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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.
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.
Rail operators and attractions
Let the train take the strain
Number of results: 15
Cumbria
Welcome to Lakeland's oldest, longest and most scenic railway!
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. Excellent…
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…
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,…
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.
Bridgewater House, 7th Floor, Whitworth Street
TransPennine Express run regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme, for the Lake District, from Manchester Airport, Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
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.
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…
Kendal
Oxenholme is the station on the West Coast Mainline that serves the south lakes, providing easy access to the south of the county.
Kendal
BURNESIDE
Staveley
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.
Cark
Millom
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL