Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
The gateway to a 'Rail and Sail' adventure—the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway preserves the Victorian elegance of the old Furness Railway. Reopened in 1973 by a dedicated preservation group, the 3.5-mile line carries passengers from Haverthwaite through the ancient woodlands of the Leven Valley to the shores of Windermere. It remains the most atmospheric way to arrive at the water, with steam-hauled carriages connecting seamlessly with the iconic Lake Cruises for a quintessential Cumbrian experience.
Railway History
The Windermere Connection
The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway occupies a portion of the old Furness Railway's Ulverston and Lancaster branch. After its closure in 1965, the line was saved by local enthusiasts who restored it into a premier Lake District attraction. Today, it preserves the timeless charm of Victorian rail travel while providing a direct link between the railway and the lake cruises, creating a unique "Rail and Sail" experience through some of Cumbria's most beautiful landscapes.
