Day Out with Thomas at East Lancashire Railway

Thomas is one of those rare constants in children’s culture. He’s both nostalgic for parents who watched his maiden voyage on telly in the ’80s and a new obsession of their kids, glued to his endless foibles and fixes. Chugging along for generations, the cheerful, diligent, and faintly mischievous blue engine finds himself inseparable from the romance of the railway itself – all steam, pistons and rolling British countryside. At East Lancashire Railway, that world moves off the screen and onto the tracks with Day Out With Thomas.

This is a full-day experience featuring a real train ride with the main character himself, surrounded by a programme of meet-and-greets, performances and themed activities. The day begins at Bury Bolton Street Station, where families can soak up the anticipation before meeting Sir Topham Hatt, taking a snap on the platform and climbing aboard for a 45-minute trip to Ramsbottom – hauled by your ever-helpful pal Thomas, a real steam engine. Chugging through the Lancashire countryside, you’ll see, hear and feel Thomas’ world brought to life around you, without a screen in sight.

Once a heritage diesel train brings you and Thomas back to Bury, it’s time for a series of spin-off adventures. Your ticket also includes entry to Bury Transport Museum for a full programme of Thomas & Friends-themed activity, from character hunts, garden games and arts and crafts to performances from Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty and Dusty. There are musical activities to tie in with this year’s ‘Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll’ theme, along with face painting, giveaways for every child and toddler-friendly funfair rides. Better still, ticket holders can also travel on regular services up and down the line that day, so after you’ve had your fun with Thomas, the line is yours for more build-your-own adventures.

For parents, it’s a hit of nostalgia; for kids, a world they know and love suddenly made real.

Day Out with Thomas runs 2-4 May, 18-19 July and 3-4 October.