Flying Scotsman at East Lancashire Railway

Sarah Gaffney-Lang, Families Editor

Book now

Flying Scotsman at East Lancashire Railway

29 August-5 September 2021

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Flying Scotsman Eats Lancashire Railway
Nigel Valentine
Book now

This summer, East Lancashire Railway is welcoming the incredibly iconic Flying Scotsman back to the tracks following the unfortunate coronavirus related cancellations at Easter.

The one-off trips are taking place between 29 August and 5 September 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 have spent the last few months entertaining the kids indoors, or on walks, then the opportunity to do something completely different and extremely exciting like, a trip on an extraordinary steam train, is simply 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 which has now reopened – ready to serve up some cold ones.

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.

Tickets are valid for a one time return journey from Bury to Rawtenstall and then back to Bury on the same Flying Scotsman Service. The journey will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The service is operating in line with current government guidelines with seats being allocated based upon social distancing measures.

Where to go near Flying Scotsman at East Lancashire Railway

Leeds
Gallery
The Sculpture Gallery

The Sculpture Gallery is an outstanding new gallery, of pure sculpture, showcasing the work, not only of the six owners but guests also.

A club bedroom at Malmaison Leeds
Leeds
Hotel
Malmaison Leeds

Malmaison Leeds is a historic and dramatic building, full of character and individual style. Beautifully refurbished quirky bedrooms with power showers, blackout curtains and great beds.

On The Wall is a funky independent shop that sells a wide range of creative and artistic items including, posters, art prints, canvases, greeting cards and merchandise/gifts. They also offer a bespoke framing and canvas printing service and a screen printed t- shirt service. If you are looking for something more unique and inspiring they also sell work by local artists.
Leeds
Shop
On The Wall

Bright, bold and full of character, On the Wall pairs expert framing with prints, posters and gifts inside Leeds Corn Exchange.

Leeds
Restaurant
Canned Heat

Canned Heat is an independent bottle-shop & bar in the heart of Chapeltown, Leeds. Born out of a passion for Music, Art and Community.

Chorlton
Restaurant
Yane

Friendly neighbourhood restaurant in Chorlton, specialising in authentic Japanese cuisine such as donburi, katsu kare and traditional pickles, made in-house.

Creatures Comedy Club
Manchester
Theatre
Creatures Comedy Club

Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just after a spontaneous night out, there’s something here for everyone. Open 7 nights a week.

The Loft
Manchester
Music venue
The Loft

The Loft is an intimate, industrial-style club tucked away on the edge of Manchester city centre. Known for its impeccable sound system and low-key vibe.

Stables Tavern
City Centre
Restaurant
Stables Tavern

The Stables Tavern is an olde style pub in the St John’s neighbourhood of Manchester, where the Rovers Return once stood.

What's on: Families

Haphazard 2025 at Z-arts
FamiliesManchester
Haphazard 2025 at Z-arts

A free day of bizarre behaviour and exciting live performance at Z-arts. Expect the unexpected. Playful, unpredictable, and not easily forgotten.

Free entry
Africana and Caribbean Food Fest
FestivalsLeeds
African & Caribbean Food Fest 2025

Calling people of Leeds and beyond! The city’s favourite African and Caribbean Food Fest is back, and this year it’s turning up the heat with Harmony of Colours, a celebration…

Free entry

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Harry Baker
Literature Events in the North

From environmental to experimental, our poetry and prose picks from around the North are focused on the unusual and the fun.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Helena Hauff
Music in the North

Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.