Bassenthwaite Lake Station

About

Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.

In its heyday between 1865 and 1966, Bassenthwaite Lake Station saw holidaymakers and haulage alike pass between its platforms, but was sadly closed in 1966, when the Beeching cuts put an end to its operation.

Over the years, it fell into a state of total disrepair and the once proud sandstone platforms and stately outbuildings of the station became dilapidated, the track bed buried and hidden by brambles and the signalmen’s cottages collapsed and became ruins.

Brought back from the brink by the proprietors, Simon and Diana Parums in April 2019, when they bought the site and, over the course of two years, restored the station to its former glory.

The replica French SNCF Class 241 steam engine, which is now a permanent fixture on the track is in fact the filmset that appears in the 2017 film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ starring Dame Judi Dench and Johnny Depp. Built a little bit wider than a ‘real life’ train in order to fit in camera crews, nowadays the carriage serves as seating for the café with enough room to comfortably accommodate around 60 people.

Dine in style but come as you are!

Welcoming everyone from boot-clad Wainwright baggers to those in their Sunday Brunch Best! The dining areas are dog-friendly throughout, provided dogs are well-behaved and kept on a lead at all times. Highchairs can be provided for tiny diners and there is adequate space to accommodate wheelchairs in both the station buildings and the carriage (although some areas may not be suitable for wider chairs, please call ahead to discuss with the friendly team).

The Carriage Café and Salon

The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! The carriages comfortably seats 60 people at tables of two and four. Larger parties can be seated at opposite tables or grouped together where possible, though please mention this at the time of booking to avoid disappointment. Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for in the restaurant carriage, while the Salon tends to be used solely for afternoon teas and larger group bookings.

Wine and Whisky Tasting Nights

Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and interesting topics for guests to explore. These are very popular and seats should be reserved in advance through the website.

The Ticket Office and Bar Carriage

Soak up the buzz of Bassenthwaite Lake Station in the carefully restored station buildings or train bar carriage, which are reserved for walk-in customers. The seating in the ticket office and bar areas are kept unreserved for walk-ins and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A cheerful collection of colourful, train-themed jigsaw puzzles adorn the ticket office walls and keep an eye out for some unique features including a lovingly preserved panel of original British Rail green paintwork! Photographs and memorabilia relating to the restoration, train arrival, orient express and Bassenthwaite Lake Station operations are displayed in the bar carriage where the film is often showing on the TV too.

At particularly busy times, there may be a wait for hot food and it is always advisable to book if you can, though walk-in customers will always be welcome and will be accommodated wherever there is available space.  Hot and cold refreshments and sweet treats are available at all times so you can always quell those cake and ice cream cravings after a day on the fells!

Follow us on social media:

Facebook   Instagram