You can eat Christmas dinner on a retro steam train travelling through Greater Manchester

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Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is back with one of the most festive fine-dining experiences in the region this Christmas.

It’s no secret that East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is known and loved for its immersive events, giving rail enthusiasts and curious Mancs the chance to step back in time by hopping on board one of the historic Pullman-style carriages through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside, but it gets even more magical at Christmas.

Every time the festive season rolls around, it always tends to be ELR’s beloved Santa steam trains that grab headlines more, as the event has gone on to become an absolute Christmas classic for families in the North West over the years.

But especially for the grown-ups, how does getting the chance to tuck into a luxury Christmas dinner onboard the retro locomotive sound instead?

East Lancashire Railway’s festive ‘Dining with Distinction’ experiences are back this Christmas / Credit: ELR

ELR’s unique ‘Dining with Distinction’ package is known to be a fan-favourite all year round, but this December, the festive edition of this experience is back once again by popular demand for another year, and passengers can enjoy their Christmas dinner whilst taking in the seasonal sights of the stunning Irwell Valley.

You’ll be onboard one of ELR’s restored Pullman-style steam train carriages, boasting the most luxurious furnishing and polished panels to provide the perfect atmosphere for a sumptuous festive feasting dining experience.

Upon boarding, you’ll be presented with sparkling welcome drink to kick-off the festivities, all before you’re served up four courses of festive delicacies.

Traditional roasted turkey served with kilted chipolata and stuffing, a festive wellington, tender sirloin of beef with horseradish, a homemade Christmas pudding with rum sauce, and a warm sticky toffee pudding with custard, are just some of the dishes being served by personal dedicated waters on selected dates throughout the month.

A wide range of dietary requirements can be catered for, including vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, halal, and diabetic.

The Christmas Dinner services are running on selected dates from Friday 29 November – Monday 23 December, with tickets now on sale and setting you back £69 per person.

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Boarding will start at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm departure, and the journey lasts just under three hours, with guests returning to the station at 10:15pm. 

Book yourself some tickets here.

Featured Image – East Lancashire Railway