Explore the most inspiring (and Instagram friendly) spots in the Irwell Valley, the railway is your gateway to social media stardom.
From quaint bars to quirky sculpture trails, the East Lancashire Railway will provide a unique way to reach the region’s most instagrammable spots.
If your feed is lacking in a mouth-watering foodie post or a picturesque panorama, then this guide will lead you to those superior slices of Lancashire life that are just waiting to be uploaded to the ‘Gram.
Jersey Girls Ice Cream – Burrs Country Park (#jerseygirlsicecream)
Who can resist the opportunity for a heavenly foodie pic on Instagram? Get the scoop on your next post (or get two) from the Jersey Girls Ice Cream Parlour. Just a short walk from Burrs Country Park, the parlour produces artisan ice cream from their own herd of Jersey cattle, it’s cow to cone!
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Mr Fitzpatrick’s – Rawtenstall (#mrfitzpatrickstemperancebar)
Mr Fitzpatrick’s is just a short walk from Rawtenstall Station and is the last original temperance bar in Britain. There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free friendly goodies on the menu including vintage cordials, cakes, desserts and milkshakes, all of which are impressively Instagram ready.
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Irwell Sculpture Trail – Bury, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall (#Irwellsculpturetrail)
With over 400 hashtags, the Sculpture Trail is one of the Irwell Valley’s most Instagrammed spots. Visitors to the East Lancashire Railway can embrace their inner artiste and hop off at either Bury, Ramsbottom or Rawtenstall stations to explore this winding walk.
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Bloom Coffee Co. – Bury (#bloomcoffeeco)
Just a quick trip around the corner from Bury station, this independent coffee house provides endless opportunities to snap your next Instagram pic, and did we mention Bloom Coffee Co. is dog friendly? Nothing gets “likes” like your four legged friend!
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Northern-Whisper Brewing Co. – Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall (#northernwhisperbrewingco)
The Northern-Whisper Brewing co. is a hidden gem with tap rooms within walking distance of both Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall stations. The brewery prides itself on pushing the boundaries of flavour and having a beer in their range to suit any taste, so push your own boundaries and give them a try.
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Peel Tower, Holcombe Hill – Ramsbottom (#peeltower)
Is your Instagram feed lacking in lush landscapes and sweeping scenery? Head to Peel tower overlooking the town of Ramsbottom and capture views spanning Manchester, Cheshire and North Wales. Peel Tower has been one of the most impressive sights in the North-West since being built in 1852.
Hearth of the Ram – Ramsbottom (#hearthoftheram)
Just a short stroll across the River Irwell from Ramsbottom Station, this little pub sits on the edge of the countryside and is the perfect venue for your next “foodstagram” post. It offers a range of hearty meals to choose from that reinvent classic local flavours.
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The Mouse Trap – Ramsbottom (#themousetraprammy)
Looking for pure indulgence? The Mouse Trap Cheese and Wine Bar is the place to “brie”. The warm-toned interior, cosy seating and low lighting, along with their extensive food and drink menu, make this the perfect venue to capture endless Instagram moments.
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Irwell Riverside Walk – Irwell Vale
Embark on a relaxing riverside walk along the banks of the River Irwell, just a stone’s throw from Irwell Vale station. The walk is picture perfect and should see you storming the Instagram algorithm with views overlooking the valley and the railway itself.
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