Present-Day Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
The railway operates heritage steam and diesel services, allowing visitors to enjoy a nostalgic journey through the Lake District’s lush countryside. Lakeside Station connects with Windermere Lake Cruises, offering combined rail and boat trips. The railway is home to a collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock, and it hosts special events, including themed train rides and family activities.
Preservation and Reopening
In 1970, a group of enthusiasts formed the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway Company to preserve and operate the southernmost section of the branch line. The railway reopened as a heritage line in 1973, offering scenic rides through the Leven Valley.
History of the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
The railway was originally part of the Furness Railway, opened in 1869 to connect Ulverston and Barrow-in-Furness with Windermere. The line was built to serve industries such as ironworks and gunpowder mills, as well as to cater to the growing number of tourists visiting the Lake District. It carried both freight and passengers, with Lakeside Station becoming an important interchange for steamer services on Windermere. Following nationalization under British Railways, passenger numbers declined in the mid-20th century due to competition from road transport. Passenger services on the branch line were discontinued in 1965 as part of the Beeching cuts, although freight traffic continued briefly.