Explore from The Royal: Steam Trains, Steamers and Memorable Journeys

Explore from The Royal:

Steam trains, steamers and memorable journeys

Sometimes getting there is half the fun 🚂

We spend a lot of time thinking about where we’re going.

But what if the journey itself is the day out?

Cumbria has some brilliant ways of getting around that are a little more interesting than jumping in the car.

Ullswater from the water

We’ll start closest to home.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ have been operating on the lake for more than 160 years and offer a wonderful way to see the surrounding landscape.

Combine a sailing with a walk or simply sit back and enjoy the views.

Services change throughout the year, so check the current timetable when planning your day.

Take a steam train through Eskdale

Head over to Ravenglass and you can board the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, affectionately known as La’al Ratty.

The narrow-gauge railway travels from the coast into the Eskdale valley, turning the journey itself into part of your Lake District experience.

It’s one that works for families, couples and, naturally, anyone who simply loves trains.

Lunch aboard a rather famous train

Then there’s Bassenthwaite Lake Station.

The restored station has been transformed into a café and is home to a full-size replica French steam train used in the 2017 film Murder on the Orient Express.

You can eat aboard the railway carriages, making it rather more memorable than popping into the average café.

Slow down

Perhaps that’s what we like most about these experiences.

They make you slow down and actually look at the landscape you’re travelling through.

And after a day on boats or trains, make your final journey back to Dockray.

We’ll have dinner and a drink waiting.

Some images courtesy of visitlakedistrict.com