Lake District steam trains: Routes, stations & timetables

The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway runs in two directions, either departing from Haverthwaite Station or Ambleside. As well as taking passengers into bygone years, the route pivots around Lake Windermere, a stunning expanse of water that is England's largest natural lake, ideal for unique family days out.

From Haverthwaite, start with a leisurely steam engine ride to Lakeside Station. Once you reach Lakeside, connections are available with Windermere Lake Cruises to continue the journey to Bowness and Ambleside.

In reverse, your journey will start with a boat cruise from Ambleside, stopping at Bowness before reaching Lakeside. From there, board the iconic steam engine to Haverthwaite, via a stop at Newby Bridge.

Nearest mainline station(s)

To start your Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway adventure from Haverthwaite, take the train to Lake District stations like Grange-over-Sands, Kendal, or Ulverston. From there, you’ll be only a short bus ride away from the start of your steam train experience; board the 6/X6 bus service to Haverthwaite.

If you prefer to complete the journey in the opposite direction, travel to Windermere Station, from where it is about an hour’s walk or a short bus ride on the 599 service to Bowness.

Journey highlights

Established in 1973, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway boasts incredible views along the whole journey, in addition to modern indulgences.

Haverthwaite Station is a quaint Victorian station full of history and charm. To make the most of your day out, arrive early and spend some time in Haverthwaite Station Tea Room, which offers tasty light bites and a scenic setting in the original Station Waiting Room. At the station, you’ll also find a gift shop, Engine Shed, and woodland playground for the little ones.

Another highlight of the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway is Ambleside, a thriving town that is one of the Lake District’s most popular visitor spots. Sitting proudly at the head of Lake Windermere, the town has an inspiring selection of independent shops, tea rooms, and restaurants. Look out too for historical and quaint buildings, and great access to hikes up some of England’s most impressive peaks.

The train you will travel on is part of the stunning scenery too: a majestic steam engine hauling traditional 1950s carriages.

Timetable

Starting from the first journey of the day at 10:50 from Haverthwaite, the steam train runs roughly every hour until the last service at 15:20. In the opposite direction, start with the first boat from Ambleside at 09:50 (the first steam train from Lakeside to Haverthwaite departs at 11:20). The service from Ambleside to Haverthwaite runs until 14:15 (last train departure from Lakeside to Haverthwaite is at 15:55).

For the most up-to-date information, consult the full Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway timetable here.

Getting there by train

What better way to start your steam train adventure than by travelling to the Lake District by train? 

From London to the Lake District, take the Avanti West Coast service from London Euston to Oxenholme Lake District. From there, board a train with Northern to Windermere, or travel on the bus to Haverthwaite.

If you’re coming to the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway from Birmingham, take the Avanti West Coast train from Birmingham New Street to Oxenholme Lake District in only 2 hours 16 minutes. Travelling by train is an efficient and affordable way to reach the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway from the UK’s second city, with prices starting from only {cheapPrice}.

Passengers starting their day from Manchester can take the direct route from Manchester Oxford Road to Oxenholme Lake District in just over an hour, with fares starting from only {cheapPrice}. Wherever you’re setting off from, make the most of your visit when you travel by train.

Journey reviews

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway reviews praise its accessibility, majestic views, and the varied experience that comes from combining a steam train and a boat ride. It is a ‘great dog-friendly day out with fantastic scones at the station cafe,’ according to one reviewer (dogs go free on the steam train).

A historical journey from Ravenglass to Dalegarth for Boot, the Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway takes passengers on an unforgettable seven-mile route through the Lake District National Park. As one of the oldest and longest narrow-gauge railways in England, the route brings in guests from near and far.

Start in the culturally significant village of Ravenglass, interestingly, the only village to be located in two World Heritage Sites. From there, you’ll follow a leisurely journey to Dalegarth for Boot, near the Scafell range of the highest mountains in England.

A single journey on the railway line takes approximately 40 minutes. It is possible to disembark at intermediate stations too, though these are request stops (speak to staff if you want to stop at one of these).

Nearest mainline station(s)

Travel easily to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway by train to enjoy your Lake District steam train experience to the fullest. The nearest mainline station to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway is Ravenglass, which is on the Cumbrian Coast Line that connects Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness.

Arrive at Ravenglass conveniently from Lake District and surrounding stations in Carlisle, Whitehaven, Maryport, and Grange-over-Sands on Northern services. Depending on where you are starting, Carlisle is likely to be the most convenient arrival station. On Avanti West Coast trains from places like London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham, reach Carlisle quickly and efficiently.

Journey highlights

Known affectionately as La’al Ratty, the Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway gives passengers incredible views of natural scenery for the full journey. The route is a nature lover’s dream too, with sightings of curlew, greylag geese, buzzards and red squirrels all possible.

Starting at Ravenglass, make use of the station’s wide range of facilities to keep the whole family happy. Grab a bite to eat in the licensed cafe, explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, or buy a memento in the gift shop.

Key stops along the route include Muncaster Mill, a water-powered corn mill that dates back to the 15th century, and The Green, a great starting point for iconic Lake District walks like Scafell Pike and Burnmoor Tarn. If you stay on until the steam train’s terminus in Dalegarth for Boot, you’ll be ideally located for fell walking, and also close to Eskdale Mill and Stanley Ghyll waterfall. 

Timetable

Starting from the first journey of the day at 10:25 from Ravenglass, the steam train runs an average of five journeys a day to Dalegarth for Boot until the final ride of the day at 15:10. For the return journey, board at Dalegarth for Boot: the first train is at 11:50, with four more services running until the last one at 16:10.

To find out exact timings on the day of your visit, check the Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway timetable.

Getting there by train

For the best days out on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway, take the train to your starting station.

Over to the west of the National Park, the Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway is easiest to reach via Carlisle. Travel from Carlisle to Ravenglass for only {cheapPrice} on convenient Northern services. 

If you’re coming down from Scotland, Edinburgh (Waverley) to Ravenglass involves a combination of Avanti West Coast and Northern trains. Passengers from Liverpool Lime Street to Ravenglass can start their steam train adventure on mainline trains too, getting to the departure station from just {cheapPrice}.

From London to the Lake District, Avanti West Coast trains take passengers from London Euston to Oxenholme Lake District on rapid direct routes. From there, get to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway on local buses, or by taking the train via Carlisle.

Journey reviews

Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway reviews highlight the unique features and scenic views that create an unforgettable day out. The wide range of options to continue your day gets frequent mention, such as this reviewer, who praised the ‘lovely train ride through Eskdale with plenty of options at the end. Walks, a historic water mill or a choice of inns.’

From Alston in Cumbria to Slaggyford in Northumberland, the South Tynedale Railway follows an iconic heritage route across the North Pennines National Landscape. The railway crosses the South Tyne Valley on the South Tyne, Gilderdale and Whitley viaducts, and passes via Gilderdale, Kirkhaugh and Lintley.

Nearest mainline station(s)

The nearest mainline station to the starting point of the South Tynedale Railway is Haltwhistle Railway Station. Located directly north of Alston, it is easy to reach the South Tynedale Railway by bus (681 Tynedale Links) from Haltwhistle.

Journey highlights

Stunning views across the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty abound throughout the route from Alston to Slaggyford. Travelling on England's second-highest narrow-gauge railway, you’ll have a great view of the remarkable natural scenery below.

To enjoy a full day out, visit the cafe and gift shop at Alston Station, where you’ll also be able to read about the history of the South Tynedale Railway.

Timetable

Journey times are seasonal and subject to change, so be sure to check online before you travel. From spring to autumn, the railway runs a regular timetable, while special trains operate around key dates such as Halloween and Christmas. See the full South Tynedale Railway timetable here.

Getting there by train

To enjoy a full Lake District steam train experience, travel to the South Tynedale Railway by train. Arriving at Haltwhistle Railway Station is simple, with excellent connections from around the UK.

Get from Glasgow Central to Haltwhistle in approximately two hours on TransPennine Express and Northern services. From Birmingham New Street to Haltwhistle will take around 3 and a half hours, with prices starting from just {cheapPrice}.

If you’re setting out from the Lake District, travel on the direct route from Carlisle to Haltwhistle in just half an hour, with fares starting from only {cheapPrice}.

Journey reviews

Reviewers call the South Tynedale Railway a ‘splendid railway journey’ and praise the ‘helpful and informative staff’. Read more South Tynedale Railway reviews here.

Lake District steam trains operate a seasonal operating pattern. Typically, this means you can embark on your steam train adventure from March to October, with a regular timetable operating for the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway between these dates.

Outside of the peak season, a series of special departures takes place on key dates. For example, the South Tynedale Railway operates festive services and Santa specials in December, as well as a spooky Halloween special.

Timetables are subject to change and are regularly updated in response to demand. Be sure to check official sites before your trip.

There’s nothing like a scenic steam train day out. Gather the whole family and prepare to step back in time on a memorable ride across one of the UK’s most extraordinary landscapes.

To get ready for your trip, here are some top tips:

• Arrive early to make the most of your day out. Grab a bite to eat at the station cafe, watch your locomotive prepare for departure, and read about the history of the railway. Typically, Lake District steam engine experiences recommend arriving 30 minutes before your train’s departure time.
• Wrap up warm, as open-air carriages can get breezy. Travelling on heritage rail is a great way to take a trip down memory lane, but it also means some of the modern comforts are missing from your train ride! Pack plenty of layers, so you don’t spend the journey shivering without being able to enjoy the stunning views. 
• Plan other Lake District activities to fit around your steam train journey. One of the best things about travelling on a Lake District steam engine is that it takes you places! Combine your unique heritage rail experience with other classic Lake District activities such as a boat Lake Windermere cruises or a tour of Muncaster Castle in Ravenglass.

Choose a full rail-based itinerary. By arriving at your steam engine experience on the mainline network, you’ll have the unique opportunity to link up to heritage lines for a full rail experience like no other. Choose a day of trains to make the most of your locomotive leisure!