How to secure your ticket to see iconic Flying Scotsman steam train at the East Lancashire Railway this summer

It has been announced that the Flying Scotsman - which entered service in 1923 - will make a long-anticipated return to the line at East Lancashire Railway (ELR), which runs between Bury and Rawtenstall.

It’s a home-coming of sorts, as the ELR was the site of the Scotsman’s historic restoration in 2016.

Also known as the People’s Engine, the Flying Scotsman quickly became a British icon, representing the very best of steam-era innovation. She was the first steam locomotive that was officially recorded at 100 miles per hour, and a century later, still attracts worldwide attention.

But her journey has not always been easy – having narrowly escaped being scrapped during the Beeching cuts to multiple ownerships, global tours and painstaking restorations.

When will the Flying Scotsman be at ELR?

The legendary steam train will be at the ELR station at various dates in June - offering people the chance to ride behind it, or take a look round on a static visit.

Rides

Rides run on June 5,6,7,12,13 and 14 and take in the entirety of the ELR line. This train can only be boarded at Bury Station, and the journey takes around an hour and a half and is non-stop with no opportunity to alight.

Static look

For those who prefer a closer look, the Flying Scotsman will be on static display at both the Heywood and Bury Station. Ticket holders will even get to walk through the tender and look around the footplate. It will be on display in Heywood on June 3 and 10, and on display in Bury on June 4, 11 and 12.

For more information on tickets and to make a purchase, click here.