The Railway Touring Company
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The Railway Touring Company · Steam day trip
The Cumbrian Coast Express
Steam day trip from Crewe to Ravenglass along the Cumbrian Coast
The Railway Touring Company offers a one-day steam excursion from Crewe on The Cumbrian Coast Express, departing in August 2026. The journey begins with diesel haulage from Crewe via Wilmslow, Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly, and Preston to Carnforth. There, a steam locomotive takes over for the main event: a run along the Cumbrian Coast line, one of England's most scenic railway routes. The train crosses the Kent Viaduct at Arnside and the Leven Viaduct near Ulverston, passing through Kirkby-in-Furness and Millom before reaching Ravenglass. At journey's end, guests enjoy a private charter on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, celebrating its 150th anniversary, or can opt for an excursion to Muncaster Castle. Meals vary by tier: Standard passengers receive a reserved seat; First Class adds morning tea and afternoon refreshments; Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner prepared and served on board. The return journey retraces the same route by steam then diesel to Crewe.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure listed: August 2026 from Crewe. Confirm current and future dates with The Railway Touring Company before booking.
- Premier Dining (the highest tier at GBP 335) is not available from Preston station.
Day by day
- Day 1rail
The Cumbrian Coast Express
Diesel-hauled from Crewe via Wilmslow, Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly and Preston to Carnforth, where steam takes over along the Cumbrian Coast to Ravenglass for a private charter on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway or an optional visit to Muncaster Castle, before returning by the same route.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Steam locomotive takes over at Carnforth and hauls the train along the Cumbrian Coast line, crossing the Kent Viaduct at Arnside and the Leven Viaduct near Ulverston to Ravenglass
- Day 1Private charter on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, or optional visit to Muncaster Castle
Questions travellers ask
- Is this trip fully escorted?
- The Railway Touring Company operates the train journey with reserved seating. At Ravenglass, you may join a private charter on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway or visit Muncaster Castle as an optional activity.
- What does the price include?
- The Standard tier (GBP 120) includes a reserved seat at a table for four. First Class (GBP 225) adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon or breakfast roll and sweet treat, plus an afternoon service with tea or coffee and a scone. Premier Dining (GBP 335) includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
- Which trains are used?
- Diesel haulage from Crewe to Carnforth, then a steam locomotive along the Cumbrian Coast to Ravenglass. At Ravenglass, guests board the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway for a private charter.
- What is the route?
- The train departs Crewe, calls at Wilmslow, Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly, and Preston, then continues to Carnforth where steam takes over. The steam leg runs along the Cumbrian Coast line through Kirkby-in-Furness and Millom to Ravenglass, passing the Kent Viaduct at Arnside and the Leven Viaduct near Ulverston. Return is by the same route.
- Can I visit Muncaster Castle?
- Yes, Muncaster Castle is offered as an optional excursion at Ravenglass instead of the private railway charter.
