Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Tours

Originally built to carry iron ore from the mines to the coast, the tiny Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway has been chugging through the Lake District since 1875. Ride the railway between Dalegarth and the coastal town of Ravenglass to admire landscapes that encompass sheep-dotted pastures, woodlands, ridges, and rocky outcrops. 

A gentle ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway is a pleasant way to soak up the scenery of the Lake District National Park. Choose between several ticket types that range from single one-way journeys to 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus passes. 

Upgrade to seats in the first-class Observation Carriage for panoramic views from large glass windows. Or, opt for combo tickets that typically grant you access to both the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, another heritage steam train in Cumbria. Some packages include admission to Muncaster Castle, while many day tours and multi-day tours of the Lake District include a journey on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. 

Start your journey at Ravenglass Station, which is served by regular National Rail trains from around the country. The Cumbria Coast line, which runs between Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness stops here regularly. 

The railway is busiest on weekends and during school holidays. Go midweek in the morning to avoid the crowds. Check the railway website for details of seasonal family-oriented events. 

With so many things to see and do in the area, it’s possible to spend a full day exploring the stops on the Ravenglass and Eskdale line. See the Roman baths in Ravenglass; go for a stroll on Ravenglass Beach; or lace up your walking boots and get off at Beckfoot station to follow the trail to Blea Tarn Mountain Lake. Ravenglass station also features a free-to-enter Railway Museum, which documents the history of the Ravenglass and Eskdale line.