With one of Cumbria’s best-loved attractions looking ahead to its 150th birthday in 2025, it’s unveiled a series of gift experiences aimed at bringing its passengers closer to a century and a half of local cultural heritage.
One of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England, the family-owned Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is set to mark 150 years of transporting passengers on a scenic seven mile journey through the Western Lake District next year.
Affectionately known as La’al Ratty, the railway is surrounded by stunning views and walks and is based in Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park.
In the run-up to Christmas and the New Year, La’al Ratty - or 'the little railway’ in old Cumbrian dialect - has introduced a series of gift vouchers which celebrate the shift away from material presents to marking more meaningful moments on this historic line.
It means railway passengers can travel back to a golden age of rail with traditional experiences like private carriage hire, a ‘cream tea on the move’ or even a deluxe picnic in the ‘Ruth’ Directors Saloon.
Other experiences centre on ‘Joan' - a Pullman Observation Carriage providing panoramic views of the coast and mountains - as well as a new VIP breakfast experience, first class upgrades, ‘cream tea, steam and sparkle’ experiences and unique overnight stays in a lovingly restored Pullman Camping Coach or traditional railway cottage to name just a few.
Head of marketing and business development, Rachel Bell, said: “With La’al Ratty’s 150th birthday almost upon us, it’s the perfect time for people to savour this fantastic piece of local heritage on our doorsteps.
"It’s also a great alternative for families fed up of impersonal online retailers who want to give their loved ones unique Christmas presents which genuinely support local businesses and bolster the wider Cumbrian economy.”
Other gift experiences in Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway’s sister businesses range from VIP cruises with the historic Ullswater Steamers to glamping and self-catering breaks at Waterfoot Park (Ullswater), Hill of Oaks (Windermere), Woodclose Park (Kirkby Lonsdale), Newby Bridge Park and Tewitfeld Marina.
For more information, visit: https://lakedistrictestates.wearegifted.co.uk/
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