POSTPONED: Flying Scotsman at East Lancashire Railway

Flying Scotsman at East Lancashire Railway, 2–4 April 2021, from £12.4 - Book now

East Lancashire Railway is welcoming the incredibly iconic Flying Scotsman back to the tracks following the unfortunate coronavirus related cancellations of their Santa Specials in December.

The one-off trips are taking place over Easter Weekend (between Good Friday – 2 April 2021 and Easter Monday – 6 April) and are the first opportunity for members of the public to experience the Flying Scotsman in 2021.

The splendid views of undulating Lancashire hills and market towns like Ramsbottom, are not only breath-taking, but also provide plenty of opportunities for family games of I-spy.

If, like many parents, you spent the wee hours of Christmas morning bleary-eyed, assembling a complicated-but-shiny new train set for one of your tots, then with that in mind, a trip on this extraordinary steam train is not to be missed.

Locomotive No. 60103 – Flying Scotsman really is the stuff of legends. Not least because, incredibly, it was the world’s first steam train to officially travel at 100 miles per hour, subsequently securing its pivotal place in British rail history.

What’s more, it has northern roots. Built in 1923, in Doncaster, for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), it was designed to haul express passengers on a new non-stop route between London and Edinburgh.

Despite its widespread adoration, in 2004, its future was uncertain due to a crisis over ownership until thankfully, it was saved by the National Railway Museum who, along with the public and others, took it over. Since then, the locomotive has been lovingly restored at the Bury Engineering Works of Riley & Sons (E) and in 2016 it took to the tracks again waved off by huge crowds.

Departing from Bury station, take a pew in one of its historic carriages and prepare for the distinctive sound of the pistons firing up followed by a big choo choo! The splendid views of undulating Lancashire hills and market towns like Ramsbottom, are not only breath-taking, but also provide plenty of opportunities for family games of I-spy.

There’s a gift shop and trackside bar too, but do bear in mind that due to the changeable nature of the current coronavirus restrictions they may not be open.

So, celebrate steam’s golden age with your little ones! A trip on the Flying Scotsman at East Lancashire Railway is not to be missed.

Ticket holders can also make unlimited journeys on timetabled trains on the day of their trip.

*Please note that due to the current coronavirus restrictions the Flying Scotsman Easter Weekend trips have been postponed until further notice*