As the summer draws to an end, it’s time to celebrate the passing of a season. Autumn colours during the day and the Blackpool Lights by night – what could be more appropriate?
At around about lunchtime we will meet up at Wigan North Western Station and set off for a most unusual first visit. At Martin Mere Wetlands Centre there are birds from all over the world, though locals do drop in! Later, it’s a very short drive to the, ever-so friendly, West Lancashire Railway for privately hired steamy fun.
Scenically, this is the best day of the tour. We head north for the most famous rail journey in England, the Settle/Carlisle line. But we like to do more than just that and so our support coach will be waiting at Carlisle to run us around to the impressive castle where there is much of interest including Queen Mary’s Tower and the intriguing Museum of Cumbrian Military Life. We return on the train as far as Ribblehead before driving back to the hotel through autumn colours.
Our “local” steam railway features this morning as we enjoy journeys in the Irwell Vale with the East Lancs. A pleasant 12 mile journey, links Heywood with the mill town of Rawtenstall, passing through Bury and Ramsbottom on the way. We take to the streets with the Manchester Metro and use local rail to reach the Fleetwood area for an early evening meal. Now, the holiday highlight of a journey through the famous illuminations aboard our private charter tram.
Yorkshire is just down the road and so with passports at the ready we cross the border for rabbit spotting at the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway. Later, we find ourselves in Bronte country at the Keighley and Worth Valley. This is a super line with great scenery and attractions at each of the stations – one of the best there is. There may even be time to visit the pretty town of Haworth where the Bronte family hail from.
A coach/rail combination takes us to Leyland. Here, The British Commercial Vehicle Museum houses vehicles ranging from trams to buses and field gun haulers to a popemobile (yes, really!). Homeward bound journeys start from nearby Preston around lunchtime.
The Dunkenhalgh Hotel (or ‘The Dunk’ as it is affectionately known) is a striking building whose rich and intriguing history can be traced back to the 13th century. Transformed from a historic countryside mansion house to a fine hotel set in 17 acres of Parkland. It will be a real treat to stay here as we have booked “executive” rooms. Do bring your swim stuff – the spa is legendary hereabouts!