Real views on UK Outings & Minibreaks
The LakeDistrict Minibreak
Day 3
Havertwaite Steam Railway and Car Museum
On our third day, we planned to go on the steam train. We knew there was a steam train ride in the area but didn't know where it was. So we asked at the hotel reception. As before, she was very helpful.
It turns out, there are two different steam train rides you can go on. There is the Lakeside and Havertwaite Railway and another one called, Millerbeck Light Railway. The Millerbeck one is a miniature railway. This is more for children. But for adults and children, Havertwaite is the one. This train ride lasts about 20 minutes. It goes from Havertwaite, in Newby Bridge, to Lakeside. Of the two, we chose the Havertwaite ride.
A tip that will save you money
You can get the train tickets cheaper if you buy them at the hotel reception at The Whitewater Hotel, where we were staying. You may be able to get them at other hotels in the Newby Bridge area but I'm not sure.
The station is only five minutes drive from the hotel we stayed in. There is a large car park, so we had no trouble finding a space.
The lovely train station
The ticket office and station are all original. If you fancy buying something to remind you of the day, there is a large gift shop next to the ticket office as you go in. The gift shop, as you may have guessed, was modern and not old fashioned. There is also a cafe on the platform and also toilets.
When we walked unto the station platform, it was like going back in time. Debbie said it brings you back to the days of steam trains. It all felt rather nostalgic. Everything looked original. As we looked to our left, there was even the old signal box. It looked amazing.
It wasn't long before the train arrived. We looked down the platform and saw this marvellous steam engine with lots of steam coming from the chimney and around the wheels. Definitely a sight worth seeing.
As it pulled in, all the old fashioned carriages were in the original reddy brown and cream colours. Inside was also original. How different they looked from the modern carriages we travel in today.
The railway is also dog friendly. We noticed quite a few people on the train who brought dogs with them.
Here's a beautiful one that sat near us.
Lakeside
Twenty minutes later, we came to a stop at Lakeside Station and everyone got off. (Well, I think they all did.)
Now, as you may have guessed, Lakeside is next to lake Windermere. Surprise! The view across the lake is spectacular. On the day we went, it was cloudy and there was drizzling rain. But nothing that spoiled our enjoyment.
A must see
Near the station is a large aquarium. You definitely want to see this.
Inside, they have lots of different species of fish. There is also a clear tunnel you can walk through where the fish can swim around and above you. We spent quite some time looking at all these beautiful sea creatures.
At the other end, through a door, you enter another area. In here, they have glass tanks which contain things like, snakes, spiders and other creatures (if you like that sort of thing).
We also saw these small blue coloured frogs. They are beautiful looking creatures. I'm not sure but I think these are poisonous. Don't worry though. They are behind thick glass. Phew!
There was more to come
Through the next door, you come to the meerkats. (Anyone for cheap car insurance?)
These were not kept behind glass. Although there is a barrier between you and them.
They are so funny to watch. All they seem to do is play around. We stood watching them for quite a while.
The drink and expensive cake
Near the aquarium, there is also a large cafe' on the station platform where you can get a drink and a cake. If you like cakes, be warned: The cake slices are not cheap. We bought one slice and it was about £12. We still bought one though (after I got up off the floor, only joking). It was very tasty. Yum!
The cafe' was quite busy. However, it has a downstairs and also upstairs area. So plenty of seats. (I wonder if they all bought a slice of that cake.)
The car museum
After our lovely steam train ride, we wanted to go somewhere else before going back to the hotel. There was still light rain so it had to be somewhere indoors.
We found there was a car museum not far from the hotel. We are not really into cars but it was out of the rain and we may find it interesting. We did!
You'll find plenty parking outside. Next to the museum, there is also a cafe'. Handy for a drink and maybe a snack.
When you walk into the museum, there is a gift shop. This is where you pay to go into the museum.
The museum is quite large and has a large collection of cars. They have vintage cars, cars from the fifties, sixties, seventies and eighties.
If you like the 'Back to the Future' movie, then you'll also want to see the Delorian they have there.
Some cars reminded me of when I was a teenager. Cars like the Ford Cortina, Ford Capri, Ford Escort and others. When I saw them, they looked bigger than I remembered. Maybe my mind playing tricks.
They also have a motorcycle section. Something you'll want to see if you're a motorbike enthusiast.
In some sections, there is old film footage of racing cars from the fifties. This was, of course, next to the actual racing cars of the time.
We found it interesting and were glad we went.
When we came out, we went over to the cafe for a couple of hot chocolates with cream. Yum!