please visit the main FAQ page.

Railway Information