This is a wonderful opportunity for those from the Crewe and Manchester areas to travel by steam train on a journey combining the scenic grandeur of the Cumbrian Fells with the exposed Cumbrian coastline that skirts the western edge of the Lake District. We travel from Carnforth steam hauled around the very scenic Cumbrian Coastal line.
Our train leaves Crewe, diesel hauled, at around 07:00 and calls at Wilmslow, Stockport and Manchester Piccadilly to pick up passengers. We join the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and travel north to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers.
We pass through Lancaster and along the edge of Morecambe Bay before arriving at Carnforth. Leaving Carnforth steam hauled, we pass the famous Brief Encounter café before continuing to Arnside, crossing the Kent Viaduct to Grange-over-Sands. Our journey then continues over the Leven Viaduct through Ulverston and Dalton, before travelling via Kirkby-in-Furness and Millom along the spectacular Cumbrian Coast to Ravenglass.
At Ravenglass, we have arranged a private charter on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Alternatively, for those who prefer, there is an optional excursion to visit Muncaster Castle.
After enjoying our time at Ravenglass, we depart steam hauled, chimney first, back to Carnforth where our diesel locomotive will once again take over and haul our train back to Crewe.
At Millom, we head inland and follow the sweeping estuary through Foxfield and Kirkby in Furness. Once again we curve along the edge of the bay through to Grange-over-Sands. There are more views across Morecambe Bay as we cross the lengthy Kent Viaduct at Arnside and approach Carnforth. Here, we shall say farewell to our gallant steam locomotive and our diesel will take over for our run back to Crewe. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers.
**Updated 28/05/26
Available Classes
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Premier DiningList Item 1
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat. (not available from Preston)
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First ClassList Item 2
First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a sweet treat and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
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Standard ClassList Item 3
Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Fares
| Fares | Adult | Junior | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier | £335 | £240 | £1025 |
| First | £225 | £160 | £690 |
| Standard | £120 | £90 | £375 |
| Muncaster Castle | £30pp |
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £50 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
Approximate timings shown
| Station | Outward | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Crewe | 07:00 | 21:55 |
| Wilmslow | 07:30 | 21:15 |
| Stockport | 07:55 | 21:00 |
| Manchester Piccadilly | 09:00 | 20:20 |
| Preston | 10:15 | 19:05 |
| Ravenglass | 15:15 | 16:45 |
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