Skip To Main Content

  • Accommodation
    • Don't Miss
      • Sustainable Stays
      • Dog Friendly Accommodation
      • Family Accommodation
      • Accommodation with a Swimming Pool
      • Accommodation with Gyms
      • Accommodation with Hot Tubs
      • Group Accommodation
      • Luxury Accommodation
      • Something a Bit Different
      • Spa Breaks
    • Accessible Accommodation
    • B&Bs & Guesthouses
    • Hotels
    • Lake District Cottages
    • Self Catering Accommodation
    • Camping, Glamping, Caravans and Lodges
    • Holiday Parks
    • Hostels
    • Pubs with Rooms
    • Restaurants with Rooms
    • Holiday Homes for Sale
    • Cottage Agencies
  • What's On
    • Challenge Events
      • 13 Valleys
      • Great North Swim
      • Tour of Britain
      • Windermere Marathon
      • Cross-Bay Walks
      • Traditional Sports
      • Gurning Festival (Egremont Crab Fair)
      • World’s Biggest Liar
    • Cultural Events
      • Winter Droving
    • Festivals
      • Cockermouth Live!
      • Cumbria Dark Skies Festival
      • Fells for All Festival
      • Marmalade Festival at Dalemain
      • Lake District Music Summer Festival
    • Food Events
    • Galleries & Exhibitions
    • Markets
    • Add your event
  • Things to Do
    • Bookable Experiences
    • 50 Great Cumbrian Experiences
    • Lake District Attractions
    • Adventure Activities
      • Adventure on the Water
      • Adventure Training
      • Extreme & Off Road
      • Rocks & Ropes
    • Arts and Culture
      • Let's Go Culture
      • Famous Artists, Poets & Writers
      • Festivals
      • Galleries & Exhibitions
      • Independent Cinema
      • Museums
      • Theatre & Live Performance
    • Experiences
      • Aerial Experiences
      • Animal Experiences
      • Bushcraft Experiences
      • Craft Demonstrations & Workshops
      • Food & Drink Experiences
      • Gift Experiences
    • Guided Tours
      • Coach & Minibus Tours
      • Guided Cycling
      • Guided Walks
      • Nature & Wildlife Tours
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Forest Bathing
      • Gym & Swim
      • Massage
      • Wild Swimming
      • Yoga
    • History and Heritage
      • Cumbrian Castles
      • Cumbrian Churches
      • Historic Houses, Parks & Gardens
      • King Arthur in Cumbria
    • Outdoor Activities
      • In the Air
      • On the Land
      • On the Water
      • Cycling
      • Walking
      • Boat Hire
      • Golf
      • Horse Riding & Pony Trekking
      • Lake Cruises & Boat Trips
      • Sporting Activities
      • Hen & Stag Activities
      • Team Building activities
      • Free Wainwright Podcasts
    • Shopping
      • Virtual Christmas Market
      • Cumbrian High Street Shopping
      • Local Produce
      • Markets in the Lake District, Cumbria
      • Shop Online
    • Accessible Activities
    • Family Days Out
    • Wildlife & Nature
    • Safety/Adventure Smart
  • Food and Drink
    • Dog Friendly Places to Eat
    • Family-friendly places to eat
    • Afternoon Tea
    • Breweries & Distilleries
    • Cafés
    • Fine dining
    • Foraging & Bushcraft
    • Local Produce
    • Pub Food & Gastro Pubs
    • Restaurants
    • Vegetarian & Vegan
    • Food & Drink in Cumberland
  • Explore Cumbria
    • Areas of Cumbria
      • The Lake District
      • Carlisle & Hadrian’s Wall
      • Eden Valley & North Pennines
      • Morecambe Bay
      • Western Lake District & Coast
      • Where The Lakes Meets The Dales
    • Towns & Villages
    • Lakes of the Lake District
    • Travel
      • Let's Go Car Free
      • Getting To Cumbria
      • Getting Around Cumbria
      • Car Parking and Car Charging
      • Group Travel
    • Year of the Coast
    • World Heritage Cumbria
    • Mountains & Fells
    • Harbours & Marinas
  • Ideas and Inspiration
    • Starring Great Britain: The Lake District, Cumbria
      • timeline
      • Gallery of Locations
    • Lake District, Cumbria Bucket List
    • Selfie Guide
    • Dark Sky Cumbria
    • Suggested Itineraries
    • Sunny day ideas
    • Rainy day ideas
    • The National Trust in the Lake District
    • Spa Breaks
    • Romantic Breaks
    • Family Holidays
    • Dog Friendly Holidays
    • Bespoke Holidays
    • The Inn Collection Group in the Lake District
    • Sustainable Stays
    • Caring for the environment
      • Lake District Foundation
      • Safety/Adventure Smart
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Access for all - Adventure for Everyone
      • Accessibility on film
      • Adventure for all - Ideas and Inspiration
    • Tourist Information Centres
  • Weddings
    • Wedding Venues
      • Exclusive Use Venues
      • Venues with Accommodation
    • Wedding Suppliers
    • Wedding Fairs & Events
    • Stag & Hen Parties
    • Honeymoon & Minimoon
    • Transport
    • Spa Treatments
  • Conferences & Event Spaces
    • Conference Venues with Rooms
    • Attraction Venues & Meeting Spaces
    • Functions, Banquets and Corporate Event Venues
    • Team Building
    • Event Organisers, Catering & Suppliers
  • Prizes & Guides
    • Subscribe to our Newsletter
    • Free Holiday Guide Downloads
    • Gift Vouchers
    • Download Free Desktop Wallpaper
    • Download Free Wainwright Podcasts
    • Prize Draws
      • Win an Active Adventure Break to Windermere
      • Win 2 tickets for an evening buffet cruise
      • Win two Pure Lakes Candle or Soap Making Experienc
      • WIN a £250 Holiday Voucher for Woodclose Park
      • Win a £500 holiday voucher
      • Win a break in the Lake District, Cumbria
      • Win a stay at North Lakes Hotel & Spa
    • 2025 Dogs Love Cumbria Guide Photo Competition
  • Let's Go Lake District Blog
  • Special Offers

Don't Miss

  • Summer | Description

    Summer in the Lake District, Cumbria

  • Sign up to receive our newsletter containing news and special offers from the Lake District, Cumbria.

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

  • Site Logo
  • Print Logo
Site Search Icon

My Planner

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

Already saved an Itinerary?

List All My Saved Itineraries

Language
  • DE
  • EN
Menu

You are here: Home > Accommodation > Self Catering Camping Coaches at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Self Catering Camping Coaches at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Maid of Kent Double bedroom at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
  • Maid of Kent Double bedroom at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
  • Elmira lounge at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
  • Maid of Kent luxury accommodation at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
  • Maid of Kent outdoor seating area at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake District
Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW
3 Visit England Stars 3 Visit England Stars 3 Visit England Stars 3 Visit England Stars Self-catering
Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating - 2096 reviews2096 reviews

Add Self Catering Camping Coaches at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway to your Itinerary

Website

Email

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel01229 717171

About

If you fancy staying somewhere different and fancy the thought of staying in a fabulously restored luxury Pullman railway coach, then this is for you.

Originally built in 1917 as part of a World War One Ambulance Train, ‘Elmira’ and ‘Maid of Kent’  are the UK’s oldest Railway ‘Camping Coaches’ still in their original location - uniquely situated at Ravenglass, in a coastal setting within two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Lake District National Park and Hadrian’s Wall (Frontiers of the Roman Empire).

The innovative transformation of these two historically important vehicles into striking new accommodation for up to 6 persons has preserved many of the carriages’ original highly-crafted features.

There are two coaches available, 'Elvira' and 'Maid of Kent'.

Elmira - Capacity: 4; Bedrooms: 2; Bathrooms: 2.

Maid of Kent - Capacity: 4; Bedrooms: 2; Bathrooms: 2.

The coaches sleep 4-6 guests (4 adults and 2 children maximum) in 1 double room and 1 zip linked twin room. A 'bed in a box' is available in the lounge area and there is also room for travel cot in the master bedroom (cot not supplied).

Both coaches offer elegance, comfort, and a sense of nostalgia. You do not need to be a train enthusiast to appreciate the splendour and importance of these very special camping coaches. Here is a short summary:

Entrance: Steps lead up to the entrance vestibule, ample space for coats and walking boots.

Kitchen: The compact yet fully equipped kitchen offers everything you might need for those cosy nights in including a two-ring electric enamel hob, electric countertop oven and grill, microwave, fridge with a freezer box, full size sink and drainer. There is also a kettle and toaster, cutlery, and crockery, plus plenty of storage.

Lounge: What makes this room extra special are the original Pullman seats which have been reupholstered and are a reminder of the carriage’s past life. Now, they form part of the dining area which comfortably seats 4-6 people. As you enjoy a meal with family and friends, it’s easy to imagine you are gently rolling along the tracks.  And for convenience, there is a set of three mahogany tables and pull-out extra ‘bed in a box’ single bed. Modern features include a TV with FreeSat and WiFi. There are several plug/USB sockets throughout the property. There is an electric wood burning stove and electric heating to keep you warm during the cooler nights and colder seasons. 

Main bathroom: The white modern suite includes a vanity sink, toilet, and shower, plus a heated towel rail.

Second bedroom: The compact second bedroom which comprises of twin beds with central bolster and a three shelve unit for storage. If you prefer, these beds can be zipped together to form a king size bed.

Master en suite: Sitting quietly at the far end of the carriage is the master en suite bedroom. Come nightfall, retreat to this comfortable room, and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep in the double bed. There is plenty of hanging space, including a coat stand, shelves, as well as room under the bed for bags or suitcases.

Outside area: Just beside the entrance to the front of Elmira is your own paved patio area with seating. Enjoy alfresco dining as the sun goes down over the Railway for the day. And behind the carriage, you will find a grassed area overlooking the line. This area is shared with the guests staying in Maid of Kent Pullman Camping Coach next door.  

Additional features: Dog Friendly - Parking for one car - USB points and power points throughout. Price includes travel on the Ravenglass & Railway for the duration of your stay on scheduled services - Towels and bed linen included.

The story of the coaches

The story of the ‘Carriages off the Rails’ dates back to after World War I where they were used as ‘homes for heroes’. Some became animal shelters and barns, while other redundant carriages in attractive locations – often coastal – were turned into affordable holiday accommodation linked to the railways in the 1930s. During World War II, many were pressed into the war effort.

By 1958, they saw a revival as British Railways were able to offer ‘delightful inexpensive holidays’ in more than 130 locations. Branch line closures following the Beeching Report, combined with cheaper overseas travel in the 1970s meant many of the carriages did not survive.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram   Facebook   Pinterest   TikTok

Opening Times

Season (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025)

* Open daily in February half term, from mid March until November then weekends and Santa specials in December. Open through Boxing day - New year period. Please see our website for more detailed information.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets
  • Wheelchairs available

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • On-site light refreshments
  • Picnic site

Children

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children welcome

Groups

  • Education/study area
  • Facilities for educational visits
  • Facilities for groups

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

  • Facilities for conferencing
  • Facilities for corporate hospitality

Parking

  • Parking with charge - at Dalegarth only

Property Facilities

  • Dogs Accepted
  • Gift shop
  • Postbox
  • Public toilets
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Telephone (public)

Site Features

  • Regional Tourist Board Member
  • Welcome Host

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Access Information

Attractions Self Assessment

Accessibility NotesSee website for full details and access policy.

Entrance

Entrance is well lit

Public Areas

Baby changing facilities
Contrast markings on clear surfaces such as glass doors
Good contrast between the floor and walls
Hearing loop installed in public areas
Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
From the entrance to reception / ticket area
To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
To the gift shop
Visitor information available in large print (14pt and over)
Visitor information available in audio format

Food

Children's menu
Good contrast between the floor and walls
High chairs for children
Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to cafeteria
Menus available in large print (14pt and over)
Restaurant / cafe provide meals for visitors with special dietary requirements:
Additive free
Gluten free (coeliacs)
Lactose free (dairy free)
Low potassium
Low sodium
Nut free
Organic
Sugar free (diabetic)
Vegan
Vegetarian
Seating suitable for wheelchair users, ie moveable and good height for person sitting in a wheelchair

Parking

Designated parking for guests with disabilities
Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
The route from the parking area to the entrance:
Is flat (i.e. without steps)
The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
is solid

General

Audible alarm system
Clear signage
Displays at suitable height for wheelchair users / children
Effective lighting for visually impaired visitors
Good colour/tonal contrast for visually impaired visitors
Hearing loop system
Routes/pathways suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility
Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
Visual alarm system

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating:

4.6 of 5 stars
2096 reviews
    • Excellent
      1515
    • Very Good
      433
    • Average
      89
    • Poor
      42
    • Terrible
      20

    Recent Reviews:

      Write a review
      © Tripadvisor 2025

      Gradings

      • 3 Visit England Stars Self-catering
      3 Visit England Stars Self-catering

      Awards

      • Visit EnglandVisit England - Gold Award Visit England - Gold Award 2023
      • Cumbria AwardsMember of Cumbria Tourism Member of Cumbria Tourism 2016
      facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ravenglass.Eskdale.Railway

      Related

      Exhibits and Interior of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Museum in Ravenglass, CumbriaRavenglass Railway Museum, RavenglassThe history of the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway told with relics, models, photographs and a…

      Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Train with a scenic mountain backdrop and lake reflection © Mark FieldingRavenglass & Eskdale Railway - Private Functions, RavenglassLa'aL, the little Cumbrian Railway is an award winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake…

      Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Train with a scenic mountain backdrop and lake reflection © Mark FieldingRavenglass & Eskdale Railway, RavenglassLa'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake…

      Breakfast at Turntable cafeFellbites Cafe & Turntable Cafe at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, RavenglassLocated at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Fellbites Café serves everything from hot and cold…

      Scenic Views from Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake DistrictCream Tea and Steam Experience at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, RavenglassEnjoy a beautiful 14 mile return journey as well as a delicious cream tea at Dalegarth Café in the…

      Scenic Views from Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Lake DistrictCream Tea and Steam Experience at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, RavenglassEnjoy a beautiful 14 mile return journey as well as a delicious cream tea at Dalegarth Café in the…

      Map & Directions

      Map Link

      Click here to view map

      Road Directions

      BY ROAD From M6 junction 36 follow the brown Western Lake District signs to Broughton-in-Furness, passing Newby Bridge on the A590 and turning right at Greenodd onto the A5092. From Broughton follow the A595 to Silecroft T junction (turn right) and beyond. From M6 junction 40 follow the brown Western Lake District signs past Keswick and Bassenthwaite Lake on the A66 towards Cockermouth. Turn left at the Cockermouth roundabout onto the A5086. Follow the A5086 to Egremont where it joins the A595. Turn left for Ravenglass following the A595. From Ambleside and Coniston, consider using the A593 passing through Torver before arriving at Broughton. From Windermere and Bowness take the A592 to Newby Bridge. Various scenic routes offer spectacular journeys. From the central lakes consider the dramatic Wrynose and Hardknott passes route to Eskdale but be aware of the 1-in-three ascents and descents, single track road and hairpin bends. Also look for Birker Fell, and the Corney Fell options on ordnance survey maps. Post Code CA18 1SW for Ravenglass Station Post Code CA19 1TF for Dalegarth for Boot Station

      Public Transport Directions

      BY RAIL Leave the car behind and visit us by rail from Lancaster and Morecambe, Grange-over-Sands, Windermere, Preston, Carlisle and Oxenholme the Lake District - all key holiday destinations. Regular Northern trains travel on the scenic Cumbrian Coast Line between Carlisle, Whitehaven and Barrow calling at Ravenglass every day except Sunday. Save money with a through ticket: £4.00 off the normal combined adult fair, £2.00 off the child fare with even greater savings for railcard holders. You can buy these from station ticket offices or from conductors on the train. For more details on timetable and fare information visit the Northern Rail website or call 08457 48 49 50 Accessible by Public Transport: Ravenglass station is 0 miles away.

      What's Nearby

      1. Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Train with a scenic mountain backdrop and lake reflection © Mark Fielding
        Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

        La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction…

        0.02 miles away
      2. Exhibits and Interior of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Museum in Ravenglass, Cumbria
        Ravenglass Railway Museum

        The history of the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway told with relics, models, photographs…

        0.04 miles away
      3. Hawk at the Hawk & Owl Centre at Muncaster Castle in Ravenglass, Cumbria
        Muncaster Castle - Hawk & Owl Centre

        Set in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle, the Hawk & Owl Centre offers…

        1.07 miles away
      1. Aerial View of Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
        Muncaster Castle

        Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the…

        1.1 miles away
      2. St. Mary's Church, Gosforth
        St. Mary's Church, Gosforth

        St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.

        4.49 miles away
      3. Grey Croft Stone Circle
        Grey Croft Stone Circle

        The present circle of 10 standing stones, 80' diameter, was restored in 1949. The stone…

        4.88 miles away
      Previous Next

      You may also like

      • Bookable Experiences

      • Download Guide

      • Gift Vouchers

      • Itineraries

      • E-newsletter Sign Up

      • Blog

      Stay in Touch

      Follow The Lake District, Cumbria on Social Media

      Sign up for E-newsletter

      Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria

      Sign Up
      • Let's Go Lake District Blog
      • About Visit Lake District
      • Media Enquiries
      • Travel Trade
      • Contact Us
      • Jobs in the Lake District, Cumbria
      • Site Map
      • Terms of use
      • Privacy Policy
      • World Heritage Cumbria
      • Romantic Breaks
      • Selfie Guide
      • Accommodation
      • What's On
      • Things to Do
      • Food and Drink
      • Lake District Weddings
      • Access for all - Adventure for Everyone
      Contact Us

      Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL

      Made by Simpleview Logo
      Beyonk Logo
      Experience Booking Powered by Beyonk

      Ratings Powered By

      tripadvisor

      Cumbria Tourism

      © Cumbria Tourism