Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway keeps steam alive at the foot of Windermere

There are few better ways to arrive at Windermere than behind a steam engine. The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway has been offering exactly that for more than half a century, carrying passengers along the Leven valley to the southern tip of the lake.

The railway follows part of an older branch line to the lake, and a group of enthusiasts set out to save what they could of it. Under chairman Austin Maher, the truncated line reopened as a heritage railway on 2 May 1973, and the railway still gives 1973 as the year it was established.

Today the line runs for three and a half miles, or around 5.6 kilometres, between Haverthwaite and Lakeside. It is a short journey by modern standards, but one that packs in woodland, river views and the gentle drama of a steam locomotive working its way along the valley.

Among the engines associated with the line is LMS Ivatt Class 2 number 46441, frequently photographed hauling trains along the route. In 2024 the railway press reported a reunion between 46441 and the locomotive Leander, a treat for enthusiasts.

The railway's 2025 steam season ran from spring into early November, according to its own website. It also hosted a diesel gala in 2025, an event recorded for a film release which noted that galas are not a regular part of the railway's calendar, making it a special occasion for visiting fans.

Part of the appeal is how neatly the railway fits into a wider day out. Lakeside is also a calling point for Windermere's lake cruises, so it is easy to arrive by train and continue by boat, or the other way round, linking the valley with the lake.

For families in particular, a ride is a chance to experience the sound, steam and smell of a working railway up close, in a landscape that suits it perfectly.

Season dates, timetables and any special events are published on the railway's website, and it is worth checking there before travelling, as services run on set days through the season.