Journey by Steam to The Lakes in 2022

Tuesday 27 September – Friday 30 September 2022

As the heat of summer gives way to balmier days, join us on this spectacular trip to Cumbria where you can spend three nights in the glorious Lake District. We have booked some fabulous hotels with lake-view rooms on the shores of Lake Windermere where you’ll have time to relax and enjoy everything this National Park has to offer, from boat trips to heritage railways and historic houses and gardens.

Read on for details of the full itinerary and fill in the form below to receive an email quote for your holiday.

Fares from £299

Day 1 – London to The Lake District via the Settle & Carlisle Railway

We head out from London Victoria, steam hauled by Bulleid Light Pacific locomotive 34046 Braunton, immersing ourselves in glorious countryside views as we travel through the Midlands, making our way along the former West Coast Main Line towards the North of England. From Crewe, it is expected that 70000 Britannia will replace Braunton for our journey along one of the most famous routes in the world – The Settle and Carlisle Railway, which twists and turns as it climbs up through the Eden Valley before ascending to the highest point on England’ s railways. With its beautiful scenery and impressive architecture, including the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, this stunning line never disappoints. Depending on our route to the north, this journey may take place as the sun sets and an evening meal is served to our dining passengers.

Our outward journey is planned to finish at Oxenholme, a short 30 minute coach transfer to hotels.

Days 2 and 3 – At leisure in The Lakes

After a leisurely breakfast in the hotel, passengers will have the choice of relaxing and enjoying the facilities their hotel has to offer or wandering further afield to explore this stunning region. For lovers of the outdoors, there are many ways to explore the National Park, with fabulous walks, scenic cycle routes, and sailing and canoeing facilities.

There’s much more to see too, with beautiful gardens, pretty villages and fantastic local produce from Kendal mint cakes and award winning cheeses to micro-breweries and Cumberland sausages.

Alternatively, join us on one of our organised excursions which includes days out to two of the Lake District’s Railways – the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway and the narrow gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, and visits to some of the wealth of attractions in the Lake District such as a Lake Cruise on Coniston Water, Hilltop Farm (Beatrix Potter’s House), Blackwell Arts & Crafts House, or Brantwood House.

Day 4 – The Lake District to London

After breakfast, passengers will join our train at the famous station at Carnforth, the filming location of Brief Encounter. Our return journey is scheduled start off diesel-hauled before we make a stop along the way at one of the UK’s finest Cathedral Cities, Chester. The city’s Tudor heart is justifiably famous as one of Britain’s prettiest town centres. This collection of black-and-white timber-framed beauties and red-sandstone buildings surrounded by an original set of Roman-era walls is one of the northwest’s biggest tourist attractions.

From Chester, we expect to be steam-hauled by Bulleid Light Pacific locomotive 34046 Braunton all the way back to London Victoria.

Hotels

Pullman Style Dining passengers will stay at The Macdonald Old England Resort in Bowness-on-Windermere. Pullman Style Dining passengers will be allocated lake-view rooms.

Premier Dining passengers will stay at either one of the characterful 4 star Lakes Country Hotels (including Cragwood House and Merewood Hotel) which are a short taxi or water taxi journey from Bowness-on-Windermere. This option is currently sold out.

Premium Standard passengers will stay at a 3 or 4 star hotel near Lake Windermere.

All passengers who decide to book hotel accommodation with Steam Dreams will enjoy the added extra of a dedicated representative at the hotel, transfers between the train or excursions and the hotel and luggage porterage to the hotel. Hotel accommodation is booked on a bed and breakfast basis for all passengers.

Carriages

On this trip, we expect to use the lovingly-refurbished Saphos carriages, which have been painstakingly restored carriages transport you back to a bygone era. All carriages have comfortable, cushioned seats positioned around tables, with plenty of room to stretch out. Meticulous period details include wood panels and lamps in Pullman Dining, original windows, and of course, that stunning livery.

For more information, or to book, please call the Booking Office on 01483 209888 or fill in the form below to receive a holiday quote and more information about the trip.