Enjoy the charm of steam trains in the Lake District, offering scenic rides through some of England's most beautiful landscapes.
The Lake District may boast some pretty remarkable scenery and thousands if not millions of people each year visit this area of truly outstanding natural beauty.
But fells, lakes and picturesque villages aren’t all that the Lakes is full of.
We also have a plethora of steam trains.
It’s like stepping back in time, travelling in a slower more charming mode of transport.
You feel like you're in a period drama or on your way to Hogwarts.
It could be the steam smell, or just the general novelty of the experience which harpens back to a bygone age.
Here we’ll tell you about some of the best steam train experiences to visit whilst you're in the lake district.
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
This family run business in the heart of the lake district makes for a great family activity and is certainly suited to train enthusiasts.
Their engine shed at the station at Haverthwaite is filled with fascinating curiosities and the smell is incredible.
There's a cafe and play park and is dog friendly so it ticks so many boxes for those family days out.
The line runs through the Levens valley and ends at Lakeside, where you can easily hop on a lake cruise and carry on to Bowness.
https://www.lakesiderailway.co.uk/
Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway- The ‘La’al Ratty’
Over in the western part of the Lake District you’ll find the famous ‘la’al ratty railway. It’s one of the world's oldest and longest running narrow gauge railways, opening in 1875.
The seven mile long journey winds its way through the glorious landscape that the western side of the lakes is famed for.
There are also plenty of options for that all important cup of tea or lunch, try the Ratty Arms Pub.
Then why not go to the museum on site and discover the story of the railway.
With a playground as well, little legs can blow off some steam and four legged companions can enjoy a walk through the Eskdale countryside.
https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/
https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/
Threlkeld Quarry Railway
The Threlkeld Quarry Railway offers rides on a narrow-gauge train, providing scenic views of the quarry and the surrounding landscape.
The railway typically operates with restored industrial locomotives, offering a historical insight into the mining and quarrying activities that once took place.
The museum on sight features a collection of mining artefacts, machinery, and exhibits that showcase the history of quarrying in the Lake District.
Close to Keswick, this railway makes an interesting stop to discover more of the county's mining heritage.
https://www.threlkeldquarryandminingmuseum.co.uk/the-railway/
Millerbeck Light Railway
Privately owned Millerbeck Light Railway is situated in the grounds of Millerbeck House, in the Lakeland village of Staveley-in-Cartmel.
Known as ‘Lakelands best kept secret’ this little track is run by volunteers.
It’s a small track but an amazing story behind it, built in the 1980s the track is preserved by hardworking volunteers to ensure its survival for future generations.
If you’re in the area, it’s well worth stopping off to support them.
https://www.millerbeck.org.uk/home.html
Mountain Goat Tours Combing Incredible Scenery with Steam Trains
From Liverpool and Manchester our tours escape the city for the day and explore the beauty and peace of the Lake District.
We also make sure our passengers experience the nostalgia of the heritage train from Haverthwaite.
Our High Adventure Tour takes passengers over Hardknott and Wrynose Pass to discover the western Lakes, this tour you can ride on the La’al Ratty yourself.
Click here to see our Lake District Tours page...