As the summer heat mellows into gentle warmth, embark on an extraordinary journey to the Lake District.
Marvel at the impressive architecture, dramatic mountain landscapes and rugged coastal views of Cumbria, all in the comfort and luxury of a bygone era on board our vintage train.
You’ll have three enchanting nights and two full days to spend in the breathtaking Lake District, to luxuriate in the surroundings of our hand-picked hotels or explore the natural beauty of the region by boat, coach, on foot, or (naturally!) by train.
From tranquil boat excursions to charming heritage railways, and venerable historic estates to lush, vibrant gardens, there’s an abundance of experiences eagerly awaiting your discovery.
As the UK’s most beloved national park, the Lake District captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes of rugged hilltops, serene mountain tarns, and sparkling lakes.
This enchanting region has inspired imaginations for centuries. A rich blend of lakes, mountains, and countryside beckons you to explore, while the charming towns and villages are full of local character.
Your holiday will revolve around Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England. Encircled by gentle hills, it provides a peaceful retreat perfect for water activities, leisurely boat rides, and lakeside strolls.
We have secured an exquisite selection of hotels with some offering beguiling views of Lake Windermere. Choose from hotels in the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere or charming Country Houses with tranquil grounds.
Pullman Dining passengers will stay at in lake-view or partial lake view rooms at the Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa, just a short walk from the bustling town of Bowness-on-Windermere on the shores of the Lake. Facilities include a private jetty, one of the Lake District’s most popular spas and the Lakeview Restaurant. Those looking for more seclusion have the option to a stay at the Grade II listed Storrs Hall (supplement applies), shortlisted for the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2023. This impressive hotel boasts 17 acres of private grounds.
First Class Passengers will stay at either the characterful Cragwood Country House Hotel overlooking Lake Windermere with acres of landscaped gardens, at the Ro Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere in lake view rooms, or the award-winning Lindeth Fell Country House Hotel set in an elegant Edwardian house with far-reaching views of Lake Windermere.
Premium Standard Passengers will stay at the Ro Hotel, a contemporary hotel which sits in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere.
Our journey begins at London Victoria as your liveried steward welcomes you aboard. We set out, diesel or electric hauled, for an express run up the West Coast Mainline to Crewe, where we will be joined by our steam locomotive, 60532 Blue Peter, for the onward journey along the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway and the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct.
Sit back and relax in the jovial atmosphere as Blue Peter carves its way through the Eden Valley before ascending to the highest point on England’s railways. This stunning 73-mile route crosses the remote scenic regions of the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines with their far-reaching views and undulating countryside. Depending on our route to the north, this journey may take place as the sun sets and an evening meal is served to dining passengers.
After a short stop in Carlisle, our outward journey continues to Oxenholme for a 30-minute coach transfer to hotels.
You have two full days to unwind and relish in all the wonders that this National Park has to offer. From tranquil boat excursions to charming heritage railways, and venerable historic estates to lush, vibrant gardens, there’s an abundance of experiences awaiting your discovery.
For lovers of the outdoors, there are many ways to explore the National Park, with fabulous walks, scenic cycle routes, as well as sailing and canoeing facilities.
Alternatively, you can join us on an organised excursion, which are likely to include a day out to two of the Lake District’s Railways – the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway and the narrow gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. You’ll also have the option to visit some of the wealth of attractions in the Lake District such as a Lake Cruise, Beatrix Potter’s House, Holker Hall, Wordsworth House or Brantwood House. Excursions will be confirmed in Spring 2025.
Our homeward journey features some of the most captivating coastal landscapes in the UK, as we traverse the Cumbrian Coast Line and Furness Line by steam. A morning coach transfer will take us to the coast at Workington to board the train after an early breakfast.
Reminisce on your stay in the Lakes as a rich tapestry of rural countryside, stirring seascapes, rocky cliffs and shining sandbanks unfolds outside your window. Continuing inland, we reach Chester, where you will have time to explore the handsome Tudor-and-Victorian city centre. Its collection of black-and-white timber-framed buildings and red-sandstone architecture surrounded by an original set of Roman-era walls is one of Britain’s prettiest town centres.
At Crewe we wave goodbye to our steam locomotive and continue south to London Victoria with a vintage diesel or electric locomotive, arriving just after rush hour.
A sumptuous culinary experience aboard lovingly restored vintage carriages, adorned with polished brass and fine woodwork.
A multi-course seasonal menu will be served on days 1 and 4, accompanied by a half a bottle of wine per person with a cheese course and petit fours (when time allows).
An evening meal in the hotel on days 2 and 3
3 nights’ hotel accommodation in The Macdonald Old England Hotel or Storrs Hall (upgrade supplement applies for Storrs Hall).
First Class offers guests an unparalleled journey into the past aboard elegantly restored carriages with comfortable and spacious seating around tables of two and four.
A sanctuary for those seeking a refined and leisurely journey without on-board dining, First Class guests are greeted with Bucks Fizz and freshly brewed coffee and tea. Guests have the option to add an Afternoon Tea to their booking (supplement applies), visit the Buffet Car for additional drinks or snacks, or bring their own picnic on board.
An evening meal is included in the hotel on days 2 and 3
3 nights’ hotel accommodation in The Cragwood Country House or The Ro Hotel.
Premium Standard offers a nostalgic and authentic journey onboard a beautifully restored carriage that embodies the charm of a bygone era, with its classic decor and comfortable seating around tables for four.
Complimentary tea and coffee is served during the journey, with additional drinks or snacks available to purchase from the Buffet Car. Guests also have the option to bring their own picnic on board.
3 nights’ hotel accommodation at The Ro Hotel.
The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey
| STATION | DEPARTS | RETURNS |
| London Victoria | 08.30 | 20.30 |
| Workington | 09.30 | N/A |
The following destination stations are available on this journey
| STATION | ARRIVES | DEPARTS |
| Oxenholme | 20.30 |
PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
No. 60532 “Blue Peter”, the last remaining L.N.E.R. Class A2 Pacific, was designed by Arthur H. Peppercorn. She was one of fifteen locomotives in her class, entering service in 1948 just weeks after the amalgamation of the Big Four railway companies into the newly nationalised British Railways.
One of the most powerful express locomotives ever built in the UK, “Blue Peter” was named after the winner of the 1939 Derby race. She was initially based at York, hauling express passenger services on the East Coast Main Line before being transferred to Aberdeen in 1950. In 1951, “Blue Peter” achieved 100 mph (161 km/h) during a trial run between Stonehaven and Montrose with the Aberdonian. It was finally withdrawn in 1966.
In 1998, 60532 ran an Edinburgh to London excursion to mark the 40th anniversary of the Blue Peter TV programme. In 2014, “Blue Peter” was purchased by Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust, where it received an extensive eight-year overhaul, and returned to passenger service in Autumn 2024.
Whilst this locomotive is rostered for the steam hauled sections of the trip listed, it cannot be guaranteed and may be substituted for a different engine.
