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 worth taking.

Visited with my wife & dogs whilst on holiday. We arrived a short time before departure but found ticket purchasing & car park validation simple. The car park machine was out of order but were able to purchase a conventional paper ticket as part of our excursion. The train was busy with a couple coach loads of tourists & privately booked carriages but we found no issues taking a seat. The ride itself to the Lakeland terminus is relatively short but enjoyable all the same. We had a complimentary sailing voucher from our hotel so boarding "Teal" from the train station was a breeze.

Haverthwaite Station & Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway – A Delightful Journey Back in Time! Haverthwaite Station and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway offer an unforgettable nostalgic experience that takes you straight back to the golden age of steam travel. Nestled in the scenic beauty of the Lake District, this charming heritage railway is beautifully preserved and perfect for families, couples, and anyone who appreciates history, nature, or the magic of old-fashioned trains. The station itself is like stepping into a storybook — with its vintage décor, friendly staff in period uniforms, and the gentle chuffing sound of the steam engines filling the air. The short train ride from Haverthwaite to Lakeside is absolutely scenic, passing through lush green valleys, woodlands, and picturesque countryside. The rhythmic motion of the steam train and the whistle echoing through the hills make the journey feel timeless and peaceful. At Haverthwaite Station, there’s a lovely café serving fresh snacks, local food, and traditional cream teas — perfect for relaxing before or after your trip. The small museum and gift shop are also worth visiting, with fascinating displays about railway history and some wonderful souvenirs. The connection at Lakeside to the Windermere Lake Cruises makes it even more special — you can seamlessly continue your journey by boat and explore the stunning Lake District waters. Overall, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway is more than just a train ride — it’s an experience filled with charm, nostalgia, and natural beauty. A must-do attraction for anyone visiting the Lake District, especially if you love steam engines and classic countryside adventures! 🚂🌿✨

This is a charming little station that’s perfect for a quick and scenic trip to the lakeside. The surroundings are peaceful and well-kept, making it a pleasant place to begin or end your journey. Though the station itself is quite small, it has everything you need for a short stop — clear signage, easy access, and a relaxed atmosphere. Parking is available and reasonably priced at just £3 for the whole day, which is great value. However, it's important to note that the parking gate closes after the last train of the day — so be sure to check the timetable and plan accordingly to avoid getting locked in.

Went on a grey day, around the time of a storm. Last service was cancelled as were the ferry rides... so that was disappointing but understandable. The train is nice and the trip on it was relaxing... try to sit on the right hand side when facing the direction of travel out as that provides the best views. Car park with ample parking.. card payments aren't avaliable on the machine but you can get parking permits from the shop or ticket office. Toilets and cafe on site. Car park closes promptly after the last train returns so be mindful of that if you're planning to take a walk or leave the car there for any reason. Worth a trip in my opinion, especially if you have family who are into steam trains.

Haverthwaite Railway Station is such a lovely place to visit. There is a large car park which makes it really easy to stop off, and the staff are super friendly and always happy to chat. It feels like stepping back in time as soon as you arrive, with the old engines, carriages and the sound of the steam trains adding to the atmosphere. There is a great café serving drinks, cakes and snacks, and a small play park that keeps the children happy while you sit and take in the surroundings. The engine shed is free to explore and well worth a look if you enjoy seeing the trains up close. It is a brilliant day out for families and train enthusiasts, and we would definitely recommend a visit here if you are exploring the Lake District.

Very friendly staff Cafe is full of home baking . My wife said the broth is the best she has tasted. The ginger and coconut cake was brilliant as was the latte. The trains and carriages were nice and clean. The train staff were full of local knowledge information and also helpful. Hope to be back next year

Had a sausage and egg bun with a portion of chips. Very nice but the buns were a bit thin. All the tables need a really good scrub as they were sticky.

You've got to give this place a try. Run by lovely people, and the best tuna melt ever. Reasonable price too, and lots of steam engines and related paraphernalia

Amazing little tea room with a lovely atmosphere. Dog friendly. Best hot chocolate we have had in ages. Good scone with jam and cream and marsbar crispy cake was wicked.

Nice ambience to have a cup of tea from the benches outside the tea room in the platform. There are places to sit inside as well, but it’s a better option to sit outside and enjoy the views and get a feel of old railway station

Excellent hearty cooked breakfast served with an excellent coffee. Cafe is immaculate inside and I appreciated the log fire and also that the staff let me in ahead of opening time on a chilly morning. All staff were very friendly and I’d happily return.

I'd be very weary of coming in here if you are Asian or Oriental. I think some of the staff members (one man cleaning tables in particular) have tourist fatigue. My family came in to spend an hour before the next train and my 11 year old autistic son went to ask for directions to the toilets. He misunderstood the instructions and ended up near the kitchen and my older son went to redirect him to the right place. The response from the male waiter to me was a raised voice "I TOLD him, it was out the way on the left". That was completely uncalled for. As we stood to leave, both my sons went to clear up the table and place all the rubbish in the bin but the same male waiter (despite doing his job for him) kept muttering under his breath "for gods sake" and practically shoved the children out the way to get to the table. It was clear to me that his exasperation and impatient didnt extend to the white children who were playing by the counter because he was all smiles and even joined in their game. I get that this place gets extremely busy with tourists and some may come across rude but racism and bigotry is completely uncalled for. It was a shame as the food was fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed the quirkiness of the place. Just very uncomfortable stay because of one member of staff.

Excellent opportunity to be nostalgic love that there are still many people offering their time to keep some of our history alive 👍

Nice play park for the kids, with picnic area and very helpful staff

Great experience of steam train with fabulous view. Easy parking at the Haverthwaite station. For parking, it costs £2.5 and coins only but you can also buy from gift shop. You can buy a coffee to enjoy on the train.

Steam Engine and Haverthwaite Station both very well maintained, really beautiful and excites my children the most. However, The train journey found very ordinary and average, especially after you have already witnessed some breathtaking sceneries during driving around Lake District. Our expectations from the train journey was the same or even more but it wasn’t.

Good place for kids to enjoy.

Love it ❤ amazing value ... link with the boat trip to Bowness too for a good trip out

Very nice we enjoy in train

The train journey is great fun

Lakeland Motor Museum – A Timeless Journey Through Motoring History! The Lakeland Motor Museum is an absolute delight for anyone with even the slightest interest in cars, bikes, or the history of transportation. Nestled in a picturesque riverside setting in the Lake District, this museum offers far more than just a collection of old vehicles — it tells the story of human creativity, engineering progress, and the evolution of travel. From elegant vintage cars to quirky micro vehicles and shining motorcycles, every exhibit is thoughtfully displayed with detailed information and a touch of nostalgia. One of the museum’s biggest highlights is the Bluebird Exhibition, which celebrates the legendary speed record attempts by Sir Malcolm Campbell and his son Donald Campbell. Seeing the replicas and learning about their daring journeys adds an inspiring historical dimension that leaves you in awe. There’s also an interesting display of bicycles, pedal cars, and transport memorabilia that bring back the charm of a bygone era. The staff are incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do, making the visit even more engaging. The on-site café by the river offers great food and a relaxing spot to unwind, and the gift shop has lovely souvenirs for all ages. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a history lover, or simply someone who enjoys exploring unique places, the Lakeland Motor Museum is a must-visit destination. It’s educational, nostalgic, and full of charm — a perfect mix of mechanical beauty and storytelling that captures the true spirit of motoring through time. 🚗🏍️🏁

Wonderful exhibition, so many cars and memorabilia. The museum is situated in an old warehouse that made Blue powder for the washing of whites. The Campbell exhibition was very well set up too. A great place to visit for car enthusiasts and non car enthusiasts. There is a Cafe on site that is reasonably priced with nice food, freshly cooked on site.

Visited with my wife following a day of trains & boats on Lake Windermere. I didn't plan far enough ahead but was happy to pay full admission for this. A fantastic exhibition of vehicles, parts, tools & automobilia. The vehicles are in stunning period condition and are a credit to their former owners. Motor cars having their own A4 crib sheet on model history and quirks of the vehicle stood in front of you. Cars, bicycles & motorcycles get a fair shake at their own space including an upstairs bike exhibition. Archival Pathé News reels, advertisements, metal garage signs & packaging from the ages really flesh out the history of the museum. A short walk away on the same site is a tribute to The Campbells & their recording breaking Bluebird Machines. Although full size replicas it goes a long way to help you imagine the grit & determination of those visionary men. Certainly the museum is a worthwhile visit if you have a few days up in the Lake District.

Great little museum, with something different. Welcoming and a nice cafe and gifts. Personally I found ypu where alot closer to the exhibits than other museums, and it was nice to be able to lean into the cars etc. Not to busy so good for photos. Bonus find as it has the Campbell land speed exhibit. Would recommend. Price was fine good parking, nice way to spend an afternoon

Would recommend for all ages. Our car and bike mad toddler loved it. So many to look at and some great nostalgia aswell with the toy cars from childhood. Would definitely recommend a visit. Great bluebird exhibit aswell.

A Brilliant Family Day Out at Lakeland Motor Museum (Visited Early 2025) We visited Lakeland Motor Museum earlier this year as a family — and this review’s long overdue. We’ve eaten nearby and driven past the signs plenty of times, but only recently stopped in properly. Until now we hadn’t really used reviews, so we’re catching up where it counts. A Nostalgic Treasure Trove Housed in the old Reckitt’s Blue Dye Works in Backbarrow, the museum is packed with an incredible mix of vehicles, memorabilia, signs, tools, and themed scenes. There are beautifully restored classic cars, motorbikes, bicycles, mopeds, and displays recreating old workshops and garages with period mannequins and signage. Everything’s laid out with care and clear passion. It isn’t just a hall of cars — it’s a full immersion into the culture of motoring, engineering, and British road history. Donald Campbell & the Spirit of Speed One of the most powerful parts of the visit was the Campbell Bluebird exhibition in the separate riverside building. It showcases the incredible history of Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell, their record-breaking achievements, and Donald’s final attempt at Coniston. There’s a full-size replica of the Bluebird CN7 and an in-depth look at the K7 hydroplane — along with an original AC Aceca that Donald owned. It’s respectfully done, atmospheric, and hard not to be moved by. Even without prior knowledge, you come away feeling the weight and ambition of what they tried to do. Smooth, Well-Paced Experience Entry price: Reasonable for what’s on offer — especially when you take your time with it. Parking: Easy, right outside. Café: Café Ambio next door is a handy extra, especially if the weather holds and you can sit outside by the river. Accessibility: Well thought out throughout the site, with clear access and lifts where needed. Why It Works So Well Not overwhelming, but thorough. Great layout — the flow works and keeps you engaged. Clearly maintained with pride and enthusiasm by people who know their subject. Plenty to see without feeling cluttered or repetitive. Final Thoughts For us, this was one of the most rewarding museum visits in recent memory. It strikes the right tone — detailed and knowledgeable without being dry. Whether you’re into cars or not, it’s hard not to be drawn in by the sheer scope and atmosphere of the place. We’ll be back again without hesitation — and we’re happy to finally be adding our voice to its growing list of well-earned 5-star reviews.

Visited a few times before but this time was on my motorcycle tour and thought it was definitely worth a revisit. If you like cars and motorcycles and their history or the history of the Campbell’s journeys to world speed records then this is a must. I think good value for money too. Cafe serves food and nice coffee too. Having laugh with their price of small bottled water though!!!!

High quality food, really friendly staff and top quality service. We went for drinks initially but we have changed our mind when we have checked the menu, we have chosen the "Romanian shish kebab " dish which came with fries, mushrooms and salad together with the mustard, everything was tasty and freshly cooked, good quality and nice atmosphere. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to try something different but tasty. 😇

Evening meal on a Thursday night. Food and service was great. Good selection of drinks. Staff helpful and cheerful. Big portions of home cooked food. Reasonable prices.

I had an exceptional dining experience at this restaurant! The food was great and delicious. Everything tasted like a culinary masterpiece! The owners were friendly, providing top-notch service and making us feel right at home, while the atmosphere was wonderful, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance that complemented the meal perfectly. Definitely will come again!

Excellent service and great quality food. The staff were amazing both from the time we walked in, orders taken and the food arrived. Amazing Team... and great value and very generous portions

Great vibes, good times, wonderful food & beer choices.

Great welcome. Sunday lunch was amazing and a reasonable price fir quantity and quality of meal. Very friendly staff and a great atmosphere in pub. Seems to jeep a good cellar. Drinks a little pricey but that is the norm in the lakes.

We were a group of seven adults for lunch. We all had a main meal and a few of us had a sweet too. The food was very good and was nicely presented. The service was attentive and we didn't have to wait long for the food which came piping hot, the portions were a good size without being overwhelming. We would definitely eat here again.

Quicker walk through than expected and didn't seem to give a possibility to walk through again. Lovely little shop at the end. It would have been nicer to have more interactive sessions like with the starfish area could involve a hands on session throughout the day or a feeding view in the big fish area

We weren’t sure what to expect from Lakes Aquarium, but it turned out to be a really enjoyable visit. It’s not huge, but there’s loads packed into the space — otters, rays, frogs, fish from around the world, and a cool underwater tunnel with local species like pike and perch. The otters were a highlight, especially at feeding time. The tanks are well kept, and everything feels clean and well looked after. There’s a nice flow to the place and plenty of signs with interesting facts. It’s perfect for families — kids loved it, but we found ourselves enjoying it just as much. Good value for money, and you can pair it with the steam train or a boat ride nearby to make a full day of it. Staff were friendly, the gift shop had some fun stuff (not too overpriced), and overall it made for a really lovely stop. Would definitely recommend if you're in the area and looking for something fun and educational that doesn’t take up the whole day.

Was pleasantly surprised when visiting, it was a bit bigger than I expected given the reasonable price! Lots to see, the whole family really enjoyed it. Took just under an hour from start to finish. The location is beautiful right on the lake. Small car park at the front and a larger one to the back so parking was fine. Would recommend if your visiting the area with children. We bought tickets in advance.

We had a fantastic time at the aquarium! The exhibits were beautifully designed and full of fascinating marine life, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks and graceful stingrays. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions, making it both fun and educational. Highlights included the interactive touch pools and the underwater tunnel — a truly immersive experience. A great day out for all ages — highly recommended!

Surprisingly good. It is larger than I expected making use of multiple floors inside the building. The Otters, for me, are the stars! They are great to see. My youngest son was entertained looking at all the fish and animals, and my eldest also liked the fish but was kept entertained by trying to answer the quiz sheet handed to him. Great value for money.

Went the aquarium last weekend and it was better than expected. Plenty to see and do. No queue. Many more animals than a standard aquarium and the bridge over the water as well as the tunnel under it were my favourite part. Very reasonably priced too.

Decent to visit but a bit small. The underwater tunnel is interesting. The surrounding area is nice. This will be a quick visit if you go.

very good experience, would recommend as a family activity. it is dog friendly and it is a real steam train powered with real coal. it was a old but well conditioned train. 10/10

Family ticket was £35 that was a bit of expensive and does not have a good view along the railroad

A magnificent heritage railway in a lovely area. The staff were knowledgeable, polite and very friendly. Well worth a visit.

Great railway experience Marvellous staff looked after us by getting us on board by the hoist so certainly accessible

Nice experience. Looks like Hogwarts train

ABSOLUTELY "THE BEST IN BRITAIN" THE STAFF ARE ALL FANTASTIC,( A FULL SIZE RAILWAY STEAM ENGINE AND CARRIAGES)WHY NOT STEP BACK IN TIME,THE ATMOSPHERE AND NOSTALGIC WAY OF TRAVEL!!! THE WORK TO PRESERVE THIS IS "2ND TO NONE"YOU WILL BE DELIGHTED TO KNOW WHEN YOU PARK YOUR CAR IN THE HAVERTHWAITE STEAM RAILWAY CAR PARK ( AND DON'T FORGET THE STATION CAFE+GIFT SHOP,DISABLED FACILITIES AT THE STEAM RAILWAY ( EVEN A CARRIAGE FOR YOU)WHICH IS BRILLIANT,LINK UP AT LAKESIDE WITH "WINDERMERE LAKE CRUISERS" THE BEST IN BRITAIN" AND THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE NOT TO BE MISSED ONLY IN " THE SOUTH LAKES" WHY NOT MAKE A WEEKEND,MIDWEEK OR WEEK OF IT," THE MOTOR MUSEUM INCLUDING THE BLUEBIRD MUSEUM INCLUDED IN PRICE!!!+ INDOOR AQUARIUM AT LAKESIDE,NOT TO BE MISSED!!!JOE CRABTREE SOUTH LAKES CUMBRIA.

The aquarium was amazing!

Next open on Sunday 16th November 2025. Book online. A wonderful site preserving the industrial heritage of the Lake District. Guides take you on a journey, following the production of bobbins through the mill. They operate lathes just as the workforce did, from the early 1900s to 1971 when the mill closed. On Bank Holidays, you get to see the steam engine in action. This year the steam engine runs on Bank Holidays on the Sunday and the Monday. As of 2025 the mill is only open a few days each month, check the website and book in advance of your visit.

I know what you're thinking. Is it really going to be that interesting, but it genuinely was a fascinating look at an industry from a bygone age. The tour was superb and gave us working demonstrations of the machinery - make sure you time it right so you can go on one, it was about 45 minutes long. Our two boys aged 7 and 10 found it very interesting and it was pitched at such a level that everyone could get something out of it. There was a real love for the Mill shown by the staff and they knew their stuff too. Admittedly, as with most English Heritage sites the entry price can seem a bit steep but you do see where it's going and why it's worth supporting somewhere like this. For members it is free and would be worth signing up if you're going anywhere else run by them.

An absolute gem!! History literally brought to life by the very knowledgeable staff and through the engaging demonstrations. So important to ensure this is protected for future generations. Well worth the very reasonable admission price.

Very interesting visit, really nice to see in operation (the steam days when they actually use the steam machine might be great!). The staff and guide were friendly, extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Even our dog loved all the staff ☺️ Highly recommend.

Excellent place of historical interest. The tour is very hands on and you see a bobbin being shaped using the original belt driven machinery. There is much to explore in the grounds of the mill with plenty of parking and good access whether on foot or wheel.

Not busy when we went, we had a guided tour. The machinery was fascinating and good to see still capable of doing the job. As a woodturner I found it extremely interesting. Must have been hell for the workers doing 12 hours a day. Several seemed have great longevity through life as well as doing the job.

The last surviving bobbin Mill in Cumbria if not in England and it still works. The factory is powered by an electric motor except on Bank Holidays then the steam power is brought into play. A fascinating place really well worth the visit. There are 2 small car parks next to the Mill and a much larger carpar a short distance alone the lane. There's also a nice walk to the High Dam, a very scenic spot where you can walk around the lake and/or go swimming.

We visited Fell Foot last weekend with the kids and had a lovely time. The park is beautifully maintained with stunning views of Lake Windermere, perfect for a relaxing family day out. The kids enjoyed running around and we had a small picnic by the water, which made for a peaceful afternoon. There are good facilities, and it’s a great spot for both play and relaxation. The only downside was the parking — quite expensive for just a few hours, which was a bit of a letdown. Still, overall a great place to spend time with family and enjoy nature.

Arrived late afternoon, in early October & the Saturday crowds had gone home. No issues finding a spot in the car park at all. The machines use the Just Park app so paying for parking was easy @ £6 for 2 hours a little on the expensive side but worth it. Walked down to the lake edge & it was just perfect. Found a bench by one of the slip ways & changed for my swim. Water was 14°C, clear as a bell & there was hardly anyone around, other than another swimmer & a couple of SUP users. Stayed in for about 25 mins & changed on the side. Although it was quite late once I had got changed the loo’s by the cafe were still open which was handy. Beautiful autumnal colours & an amazing golden hour.

Fell Foot is a fantastic spot on Windermere, especially for National Trust members (free parking!). Beautiful setting with loads of green space to set up for the day. You can launch your paddleboard for free, and if you pay for the activity hub, you get access to changing rooms and showers — really handy after being on the water. There are free toilets on-site and plenty of space, though it can get very busy, especially on sunny days. Also worth noting there’s a friendly Parkrun every Saturday at 9:00am. Great place for a full day out with family or friends!

Nice walk, wasn’t much there - entry cost was parking only the parking fee unless a national trust member. Parking was tight but they have 2 parking areas. Views across the water were stunning.

A lovely park beside the lake 🌊—a perfect spot for a day out! Plenty of options for water sports and fun-filled activities for children. Paid parking is available, and there are cafes on-site to grab a bite.

Beautiful National Trust park with lovely views across the lake. Recommend coming here on Saturday morning for the parkrun and then going for brunch in the café afterwards. This venue also has a stamp for any National Trust passport holders

Highly recommend this very beautiful amazing stop and park. We loved this park we visited a number of times. Really highly recommend such a beautiful place. It was very busy everyday though