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The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a charming narrow-gauge heritage railway, affectionately known by locals as the La’al (little) Ratty. The line runs from the coastal village of Ravenglass, with its estuary and Roman history, to Dalegarth, nestled in the picturesque Eskdale Valley.
The train ride is an experience in itself, with beautiful scenery, peaceful countryside and plenty of chances to spot local wildlife along the way. But the adventure doesn’t stop when you arrive. There’s lots to explore and enjoy at both ends of the line, making it a brilliant family day out in the Lake District.
Getting to Ravenglass
Getting to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is straightforward. Ravenglass station connects directly with the national rail network, making it easy to include a trip on the railway as part of a journey along the Cumbrian Coast Line.
The X7 bus also stops nearby, running along the west coast between Whitehaven and Barrow-in-Furness.
For those travelling by car, there’s a large car park at the station with plenty of spaces available.
Times and tickets
The railway runs throughout the year, including the quieter winter months. During the main season (March to October), trains usually begin at either 9:30am or 10:30am, with departures running at scheduled intervals throughout the day and final services leaving in the late afternoon. Outside of peak season, fewer trains run each day.
As the timetable varies throughout the year, it’s best to check their online timetable before your visit.
- Adult ticket: £17 one-way, £25 return
- Child (5-17): £11 one-way, £16 return
- Children under 5: Free
- Dogs: £5 for an all day ticket
When purchasing tickets, there are also combination ticket options with Muncaster Castle and Ullswater Steamers, which can save a little money if you’re planning to visit either of these attractions as well.
Things to Do Around Ravenglass Station
It’s worth arriving at Ravenglass station with plenty of time to spare before your train as there are a few lovely places to explore nearby.
1. Museum
The museum is a brilliant place for families to visit before hopping on the train. It’s usually open between 10am and 4pm, although opening times can vary as it’s mostly run by volunteers. It’s designed to be interactive, with green and red hand symbols showing young visitors what they can and can’t touch. There are plenty of hands-on activities too, from watching the train gears in action to making rubbings of the locomotive nameplates.
2. Play Park
The play park just above the station is a great way to burn off some energy before the journey. It has swings, a slide, a climbing frame and even a pretend ticket office, which is a great chance to play ticket seller and passenger.
3. Refreshments and toilets
Before you board, it’s worth popping into the station shop to pick up a drink or a few snacks for the journey. You’ll also find toilets at the station, and it’s definitely worth making use of them before you set off, as well as the baby-changing, as there aren’t any facilities on board.
4. Roman Bath House
If you’ve got a little more time, you can take the short walk to the Roman Bath House. Just head through the playground and follow the signs. The ruins are still intact, and the information board give a great insight into how the Romans once lived and worked here. It’s a peaceful spot and a lovely way to add a little extra history to your visit before your train ride begins. If you do go for this option, you’ll want to allow a good half an hour at least to get there and back without missing your train.
The Train Journey
One thing to bear in mind before you set off is that this is a miniature railway, so the carriages are exactly that – miniature! There aren’t any facilities on board and space is quite limited. You can take a pushchair with you, but it needs to be fully folded and stored in the guard’s van during the journey. On the other hand, the tiny carriages are all part of the charm. They really do feel like you’re travelling on a real-life toy train, which only adds to the magic.
You can choose between indoor and outdoor carriages. Most families seem to opt for the outdoor ones; being able to hear the locomotive, feel the breeze and take in the views just makes the journey feel that bit more special. That said, if the weather isn’t great, or you’re travelling with a child who’s likely to spend the whole journey trying to lean out for a better look, the indoor carriages are a much more relaxing option.
As the train sets off, keep an eye out for the railway guide, which you can buy on board for £3. It includes the history of the railway and information about the different locomotives, but our favourite part is the ‘Trip up the Line’ section. It highlights 20 things to look out for between Ravenglass and Dalegarth, turning the journey into a bit of a treasure hunt.
One of the first landmarks you’ll see is Muncaster Water Mill. Soon after that, the train starts the climb through Mill Wood, and if you’ve got little train enthusiasts with you, listen out for the locomotive working harder as the gradient increases. It’s one of those small details that really adds to the experience. There are also a couple of passing loops where the railway changes from single to double track. If you’re lucky, another train will pass in the opposite direction, and it’s lovely watching the children excitedly wave at the passengers on board.
The journey takes around 40 minutes from start to finish. While older children might be more interested in the destination than the ride itself, it’s the perfect length for younger children – long enough to feel like a real adventure, but not so long as to get restless.
Things to Do Around Dalegarth for Boot
The beautiful setting around Dalegarth is one of the biggest reasons to make a full day of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. Rather than jumping straight back on the return train, it’s well worth taking a little time to explore what’s on offer at this end of the line.
1. Watch the Engine Turn Around
Before leaving the station, don’t miss the chance to watch the locomotive being turned around on the turntable. It only takes a few minutes, but it’s fascinating to watch, especially for younger train lovers. Visitors can also see the staff topping up the water, oiling the engine and giving it a quick polish before it begins the journey back to Ravenglass.
There’s also a café and gift shop at the station, perfect for picking up a drink, snack or even an ice cream before heading off. It’s also a good opportunity to make use of the toilets before exploring the area.
There’s a playground next to the station, and the nearby river is easily accessible for paddling, with plenty of picnic benches nearby too.
2. Eskdale Mill
Just a 10-minute walk from the station is the pretty village of Boot, home to a couple of cosy inns and Eskdale Mill, a restored watermill packed with interactive exhibits and well worth a visit.
Adults pay £7 to enter, while children go free. Younger visitors are given a booklet and crayon to complete a rubbing trail as they make their way around the museum, and there are plenty of hands-on activities too. From grinding grain to setting the waterwheel in motion, there’s lots to keep little ones entertained.
3. St Catherine’s Church
Around a 10-minute walk from the station, near St Catherine’s Church, you’ll find a lovely spot along the banks of the River Esk that’s perfect for paddling. The stepping stones across the river are always a hit with kids.
The Lake District Kids verdict
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is much more than just a train ride, it’s a full day out. While the ticket price might seem a little steep if judged on the 40-minute journey alone, it’s everything else that comes with it that makes it feel like great value.
From exploring Ravenglass before boarding to discovering all that Dalegarth and Boot have to offer, there’s plenty to fill a day. Add in the beautifully maintained locomotives, the stunning scenery and the enthusiastic staff, whose passion for the railway is clear to see, and it’s easy to understand why so many families return again and again.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on the railway’s calendar of special events. Seasonal favourites, including the Santa Express, offer another great reason to visit and make every trip feel a little different.
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