Have lunch under the mountains this Christmas

The quandary of what to do during the school Christmas holidays, once Santa has long departed, is resolved by letting off steam, according to England’s most exquisite steam railway – the Ravenglass and Eskdale.

The Western Lake District narrow gauge railway is offering Christmas in the Valley excursions from December 26, to January 4, taking passengers, of all ages, through Eskdale – a beautiful location at any time of year.

The experience revolves around the excitement of steam travel and a festive lunch at the Fellbites Eatery, which lies at the foot of England’s highest mountains.

The 7-mile journey from charming Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park, to Dalegarth, close to Scafell, is often described as the most beautiful in Britain. It transports passengers across tidal Barrow Marsh, where oystercatchers and ringed plover abound, through hidden Miterdale, a haven for red squirrels, and on to Dalegarth.

En route, the journey affords wonderful views of craggy Muncaster Fell, Harter Fell and the giant amongst mountains, Scafell, and provides sightings of Herdwick sheep, saddleback pigs and frequently buzzards and deer.

On arrival at Dalegarth, a wonderful, three-course festive lunch, with a choice of starters, seasonal roast of the day and a selection of sweets, makes the experience complete. Vegetarian options are also available and lunch can be accompanied by a glass of wine, or juice.

There is time in the schedule for those wishing to take a stroll around the nearby hamlet of Boot before journeying back, but those preferring to stay at Dalegarth Station can either relax in the café, or enjoy a little retail therapy in the well-stocked Scafell Gift Shop.

The train departs at 12.00 noon from Ravenglass. Those wishing to ensuer its steam all the way, can catch the train back from Dalegarth, leaving at 3pm and arriving at Ravenglass at 3.40pm.

The cost of this all inclusive experience of steam train travel and a three-course lunch, is just £25 per adult ticket, with reduced prices for children.

For more information, log on to Ravenglass-railway.co.uk.