The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway sets out from Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park. From there, the steam train takes you across the estuary en route to the final destination some seven miles up the line to Dalegarth for Boot Station.

You can hop on and off at any of the designated stops along the way to enjoy a stroll through this beautiful part of the Lake District. We highly recommend exploring the Ravenglass Railway Museum, where you learn a lot about its history. After reopening in 2017, the exhibition offers numerous interactive features and modern displays, creating a fun-filled experience, especially for families with children. The Ravenglass Railway Museum is free to visit and is open daily from February to October, as well as in winter when the railway is running.

You might want to take a break for tea or enjoy a delightful lunch at the fabulous café, which we highly recommend!

Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway History

The railway was originally built in 1873 and opened for commercial use two years later. Its primary purpose was to transfer iron from Boot to Ravenglass and then Burrow-in-Furness. In 1876, it opened for passengers, making it the first public narrow gauge railway in the region and the entire UK. Although it faced operational challenges in the early 1900s, the railway resumed service and changed hands multiple times. In recent years, there has been a focus on refurbishing the facilities and museum, as well as adding new experience carriages to enhance the guest experience.

Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway Timetable and Tickets

Tickets for the railway can be bought in advance online, and prices depend on the type of ticket.

Return Trip

• Adult: £23.00
• Child (3-17): £15.50
• Child (Under 3): Free
• Family (2 Adults and 2 Children): £69.00
• Family (1 Adult and 2 Children): £46.00
• Dog Ticket: £2.50
• Annual Dog Rover: £20.00
• Join Attractions Ticket with Ullswater Steamers: £45.00

One Way Trip

• Adult: £15.50
• Child (3-17): £10.50
• Child (Under 3): Free
• Family (2 Adults and 2 Children): £47.00
• Dog Ticket: £2.50

Upgrades

If you’d like to treat yourself or your loved ones, you have the option to upgrade your tickets for a small fee and enjoy the trip from a panoramic carriage or First Class.

Return Trip

• Joan Carriage – 2 Seat Compartment: £20.00 (extra)
• Joan Carriage – 4 Seat Compartment: £40.00 (extra)
• First Class – 2 Seat Compartment: £16.00 (extra)
• First Class – 4 Seat Compartment: £32.00 (extra)
• Ruth Carriage – Compartment: £120.00

One Way Trip

• Joan Carriage – 2 Seat Compartment: £10.00 (extra)
• Joan Carriage – 4 Seat Compartment: £20.00 (extra)
• First Class – 2 Seat Compartment: £8.00 (extra)
• First Class – 4 Seat Compartment: £16.00 (extra)
• Ruth Carriage – Compartment: £60.00

Please note that the earliest departure from Ravenglass is usually at 9.30 am, and the latest one is at 4.10 pm. From Dalegarth, you can jump on the earliest train at 10.30 am and latest at 5 pm. Passengers can also hop on and off at request stops, but the train will only stop if there’s space available. Bikes and wheelchair spaces must be booked in advance.

Offers

During the summer, the railway offers a special deal for children, allowing them to travel for free on Fridays.