Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway — Attraction in Haverthwaite

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to experience my very first steam train ride during our visit to The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway on 21st August 2025, and it was truly worth every moment.

From the moment we stepped onto the platform, I felt a sense of excitement and nostalgia in the air. Having never been on a steam train before, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but the charm of the locomotive — with its billowing steam and rhythmic chugging — immediately set the tone for a unique journey.

What made the experience even more special was sharing it with my 4-year-old son. For him, it felt like stepping into the world of Thomas the Tank Engine come to life. His eyes lit up as he saw the engine up close, and throughout the journey, he could hardly contain his excitement at being inside a “real Thomas train.” Watching his joy made the experience unforgettable for me as a parent.

The ride itself was serene and picturesque, winding through beautiful countryside landscapes. The views of rolling green hills, woodland, and open fields were simply stunning, even more so in the crisp winter air. Although it was a chilly day for August, the cold only added to the charm — the steam rising from the train mingled with the mist in the air, making the whole experience feel timeless and magical.

Overall, our visit to The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway was an absolute highlight of our trip. It was more than just a train ride; it was a step back into history, a scenic journey through breathtaking landscapes, and a joyful family memory I know we’ll cherish. For anyone who hasn’t experienced a steam train ride before, I can wholeheartedly recommend it — it’s an adventure...

🌟 A Beautiful Place Shadowed by Racism – A Painful Experience at Haverthwaite Station

We visited Haverthwaite Station during our holiday in the Lake District, looking forward to a peaceful day out with family. Unfortunately, what should have been a simple and happy experience turned into something uncomfortable and upsetting.

From the moment we arrived, we noticed people staring at us in a way that didn’t feel curious — it felt hostile. The kind of stares that make you feel judged, out of place, and even unsafe. When I politely asked someone to take a photo of our family — something that should be a simple gesture of kindness — they refused abruptly, without explanation, and with a look that said more than words ever could.

It was clear that we were being treated differently because of how we looked. As a family of ethnic background, we’ve sadly faced moments like this before, but it’s still deeply painful every time. What hurts most is that racism doesn’t always come with slurs or shouting — sometimes it’s silence, cold looks, and rejection. And it stays with you.

We didn’t come expecting anything special — just respect, like anyone else. Instead, we left feeling unwelcome and disheartened.

I’m sharing this review not to provoke anger, but to speak honestly. The Lake District is a stunning place, and it should be open and safe for everyone, regardless of race, culture, or background. But unless people talk about these experiences, they’ll keep being ignored.

I hope the people and places here begin to reflect on how their behavior — even quiet actions — affects others. Because no one should feel less than human on...

Brilliant day out on a proper steam train on proper tracks (not a small train on small tracks which quite a lot of other places seem to offer!).

Took my son for a ride out on the train to Lakeside, where we were then able to board a boat to Bowness and have a walk around and get some grub by the lake. The train station is literally next door to where you board the boat, so if you struggle walking or have kids etc this is perfect, and the place even has a small cafe where you can sit and wait.

The boat also continues further up the lake, but a 40 minute ride from Lakeside to Bowness was enough for my 3 year old, so we disembarked and wandered around Bowness exploring the lovely park and stopped by a pub for some dinner before starting our return trip home.

The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway costs as of 18/04/2018

Child Single (Under 5’s travel for free): £2.80 Child Return (Under 5’s travel for free): £3.45 Adult Single: £4.30 Adult Return: £6.90 Family Ticket (2 adults and 3 children): £20.00

The ferry from Lakeside to Bowness is extra on top as it's operated by Windermere Lake Cruises, and prices are different depending on where you go to and from... however the Lakeside to Bowness ferry we got was the Yellow Cruise costing:

Adult (return): £11.80 Child (5-11): £7.10 Child (under 5): FREE Family (2 adults and 3...