Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway is a heritage railway operating traditional steam and diesel trains on a 5.5-kilometer route between Haverthwaite and the southern end of Lake Windermere. The journey runs through the Lake District landscape and arrives at Lakeside Station, where connections to lake cruises begin.

The railway opened in 1869 as part of the Furness Railway, offering passenger service from Ulverston until it closed in 1965. It reopened in 1973 as a heritage operation, preserving and running historic trains for visitors.

The railway features in Christopher Awdry's book 'Thomas & Victoria' and served as a filming location for Agatha Christie's television adaptation 'Dumb Witness'. This connection to literature and film attracts visitors interested in these cultural references.

Tickets can be purchased at the station, and it's wise to arrive early, especially on weekends and during peak season. From Lakeside Station, visitors can easily transfer to lake cruises and reach other destinations like Bowness and Ambleside by boat.

The station houses a collection of restored locomotives from different British railway companies, with several engines currently undergoing major overhaul in the workshop. This ongoing preservation work allows visitors to observe how historic trains are restored at various stages.

Location: Haverthwaite

Website: http://lakesiderailway.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 54.26400,-2.98840

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:40