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Trains

Exploring Cumbria by train isn’t just convenient, it’s a way of tapping into history. The Lake District is where modern tourism was born, thanks in large part to the arrival of the railroad in the 1840s, which brought holidaymakers in large numbers along some of the most picturesque routes in the UK – the first time such a thing had happened pretty much anywhere.

You can travel along the same routes today, with picture postcard views of the majestic Lake District mountains, the glistening lakes and even the wide expanse of the sea as the train skirts the coastline. The bulk of our trains are modern, but for extra authenticity you can hop on board an old steam train and chug through the landscape as the Victorians did.

Getting to Cumbria by Train

The West Coast Mainline travels right through Cumbria, with mainline stations in Oxenholme (for South Lakes), Penrith (North lakes) and Carlisle; giving easy access from the North and South. Then there is the scenic and historic Settle to Carlisle Railway, which travels from Leeds through the Yorkshire moors taking in the famous Ribblehead Viaduct and into Cumbria via the towns of Kirkby Stephen and Appleby before reaching Carlisle.

Rail companies operating services into Cumbria include Avanti West Coast, Northern and TransPennine Express.

Travelling around Cumbria by Train

Once in county, there are a number of train routes to take you around and explore.

If you have travelled to Oxenholme, there is a branch line service direct to Windermere, giving easy access to the town of the same name, the lake and Bowness-on-Windermere.

The Furness Line also branches from the West Coast Mainline on the South of the county and travels around Morecambe Bay, taking in many towns including Arnside, Grange-over-Sands, Ulverston, Dalton-in-Furness and Barrow-in-Furness.

Between Barrow-in-Furness in the South and Carlisle in the north, the Cumbrian Coast line takes in stunning coastal views, crosses a number of estuaries as it threads its way around this rugged coastline, taking in locations such as Ravenglass, Whitehaven, Workkington and Maryport.

Heritage Railways

There are a number of heritage railways that are a must-visit for any rail fans.
Staying on the West Coast, hope of the main coastal service at Raveglass and you can take the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England. The railway journeys from the coastal village of Ravenglass, along seven miles of ever-changing spectacular scenery to the destination of Dalegarth for Boot; a picturesque station in view of England’s highest mountains. The journey itself was one of renowned fell walker Alfred Wainwright's favourites.

If you are in the Windermere area, hop onto the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, which steams along 3.5 miles of heritage track from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station; with nostalgic 1950's carriages hauled by one of the fleet of passionately restored and maintained steam locomotives. At Haverthwaite, there is a well-stocked engine shed, where the railway's engineers work tirelessly and proudly alongside a team of dedicated volunteers to restore and maintain the rolling stock. Tours can be arranged with prior notice.

Wherever you are in the county and wherever you fancy visiting, there are so many places accessible by rail. Check out our car-free itineraries with loads of inspiration for taking a holiday in the Lake District, Cumbria and leaving the car at home.

Some rail-y good ideas...

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Arrive by rail, explore by bus! Check out just how accessible Cumbria is by rail from many of national locations and find great places to explore car-free when you are here.
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These walks all start and finish at a railway station and feature a number of Cumbrian highlights.
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Compare your journey by train vs car and find out how you can save money, time and reduce your carbon footprint.
Plan your Journey

Plan your journey using our new smart travel planner, powered by You Smart Thing.

Let the train take the strain

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Northern Trains

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Cumbria is renowned for stunning scenery and a great way to experience the famous views is from a train window. Travel over Ais Gill summit, 356 meters above sea level and the awe-inspiring Ribblehead Viaduct on the world-famous Settle-Carlisle…

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Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Address

Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway Station, Main St, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW

Telephone
01229 717171

steam@ravenglass-railway.co.uk

Ravenglass

La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake District icon, living up to its “must do” reputation for all ages. There are lots of things to do including shopping facilities, a museum,…

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TransPennine Express

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Telephone
0345 600 1671

tpecustomer.relations@firstgroup.com

TransPennine Express run regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme, for the Lake District, from Manchester Airport, Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

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Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway - Haverthwaite Station

Address

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, Haverthwaite Station Nr, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AL

Telephone
015395 31594

info@lakesiderailway.co.uk

Ulverston

Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley. Licensed tea room, gift shop, engine shed, picnic area & playground.

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Avanti West Coast

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Avanti West Coast (formerly Virgin Trains) run fast and frequent trains from London, Birmingham and Glasgow to the Lake District, serving Oxenholme (South Lakes), Penrith (North Lakes) & Carlisle.

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Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Address

Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YL

Telephone
017687 76599

info@basslakestation.co.uk

Cockermouth

A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station buildings, with a level-access path along the former platform and through woodland teeming with wildlife. Serving interesting and fresh cafe food,…

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Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway - Lakeside Pier

Address

Lakeside, Lakeside, Cumbria, LA12 8AS

Telephone
015395 31594

info@lakesiderailway.co.uk

Lakeside

Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you can visit the station tea room, gift shop, woodland playground, picnic area and engine shed. Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from…

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Oxenholme Lake District Railway Station

Address

Oxenholme Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7HG

Kendal

Oxenholme is the station on the West Coast Mainline that serves the south lakes, providing easy access to the south of the county.

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Kendal Train Station

Address

Station Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6BT

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Kendal

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Cark Train Station

Address

Station Road, Cark, Cumbria, LA11 7NL

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cark

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Askam-in-Furness Train Station

Address

Dudden Road, Askham, Cumbria, LA16 7EN

Askham

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Penrith North Lakes Railway Station

Address

Ullswater Road, PENRITH, Cumbria, CA11 7JQ

PENRITH

Penrith (North Lakes) railway station is a station on the West Coast mainline, which serves as a major stop for people visiting the North Lakes area of Cumbria.

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Millom Train Station

Address

Station Road, Millom, Cumbria, LA18 4AY

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Millom

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Burneside Train Station

Address

Station Road, BURNESIDE, Cumbria, LA9 6RD

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

BURNESIDE

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Staveley Train Station

Address

Station Road, Staveley, Cumbria, LA8 9NG

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Staveley

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