North West - Cumbria

Established in 1973 The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway is a family run business in the heart of the Lake District.

The track which passengers travel upon today was a former Furness Railway branch line, initially used to transport coal and iron ore, bobbins, dye, gunpowder and much more, in and out of the Leven Valley, as well as a booming trade in tourist traffic to visit Windermere by Lake Steamer. The industry and tourist visitors declined and by the late 1960’s the railway was shut. The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Co Ltd was formed to re-open the line and with the help of many volunteers it succeeded and the line re-opened to tourist in May 1973.

Today the company are very proud of their lovingly restored and maintained fleet of steam locomotives, which are available to view in the engine shed. Haverthwaite railway is home to a magnificently renovated and working Fairburn Class 4 MT tank engines, along with another under restoration as we speak – the only remaining locos of this type to survive.

Different engines are used throughout the season to haul passengers through the tranquil scenery of the Leven Valley. The train heaves it’s passengers up the steeply graded line, leisurely transporting guests to Lakeside Station, where connections are available with Windermere Lake Cruises. Lakeside railway station neighbours the Lakeside pier making it an easy transition from the steam trains to the steam boats.

What else is in the area?

You can also combine the steam train journey with other local attractions in the surrounding area, making it an exciting day to explore the Lake District. These include Windermere Lake Cruises, The World of Beatrix Potter, Lakeland Motor Museum, The Lakes Aquarium, Brockhole, Rydal Mount and Holker Hall.