Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway have announced a new premium group package that allows groups to combine visits to two spectacular areas of the Lake District National Park with a VIP tour.

A ‘First Class Cruise and Steam’ tour has been launched which combines a luxury return steam-train journey in a beautifully crafted 1st class carriage on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway and a one-hour private cruise on board the iconic Ullswater ‘Steamers’.

They will allow visitors to travel in style as they visit the dramatic Western Lake District, and Ullswater acknowledged to be England’s most scenic lake. The tours do not have to be taken on the same day.

Rachel Bell, Head of Marketing and Development at Lake District Estates, says, “Demand continues to rise for unique group travel experiences, and we are pleased to offer groups a fantastic way to discover two beautiful yet unique areas of the Lake District.”

“Visitors will love the premium comfort that our 1st class carriage provides, meanwhile there is no better way to discover the stunning scenery of the Ullswater Valley than onboard a private cruise complete with live commentary. Our sister attractions are iconic experiences in their own right, so combining the two makes for a truly memorable trip.”

Ullswater Steamers has been sailing for over 160 years and connects the most magnificent walking routes in the Lake District. They have also partnered with nearby attractions to offer new Joint Attraction Tours which allow groups to discover the best of the Lake District’s cultural heritage, enjoy a one-way cruise on the ‘Steamers’, plus entry to one of the following:

• Dalemain Historic Mansion & Gardens;
• Lowther Castle & Gardens;
• The Lakes Whiskey Distillery;
• Wordsworth Trust – Dove Cottage.

The ‘Steamers’ also offer private one-way and circular cruises starting from Glenridding. A live commentary describes the expansive vistas of the Lake District’s highest mountains and the sweeping landscape of the Ullswater Valley.

Visitors to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway will be blown away as they take a nostalgic seven-mile journey through the stunning scenery of the Western Lake District. This is a unique area where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet, Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District National Park.

Groups can customise their railway tour with options that include picnic boxes, a new group food menu, reserved seating in their cafes, and specialist educational tours.

The railway’s popular ‘Steam on the Wild Side’ package will continue this year. It combines a return train journey with entry to nearby Muncaster Castle, including access to its 77 acres of tranquil gardens that overlook the dramatic Lakeland fells.

Both the railway and the steamers are certified with safe travels and ‘Good to Go’ safety certifications from Visit England and are both Covid-19 safe attractions.

More information about group offers and packages can be found at http://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/groups/ and at http://www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk/groups-functions/