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Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
Type:Steam Railway
Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway Station, Main St, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW
About
Welcome to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway! We're the Lake District's oldest, longest and most scenic railway, and home to the world’s oldest narrow gauge steam engine, River Irt, built-in 1894.
About Us
Steam to the hills on board one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England and journey from the Western Lake District coastal village of Ravenglass, across seven miles of ever-changing spectacular scenery, past seven request stops and with a 1:55 gradient at times, to our final destination, Dalegarth for Boot, a picturesque station in view of England’s highest mountains. The journey itself was one of renowned fell walker Alfred Wainwright's favourites.
There is a selection of walks on offer from either end of the line. In a picturesque setting and the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park, Ravenglass is favoured by those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life. Take the time to explore the Roman Bath House, stroll along the beach, or visit nearby Muncaster Castle. At the other end of the line, from Dalegarth for Boot station, you have the opportunity to hike into the craggy fells that surround the quiet Eskdale valley. A short walk will take you to the tiny village of Boot where you’ll find a couple of village inns and shops, a church, and Eskdale Mill, the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District National Park. As an alternative, a popular option is to follow the exciting trail to Stanley Ghyll waterfall and the viewing platform.
Timetables and ticket information can be found on our website.
Click here to book View accessibility info
The combination of beautiful scenery, unique steam engines, and great walking opportunities, make the ‘La’al Ratty’ a fantastic day out for all the family. And one not to be missed!
Our Carriages
We offer three types of carriage. Wrap up warm and enjoy the thrill of an open carriage, a semi-open which offers open sides and roof canopy or choose a closed carriage which is just as exciting but offers protection from the weather on those not-so-dry days. Alternatively, why not upgrade? Travel in style and upgrade to Pullman Observation Carriage 'Joan', Director Saloon 'Ruth', or opt for our First Class Carriage. All carriages are available for private hire.
To find out more, contact us on 01229 717171.
Gift Experiences
We offer a selection of fantastic experiences for a truly unforgettable day out. If you’re looking to surprise someone special, celebrate an occasion, or simply fancy a mood-boosting day out, we may have just what you're looking for. Our ‘Cream Tea and Steam Experience’ remains one of the most popular. Travel through the enchanting Cumbrian landscape towards Dalegarth for Boot station where the culinary delights at Fellbites Café await you, before stepping back into your railway carriage and meandering back to Ravenglass.
Fuel yourself for the day with a Pullman First Class Breakfast Experience or choose a Ruth Cream Tea on the Move or an Exclusive ‘Ruth’ Director Saloon Experience with Picnic or Tapas Picnic.
Monetary gift vouchers are also available.
We’re a Dog-Friendly Attraction
Dogs are welcome on board our steam trains for £1.50. (Dogs are not permitted in Pullman Observation Carriage 'Joan' or Director's Saloon 'Ruth'. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause.) Assistance dogs are welcome throughout.
Facilities at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Include:
- Pay and display parking at both stations.
- There are two cafes at either end of the line. The Turntable Café is located on platform one at Ravenglass station and Fellbites at Dalegarth for Boot station. Opening times and menus vary according to each timetable.
- Toilets, baby changing facilities, and an accessible toilet at both stations. There is also a Changing Places facility at Ravenglass Station, located on platform one.
- There is a gift shop at either end of the line.
- There is a children’s play area at either end of the line.
- The Railway Museum is located at Ravenglass.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at both the Turntable Café at Ravenglass and the station building at Dalegarth for Boot.
We aim to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone. For accessibility information, click here to visit our dedicated page.
If you require further information or have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to contact us at steam@ravenglass-railway.co.uk or call 01229 717171. Further information can be found on our website. We look forward to welcoming you on board.
For tickets and further information click here to visit our website.
Keep up to date with all the ‘locomotion commotion’ by following our Facebook page.
Photos courtesy of Mark Fielding.
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Book Tickets
Opening Times
| Season (15 Mar 2025 - 31 Dec 2025) |
|---|
* Our main season runs from March until the end of October, however, we operate festive trains during December.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible Toilet
- Changing Places
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets - There is also a Changing Places facility at Ravenglass Station, located on platform one.
- Facilities for hearing impaired
- 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
Property Facilities
- Gift shop
- Postbox
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
Site Features
- Regional Tourist Board Member
- Welcome Host
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Tripadvisor
- Excellent1721
- Very Good466
- Average94
- Poor43
- Terrible20
Awards
- Cumbria Awards
Member of Cumbria Tourism 2016
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Map & Directions
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 with even greater savings for railcard holders. You can buy these from station ticket offices or from conductors on the train. Please note that we will allocate seats to Northern Rail ticket holders on the next available train at Ravenglass ticket office. Please present your Northern Rail ticket at the ticket desk on arrival. Please ensure you have cross-checked both ours and Northern's current timetables to plan your journey.
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.
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