Let the Train take the Strain
NO. We don't mean lock the car in the garage and get on Inter City, although if you wanted to it would not be too much of a problem, since the train service in these parts has been very much improved in the last few years. You can now get from London to Windermere in just over 4 hours. But the trains we are talking about are the ones you can enjoy once you get here.
The Lake District is not renowned for it's railway heritage, but even so two of the busiest preserved railways in the country are right on our doorstep. That does not mean that you will have to stand for all of your journey like some commuters do, but it does mean that the trains run regularly and are clean and well presented, enhancing the visitor experience.
The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway was originally part of a branch line built to enable easy access for early tourists to the shore of Lake Windermere. Not only did it carry people but also goods which were unloaded in sidings that stood where the main car park now is, and then loaded onto boats to be delivered to various points around the Lake. The station at Lakeside is iconic in design, with rail platforms on one side and steamer quay on the other. The Victorian buildings have been utilised by many film makers, and it recently featured on a TV ad for a supermarket, despite the fact that the nearest one is several miles away.
For more information see the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway website
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, or L'ile Ratty as it is affectionately known, carries holiday makers and locals alike along the Eskdale Valley from the coastal Village of Ravenglass to the foot of England's highest mountains. It is a narrow gauge delight, with a mixture of open and closed carriages catering for all ages and tastes. The lines steam engines were immortalised by the Rev W Audrey, in his series of Railway books for children, and along with the spectacular scenery are undoubtedly the star of the show.
For more information see the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway website
But there is more to the Lake District's railway heritage than just a couple of steam lines, pleasant though they are. The railway companies used to run the boat services on Windermere and Coniston Water. The big "steamers" on Windermere are actually diesel engine driven and were built by the LMS back in the 1930's, whilst the smallest of the large boats, the "Tern" goes back to the days of the Furness Railway and was originally steam powered.
But Coniston Water can lay claim to having an even older steam driven vessel. "Gondola" dates back to the mid 19th century, and was built by the Furness Railway before the line to Coniston was actually completed. 150 years later, Gondola is still in operation, ferrying passengers across Coniston Water daily throughout the summer, weather permitting, and for steam buffs out there the good news is that it is still steam driven.
For more information about Gondola, see the National Trust website here
Lots to see, lots to do
What's on in the Lakes this Autumn
A round up of events both traditional and modern
A look at some of the regions finest gardens
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