This summer, groups visiting the Lake District can experience a recreation of The Grand Circular Victorian Tour and see the area by both steam train and boat.
The tour, which was regularly used in the 1860s to integrate steam and boat services in and around Coniston and Windermere, is now being brought back to life by the National Trust.
The journey
The Grand Circular Victorian Tour begins on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway. Groups will journey three and a half miles into the Leven Valley on part of the Old Furness Line where they will be accompanied by a guide dressed in full period costume.
The tour will then move on to the water on board a historic Windermere Lake Cruises ‘steamer’ and a traditional wooden launch.
At this point groups can take a stroll to the newly restored Victorian Viewing Station at Claife, where they can take in the views and enjoy a ‘ferryman’s lunch’.
A short trip by minibus to Coniston will then take passengers to the start of a cruise back in time on the Steam Yacht Gondola.
Originally built in 1859 by the Furness Line Railway Company, the Gondola’s opulent saloons and open air decks help to recreate the journey taken by early Victorian visitors to the Lakes.
The day will conclude with a final trip in the Mountain Goat minibus to once again take in the scenic views.
Proposed 2016 dates run from May until September.
The day-long experience is available for a minimum group of ten people and a maximum of 30.
The Grand Circular Victorian Tour is being supported with funding from the See More sustainable travel programme, which aims to promote easy and accessible visitor transport across Cumbria.
To book call 01539-432733.
Photo credit: Robert Beale.
