This had been something that my dad had wanted to do while we were staying here, and it was a great experience with a lot of memories brought up from my childhood.

The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway runs between Haverthwaite and Lakeside (Lake Windermere) stations. It allows you to travel in a unique way (by steam train) to Lake Windermere while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

The History of Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

So, while the Haverwaite steam train is now a tourist attraction, it was actually a working line during the industrial revolution.

It took longer than originally intended to extend what was then known as the Furness Railway to include Hatherwaite because of the hard rocks that needed to be cut away. So, while work began on the 22^nd November 1866, it wasn’t completed until the 1^st June 1869 (nearly 3 years later!), although that didn’t include any other stops along the track.

During the industrial revolution (the first few years) the main items being transported were coal, iron and livestock.

However, this railway was also a popular method of transport for holidaymakers and those who wanted to spend a day at the lakes. It was stopped by WW2 though, only operating in the summer from 1939 and stopping completely in 1941.

Operations during WW2

As mentioned above, the railway only operated during the summer for tourist travel from 1939, but it was used for other things during the war effort. In fact, the Furness Railway was actually used on occasion to transport German prisoners of war, as well as for transporting freight over the war period.

The Station Tea Room

If you are hungry while at Haverthwaite station, there is a tea room that you can visit. It has a wide variety of food available, including a specific breakfast menu up until 11:30 and some wonderful ice cream.

A lot of the food that is served here is homemade and created using local produce.

There is also a takeaway option, so you can buy some lunch and eat it on the train or later on in the day.

Tickets

So, unlike a lot of the attractions that I talk about on here, the tickets for the Haverthwaite Railway have to be purchased on the day. You aren’t able to purchase them online or beforehand.

If you are looking for a simple train ticket, the most expensive is an adult return for £10, which is a really good price for the experience.

There is also the option to buy combination tickets for both the train and aquarium or the train and boat. When we bought tickets, we decided to get the ones for the train and boat to Ambleside so not only did we get to ride the steam train we also got to travel across the lake for lunch.

Dogs at the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

Dogs are welcome at the railway: at the station, in the café and on the train. In fact, you don’t have to pay for them to travel with you. So long as they don’t sit on the seats, dogs are allowed everywhere at Haverthwaite station.

Haverthwaite Railway Gift Shop

As with most, if not all, tourist attractions there is a little gift shop at Haverthwaite station. Like with the tea room, a lot of what is sold there is produced locally. It is a great place to buy souvenirs from your trip on the steam trip.

Conclusion

The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway is a perfect activity for a day out. Whether you are just using it as a way to get to the lake and finding a different way home, or you’re planning to use one of the combination tickets for extra activities throughout the day, it is well worth the money.