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A Family-Friendly Day Trip to Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

A view of the Lakeside to Haverthwaite steam engine in the summer time.

Train teacks and a train tunnel.
Waiting for the train at Haverthwaite Station.

A Journey Back in Time

The steam train's old-fashioned interior.
Inside the well-kept 1950s style carriages.

More Than Just a Train Ride

The experience extends well beyond the train ride itself. Haverthwaite Station is a destination in its own right. It features a welcoming Victorian-style tea room where you can enjoy traditional afternoon tea or a hearty lunch. The gift shop is well-stocked with railway memorabilia and local crafts.

For many, the engine sheds are the star attraction. Here, you can view historic locomotives up close. You can often see the engineers at work maintaining these massive machines. It provides a rare look at the grit and oil behind the polished exterior of the steam era.

Families will especially appreciate the woodland playground and picnic areas. These provide space for children to burn off energy before or after the journey.

These additional attractions make the railway a leisurely and engaging day out rather than a short excursion. The playground is designed to blend into the natural surroundings, keeping the atmosphere peaceful.

Looking into the cafe.
A visit to the welcoming tearoom is a must.

Connecting to Windermere

At the Lakeside end of the line, visitors arrive at the southern tip of Lake Windermere. This is England’s largest lake and a hub of activity. The transition from the steam train to the water is seamless. You can step off the platform and walk directly onto a Windermere Lake Cruise.

From here, it is easy to continue exploring the Lake District. Many visitors take the boat up to Bowness or Ambleside. This allows you to create a varied and memorable itinerary without ever needing to sit in traffic. You can combine the steam railway with a visit to the Lakes Aquarium, which is also located right at the Lakeside pier.

A view of the lake on a nice summer day.
Setting sail on Lake Windermere.

Haverthwaite Station, Nr Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AL