Cumbria’s well-loved Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway has reopened for its 105th spring and summer season.
It’s one of the oldest and longest narrow-gauge railways in England – and this year, staff are busy celebrating its landmark 150th anniversary.
The railway is opening this weekend. Saturday March 15, for its 2025 summer season after its usual winter break.
Its opening also coincides with and forms part of English Tourism Week which seeks to highlight the people, places, businesses and experiences at the heart of the tourism industry.
The affectionately named ‘La’al Ratty’– or the little railway’ in old Cumbrian dialect – is set to mark its milestone anniversary with a series of special events throughout the year, including the unveiling of a newly refurbished electric locomotive.
It will also host a special three-day May Day Bank Holiday Gala Weekend with extra services, historic steam and diesel locomotives and heritage train rides.
Three visiting engines for the gala are now confirmed as Shelagh of Eskdale and Green Goddess from Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, along with the newly overhauled Bonnie Dundee which is on long-term loan to Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway.
Rachel Bell, head of marketing and business development, says: “It’s a big year for La’al Ratty and it’s fantastic to be welcoming passengers back on board for the main 2025 holiday season as part of English Tourism Week!
“As an internationally recognised heritage railway which has linked people and locations together for the past century and a half, it’s the perfect time not only to celebrate a golden age of rail represented by these traditional steam-based journeys, but also to highlight the continuing legacy of a local family-run business which continues to support other Cumbrian businesses and bolster the wider economy.
“Just a few weeks ago, we welcomed a group of VisitBritain VIPs and tour operators from Australia and New Zealand on a special visit to step back in time on the railway and it really does show the enduring global appeal of this fantastic piece of local heritage right here on our doorstep.”
