Railway History

The Furness Railway was developed during the 1850′s and 1860′s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution, in order to transport the coal and iron ore deposits from mines in the coastal areas of Cumberland and the Furness district of Lancashire to the heavy industries of the North West and North East of England. When the various companies had completed a railway system around the coast from Carlisle to Lancaster, the Furness Railway Company quickly realised that there was a potential for personal travel and tourism because, for the first time, here was a fast and easy mode of transport for the masses. In fact, as early as 1847, the Kendal and Windermere Railway Company had opened a branch line from the new Lancaster and Carlisle Railway; this branch from Oxenholme terminated at Birthwaite (which was later to develop as the modern town of Windermere), and by 1850, four passenger steamers plied the length of the lake from Waterhead to Newby Bridge (a distance of about 11½ miles).

About Us

We hope that while visiting this website you can get a feel for the rich and varied history of the local area and of the line itself.

We feel justifiably proud of our historic branch line over which we have had custody since 1970 when we took over its operation. Our small band of permanent staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to protect and improve our railway.

Please explore these pages to find out more about what's on offer at Haverthwaite Station, the railway's history and our collection of locomotives and rolling stock.

Welcome

Welcome to the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway here in the picturesque Leven Valley at the southern end of Windermere.