All aboard for learning in 2025 and 2026. Our 150th anniversary spans two years, celebrating the history and people of the railway. Book a visit to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway for a unique day out where history, heritage, and hands-on discovery come alive. Journey through the Lake District National Park within two UNESCO World Heritage sites on our famous 15-inch gauge railway.
Enjoy engaging, curriculum-linked activities with the reassurance of safe, organised group travel tours. Benefit from FREE designated coach parking, plus one teacher goes FREE with every four pupils. FREE standard museum entry is also included.
The Journey
A seven-mile steam train journey from Ravenglass to Dalegarth provides a unique opportunity to experience real-world geography in action. Pupils can observe diverse landscapes, from coastal estuaries to ancient woodlands, supporting studies in physical and human geography.
Onboard Learning
The valley route is rich in geographical features and home to some of the UK’s rarest wildlife. The journey encourages observation, recording, and enquiry skills, linking directly to science and geography curriculum objectives.
Explore and Discover
Our museum offers hands-on opportunities to explore local history and engineering. Pupils can investigate the development of transport, industrial heritage, and STEM projects past and present – bringing history and technology to life beyond the classroom.
Visit the Museum
For schools with limited time, the museum can offer a choice of free 20-minute activities:
How a steam engine works? Get hands-on with one of our museum steam engines and discover the science inside a steam engine.
Mystery object? Our museum has thousands of objects which help us to tell the story of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. With some, it is easy to tell what they are, but there are others that are more of a mystery. Can your class tell what it is…?
Self-guided Museum Worksheets
If you’d like to include a self-guided museum visit as part of your railway tour, we can provide a tailored worksheet for your key stage. The charge for this is £1 per pupil.
Full Museum Experience
For schools with more time, the museum offers a more structured activity day. Pupils can enjoy a hands-on 40–60 minute workshop inside the museum, step back in time with a guided tour of the old signal box, and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look inside the engineers’ workshop. Just £60 for groups of up to 30 pupils.
Museum Loan Boxes
NEW to the education programme agenda. Please contact the museum directly for more information.
Coming Soon in 2026…
