Name: Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Rating: 5.0

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway, Main Street, Ravenglass, UK

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a historic narrow-gauge heritage railway in Cumbria, offering a scenic steam train journey through the Western Lake District. Built between 1873–1875, it is the first public narrow-gauge railway in England and one of the world’s oldest surviving lines. The railway runs from Ravenglass to Dalegarth for Boot, passing through two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visitors can enjoy a 7-mile return journey lasting around 40 minutes each way with views of coastal estuaries, ancient woodlands, and mountains. Activities include riding in covered, half-open, open-top, First Class, or the Joan Pullman Observation Carriage, visiting the Ravenglass Railway Museum (free entry), children’s outdoor play areas, walking and cycling routes, wildlife spotting, and exploring nearby attractions such as Eskdale Mill, Ravenglass Roman Bath House, and Stanley Ghyll Force waterfall. The railway also hosts special events and themed experiences, including celebrations marking its 150th anniversary in 2026.

A return ticket costs £25.00 for adults, £16.00 for children (5–17), and is free for under-5s, with dogs £5.00 all day. A one-way trip costs £17.00 for adults and £11.00 for children (5–17), while upgrades include First Class (£8.00 return), Joan Pullman seats (£10.00 return), and the Ruth Director Saloon (£120.00 return). Private and celebration hire options range from £300 for single-journey First Class carriage hire to £1,200 for a full return private train charter.

Overall, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway offers a classic steam railway experience in one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes. It combines heritage, comfort, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly activities in a relaxed setting. This attraction is ideal for families, railway enthusiasts, walkers, and anyone wanting a memorable day out in the Lake District.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Museum: The Ravenglass Railway Museum tells the story of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s rich heritage and its interaction with the valleys along which it operates. Discover artefacts, steam locomotives, and hands-on interactive features. It is the perfect destination for schools and special interest groups. Entry to the museum is FREE (donations welcome). Ex British Rail Signal Box, BR signal box garden and Pullman Carriage sensory garden. Our on-hand volunteers are happy to share their stories.
Playarea: We have children’s outdoor play areas located at both Ravenglass and Dalegarth for Boot stations, to allow your little ones to run off steam! Our adventurous family-friendly facilities will keep them entertained while you are waiting for the next train. Ravenglass play area is located above the turntable and is a secure area for children to play on the swings and have fun. The playground at Dalegarth is located adjacent to our woodland picnic area. We have plans to upgrade and extend this facility.
Walking: Take a relaxing walk from one of our stations to appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of the Eskdale countryside. This activity is ideal for those seeking a dog-friendly day out! Some of the best and most scenic routes for walking in the Lake District National Park are easily accessible from the railway and its stations. Our unspoilt rural location means that you can enjoy beautiful views around every bend in the footpath.
Cycling: Combine a visit to the railway with exploring Eskdale’s fantastic cycle routes! Pre-book your bike onto a train and enjoy a cycling day out with a difference. Explore the Eskdale countryside by bike and enjoy the many scenic Lake District cycling routes. The 8½-mile (14km) Eskdale Trail is a fully way-marked cycle route. It starts from Dalegarth for Boot station, through Eskdale away from cars, to the coast at Ravenglass.
Ravenglass Roman Bath House: Just a short walk from Ravenglass station are the remains of the Ravenglass Roman Fort Bath House (AD130), which are a must-see! They are amongst the tallest Roman structures surviving in the north of Britain, with walls standing almost four metres tall. This impressive site would have once provided relaxation for Roman soldiers and a place to meet socially. The remains of the bath house are indisputable evidence that a Roman fort once stood in this location.
Eskdale Mill: The small village of Boot is home to the Eskdale Mill. This delightful water corn mill invites you to step back in time and discover restored waterwheels, interactive exhibitions, and milling machinery, all set in beautiful grounds. It’s a great way to escape the daily grind! Fun activities are on offer for all the family and well-behaved dogs are welcome. The mill is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District National Park and its deeds date back to 1737.
Wildlife and nature: What better way to watch the rich biodiversity of Cumbrian wildlife than on board our heritage trains? Keep an eye out for buzzards and red squirrels en route! As our little steam engines travel from Ravenglass across tidal Barrow Marsh, watch closely for oystercatchers, curlews, and ringed plovers too. The Eskdale Valley showcases nature at its very best, with a wealth of wildlife and striking physical features, as well as a variety of insects and butterflies.
Anne’s Walk and Stanley Ghyll Force waterfall: Anne’s Walk is a lovely easy walking route that takes you along a section of the River Esk. Relax as you take in the beauty and variety of the landscape and listen to the natural rhythm of the river, birds, and wildlife. The ever-changing views of the surrounding crags and fells are truly stunning. This circular walk starts from Dalegarth for Boot station and is named in memory of Anne Stanley of Dalegarth Hall. You can also head to Stanley Ghyll Force waterfall from here too.
Events: Does the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway offer special events or themed train experiences? Join us for steam railway events and activities at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway! In 2026, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway marks an extraordinary milestone — 150 years of carrying passengers through the heart of the Western Lake District. Throughout the year, we’ll be celebrating this landmark anniversary with special events, family activities, heritage-focused experiences, and themed exhibitions in the Ravenglass Railway Museum.

Facilities

Parking: Parking available at both stations.
Food & Drinks: We have two cafés on-site at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway offering both eating-in and takeaway options.
Toilets: Toilets with baby changing facilities available at both stations.
Wifi: We have free Wi-Fi available in both the Turntable Café at Ravenglass and the station building at Dalegarth for Boot.
Shopping: Our gift shops are conveniently located at both ends of the line selling heritage railway collectables, souvenirs, children’s books, activity packs, and much more.
Staying Over: We have three railway-inspired self-catering properties located on the Lake District coast within two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Lake District National Park and Frontiers of the Roman Empire. Visit the website for more

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

TRAIN TICKETS

Return Trip

Adult: £25.00
Child (5–17) PRICE HELD: £16.00
Child (Under 5): FREE
Dog Ticket (All Day): £5.00
Family 150th Anniversary Pass PRICE HELD: £150 family travel ticket valid on all 2026 scheduled services
Annual Dog 'Rover' (with £2.00 donation to The Dogs Trust): £30.00

One Way Trip

Adult: £17.00
Child (5–17) PRICE HELD: £11.00
Child (Under 5): FREE
Family 150th Anniversary Pass PRICE HELD: Great value for families (2 adults and 2 children)
Annual Dog 'Rover' (with £2.00 donation to The Dogs Trust): 12-month pass with £2 donation to Dogs Trust

UPGRADE OPTIONS

Return Trip

Director Saloon Ruth Compartment – 4 seats inside with table, 2 seats outside on covered balcony: £120.00 (extra)
Joan Pullman Observation – individual seat: £10.00 (extra)
First Class Seat – individual seat: £8.00 (extra)

One Way Trip

Director Saloon Ruth Compartment – 4 seats inside with table, 2 seats outside on covered balcony: £60.00 (extra)
Joan Pullman Observation – individual seat: £5.00 (extra)
First Class Seat – individual seat: £4.00 (extra)

Pricing URL: https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/plan-your-visit/timetables-and-fares/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

‘Joan’ Pullman Observation Carriage Private Hire

Travel in luxury, surrounded by panoramic coastal and mountain scenery.
Perfect for: intimate celebrations, family days, relaxed private VIP travel.
Return journey carriage hire £500
Single journey carriage hire £350

‘Ruth’ Director Saloon Private Carriage Hire

A charming private saloon with classic railway elegance.
Perfect for: celebrations, foodies with afternoon tea served onboard, family days, relaxed private VIP travel.
Return journey carriage hire: £500
Not available as a single journey hire

First Class Private Carriage Hire

For when the occasion calls for something truly special.
Spacious and comfortable First Class seating throughout.
Perfect for: family groups, small tours, celebrations or milestones to remember.
Return journey carriage hire £450
Single journey carriage hire £300

Private Train Hire

For larger groups, corporate events, celebration days or creating an unforgettable shared experience.
You can privately hire an entire standard train formation.
Bespoke headboards available on request mounted on the front of the engine and to take home as a memento of your trip.
Return journey standard carriage train charter: £1,200
Single journey standard carriage train charter: £800

Contact the venue for timing information.

Address: Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway, Main Street, Ravenglass, UK

Post Code: CA18 1SW

Council: Cumberland

County: Cumbria

By Car: 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. There are car parks at Ravenglass and Dalegarth stations.
By Train: Leave the car behind and visit us by train 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. Our ‘through ticket’ with Northern Rail is available. Tickets can be bought at mainline stations or onboard Northern trains. Please note that we will allocate seats to Northern Rail ticket holders on the next available train at Ravenglass ticket office.

Parking at Ravenglass station

Please use postcode CA18 1SW
Approximately 80 car parking spaces
There are 3 designated accessible parking spaces by the main entrance to the ticket office
Car parking is pay and display, please purchase a ticket from the machine (All day £6)
Free coach parking
22kW EV Charging point – charges apply

Parking at Dalegarth for Boot station

Please use postcode CA19 1TF
Approximately 60 car parking spaces
The accessible parking area is directly opposite the double-door entrance to the station building
Car parking is pay and display, please purchase a ticket from the machine (All day £6)
7kW EV Charging point – charges apply