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 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 scenic boat rides and lakeside strolls.
You can explore the region at your own leisure, or join optional excursions to the heritage railways of the Lake District, some of the area’s attractions such as Hilltop Farm (Beatrix Potter’s House), Brantwood House (former home of John Ruskin) or Blackwell Arts & Crafts House. Lake cruises by steam yacht or pleasure cruise are available as part of some excursions. Full details are available through the Reservations Team.
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.
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 diesel-hauled 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. The land of Beatrix Potter, the Swallows and Amazons and Wordsworth, this region is sure to ignite the imagination. 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.
Organised excursions on Wednesday 10 September will include a trip on the Steam Yacht Gondola across Coniston Water and a visit to Brantwood House, a visit to Blackwell Arts and Crafts House and Windermere Jetty Museum and a guided walk around Lake Windermere.
Organised excursions on Thursday 11 September will include a day out to two of the Lake District’s Railways – the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway and the narrow gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, a visit to Hill Top Farm (the home of Beatrix Potter) and the village of Hawkshead.
Our homeward journey features some of the most captivating coastal landscapes in the UK by steam. After breakfast in our hotels, a morning coach transfer will take us to Barrow-in-Furness to meet the train.
Reminisce on your stay in the Lakes as a rich tapestry of shining sandbanks, salt marshes, beaches, and low cliffs unfolds outside your window. In the distance the Lakeland fells complete the picture. 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.
From here, a diesel or electric locomotive joins us for an express run south to London Victoria, arriving just after rush hour.
Leaving the hotel around 09.00, we will be transferred by road coach to the Steam Yacht Gondola for a 10.45 departure. The Gondola will transport you across Coniston Water to Brantwood House arriving at approximately 11.30. Experience the true majesty of Coniston Water, sailing the entire length of the lake whilst soaking up the unique atmosphere of Steam Yacht Gondola reserved for our exclusive use. On the way, you’ll hear about Coniston’s famous connections from the crew. Their commentary will bring to life the history of this lake with tales about Donald Campbell and his pursuit of the world water speed record, Arthur Ransome and Swallows and Amazons and the colourful history of Gondola and how she was rescued from a watery grave on the lake bed.
The cruise lasts approximately 45 minutes, after which you will be able to visit Brantwood House, former home of John Ruskin. The house is filled with Ruskin’s treasures: paintings, furniture, objets d’art and his personal memorabilia. In addition to visiting this historical house, you can take a stroll around Brantwood’s unique and beautiful gardens. There is also a small café serving tea and coffee and light lunches. We will have around 2 hours here.
Afterwards there will also be an opportunity for passengers to visit nearby Coniston. Our coach will pick us up from Brantwood and take us on the short journey to Coniston where we will have 1½ hours to soak up the atmosphere of this pretty village before returning to our Steam Dreams hotels arriving back at around 16.45.
Leaving our hotels around 09.45, we will travel by road coach to Blackwell House, arriving at approximately 10.45. Blackwell House was designed in the Arts and Crafts style by Baillie Scott, is Grade 1 listed, and is an outstanding example of British domestic architecture. It has survived with almost all its original furniture and objects in tact, and contains some stunning pieces by many of the leading Arts and Crafts designers and studios. The gardens, rich with fragrant flower borders, have been laid out in a series of terraces to achieve the best views from the house over Lake Windermere towards the Coniston fells. You will enjoy an introductory talk about Blackwell and then have around 1½ hours to explore the house and gardens at leisure.
We will then travel by road coach (about 10 minutes) to the nearby Windermere Jetty Museum where you can have lunch in their café and explore the Museum. Their lakeshore café and outdoor terrace is the place to stop for a bite to eat when you are in the Lake District. With extraordinary views across the water and towards the Coniston fells, the café serves delicious seasonal dishes using the best local ingredients.
Around the Museum you can get up close to motorboats, steam launches, sailing yachts and record-breaking speed boats and hear their stories in their amazing interactive galleries, built right over the water. Their collection includes boats such as Beatrix Potter’s rowing boat, and Swallow and Amazon.
Your ticket entitles you to entry to both venues.
We will return to our hotels by road coach at about 15.30.
Meeting by The Macdonald Old England Hotel in Bowness guests will have the opportunity to join a guided two hour walk around Lake Windermere leaving at around 11.00. (Please note guests will need to make their own way to and from The Macdonald Old England in Bowness to join this excursion which will finish at approximately 13.30.)
The walk will allow you to enjoy the beautiful countryside and scenery, taking in the breath-taking views. You will be guided by expert local instructors who will assist you along the way, pointing out areas of interest, nature, flora and fauna, scenic views and teach you a few things about the area.
The route taken will be dependent on participants and weather. However the aim is to do a circular lower level walk incorporating Brant Fell and School Knott. The walks vary in distance but are approximately 4-6 miles in total for each walk and will take approximately 2 hours.
You may choose to take the opportunity to visit two private lines in one day! Leaving the hotel at around 07.45 we travel first to Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway for a trip up and back along the stunning 7½ mile line which lays claim to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in England. Our coach will then take us to the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway for the one way 3½ mile journey through lovely scenery before returning to Lakeside.
From here we will round off our day with some stunning views from the water of Lake Windermere, on a pleasure cruise to Bowness.
We should return to our hotels by approximately 16.45.
Leaving the hotel at around 10.00 the road coach will take us to Hill Top Farm, the much loved home of Beatrix Potter. This delightful, small farmhouse and pretty cottage garden gives a real re-creation of her life and is a time capsule with every room containing a picture from her ‘tales’. We will also visit the small village of Hawkshead which has shops, a Café and a gallery before returning.
We arrive back to our Steam Dreams hotels at around 15.00.
(National Trust members pay a reduced price of £28.00 per person and will be required to bring a valid membership card on the day.)
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 |
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.
