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You can ride a Thomas the Tank Engine replica train through Greater Manchester

The Day Out With Thomas experience returns to East Lancashire Railway next month.

Emily Sergeant - 9th March 2022

Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making a long-awaited return to Greater Manchester next month, and you can now grab tickets.

After a successful run in 2021, iconic heritage railway service East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has announced that the Thomas the Tank Engine replica train is back by popular demand and will return to its tracks in April and on several dates throughout the year.

The Day Out With Thomas experience is said to be “a train ride like no other”.

Families will be able to hop on board the replica of the cult-classic blue train character for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.

The journey begins at Bury Train Staion, where you’ll be greeted by The Fat Controller, meet Sir Topham Hatt, say hello to Thomas on the platform, and then climb aboard a carriage, all before Thomas makes a final stop at the beautiful Ramsbottom station. 

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That’s not all though, as the Day Out With Thomas experience also continues offboard, with performances from Sodor’s cheeky station sweepers Rusty and Dusty at Bury Transport Museum, as well as Thomas-themed activities in the ‘Imagination Station’, and other entertainment events, such as magic shows, and more.

You can also let the fun continue across the road at Bury Transport Museum, where your ticket also gains you entry to enjoy funfair rides, magicians, balloon modelling, and face painting. 

Speaking ahead of Thomas’ return, Lorna Massey – Sales & Events Manager at East Lancashire Railway – said: “We are delighted to welcome back Thomas the Tank Engine to the ELR’s tracks over a number of weekends from April to October.

“The Day Out With Thomas events are a key fixture on the ELR’s calendar and one of our most popular experiences as Thomas is a much-loved childhood character for people of all generations, so the event always brings as much joy to children as it does to parents and grandparents.

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“As well as taking a trip through Lancashire on Thomas, visitors will also meet Sodor’s Rusty and Dusty and Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy a host of activities offboard, so the experience will be a fun day out for all the family.”

Day Out With Thomas will take place on Saturday 30 April, May Bank Holiday weekend, 6 & 7 August, and then later on in October too.

Tickets start at £13.70 for kids and £22.70 for adults, and you can grab yours here.

Featured Image – Paul Michael Hughes Photography (via ELR)