Chugging past rolling green hills, stopping at quaint villages and enjoying a pint of locally brewed ale. If that sounds like an ideal day out, join the wholesome folk at the East Lancashire Railway for a steam-powered pub crawl.
With the days getting warmer, the railway returns with a brand new Rail Ale Guide and a great programme of guided tours including Beer-n-Boots, American Craft Ale sampling and Halloween Pale Ale Tours.
The idea is simple. The Rail Ale Trail connects local pubs, micro-breweries and even a temperance bar (one of the last remaining in Britain) via a heritage steam and diesel service.
So if you ever fancied a ride on a vintage train, leave the car at home and climb aboard.
Rail Ale Trail Tickets
Trains run every weekend throughout the year plus Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between April and September. Please check the East Lancashire Rail timetable.
Do the trail in your own time
Download the free Rail Ale Trail guide and get going with your other half, friends or family. You can start and finish the trail at any ELR station.
Just buy a full line return ticket at the station – it lets you hop on and off the train as often as you like.
- Family Full Line Return (up to 2 adults and 3 children): £34
- Adult Full Line Return: Green Timetable £10.20, Weekend £13
- Concession Full Line Return: Green Timetable £8.30, Weekend £11
- Child Full Line Return: Green Timetable £6.50, Weekend £8.40
Take a guided tour
For a more in-depth tour with plenty of fun and stories about local history, the people and their beers, book one of the guided Rail Ale Tours.
Tours are lead by a professional guide and usually last 4 to 5 hours. Each includes a bottle of fine beer and a full line return ticket with unlimited travel all day, so you can continue your pub crawl after the official tour finishes.
Tours cost £21.50-£26.50. Places are limited and booking is essential.
Book your tour online (scroll down to the bottom of the page) or phone 0161 764 7790 (lines are open daily 10am – 4pm) quoting Confidential.
