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Enjoy a steamy weekend in The Lake District, Cumbria

With three steam railway journeys and several ‘steamer’ boat experiences to choose from, The Lake District, Cumbria is the perfect place to be whether you like to get around under your own steam – or by letting a boat or train take the strain.

Our choice of steam railways not only mean you can ditch the car for the day, but you can also tick-off three of Cumbria’s most iconic locations at the same time.

Fancy a visit to the foot of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike? Get there by steam train courtesy of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway.

Curious to see Windermere, England’s longest lake? Steam into Lakeside station onboard a steam train along the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.

You’ve heard of Alston – the highest town in England… but did you know this is the home of the highest heritage rail attraction too? Enjoy the stunning surroundings by taking a trip on the South Tynedale Railway.

Explore Coniston Water on the National Trust’s Steam Yacht Gondola, and take a genuine steamboat trip from the Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories.

Converted ‘steamers’ mean you can explore our two longest lakes, Windermere and Ullswater on board larger vessels too.

Here’s how you could fit them all into a three-day trip:

DAY 1:

Park the car in a dedicated car park and board a traditional steam rail service at Haverthwaite railway station in the morning and enjoy a 3.5 mile ramble in 1950s coaches hauled by a fully restored steam engine to the southern gateway to the Lake District: The tip of Windermere – England’s longest lake.

At Lakeside station, it’s only a few steps to the pier, where you can board one of Windermere Lake Cruises’ regular ‘steamer’ cruises to Bowness.

Upon arrival, take a stroll to Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, steam and Stories where you can enjoy another cruise on the lake – but this time in a splendidly restored, smaller steam vessel: the Edwardian vessel, Osprey.  This popular attraction must be booked in advance – although you don’t have to book tickets for the museum itself, where you can see a spectacular array of boats and other exhibits which showcase the sights, sounds and even smells of life on the lake.

Following the excursion, why not explore the rest of the lake with Windermere Lake Cruises? A cruise up to Ambleside is essential, before heading back down to Lakeside pier and taking the steam train back to Haverthwaite to check out the well-stocked engine shed before returning to your car.

DAY 2:

Spend the first half of your second day of exploring The Lake District, Cumbria under steam power by taking a cruise on The National Trust’s Steam Yacht Gondola or the Coniston Launch to re-trace the steps made famous by speed daredevil Donald Campbell.

With 2021 marking 100 years since Campbell’s birth, what better time than now to take to the water to reflect on his achievements – albeit at a more relaxed pace!

Campbell - whose adventurous exploits cemented his name among the biggest legends of the 20th century - was tragically killed on Coniston Water on 4 January 1967, while he was attempting to break his own world water-speed record in his legendary Bluebird K7 craft.

Onboard the Victorian-age Steam Yacht Gondola, you can take-in the full length of Coniston Water accompanied by a special commentary from the crew about Coniston’s famous connections.

You can also explore Coniston Water onboard the Coniston Launch before delving deeper into the Bluebird legacy at the Ruskin Museum.

From there, take a 45 minute drive west towards Ravenglass, to visit the Lake District’s oldest and longest steam railway – the narrow gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, known locally as “The La’al Ratty”.

Enjoy seven miles of stunning coast and countryside scenery, from the coastline to the foot of Scafell Pike - England’s highest mountain, close to the railway’s terminus station of Dalegarth.

DAY 3:

Enjoy a third consecutive day of both steam railway and boat travel by starting your day by climbing onboard one of the famous Ullswater ‘Steamers’ on England’s second longest lake.

Cruises along Ullswater follow a serpentine course for eight miles, giving passengers the chance to enjoy spectacular views of some of The Lake District’s highest mountains including the mighty Helvellyn which towers above at 950 metres high.

The 'Steamers' operate all year round and call at Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge piers. There’s even an extra ‘shuttle’ service linking to the Aira Force waterfall. Speaking of waterfalls, check out our picks for ten others well-worth a visit, here.

From the Pooley Bridge pier, it’s just a 40 minute drive to England’s highest town, where one final steam adventure awaits…

The South Tynedale Railway begins at the former North Eastern Railway station at Alston, which is now the headquarters of the beautifully restored narrow gauge line, running for five miles from Alston, through the South Tyne Valley to Slaggyford in Northumberland.

Trains depart Alston three times per day, with passengers able to enjoy just under an hour at Slaggyford before their return journey. Services operate from late March until mid-November.