Paula Rushton

Review of Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

We have been on the Larl Ratty many times as the c...

We have been on the Larl Ratty many times as the children love the whole experience, we checked before we booked our tickets what facilities were open and happily booked as it said the cafe at Dalegarth was open but with limited numbers, so we booked the depart Ravenglass 11.25 am to return at 3.10pm which would allow for queuing, when we arrived at Dalegarth the cafe was open but for take alway sandwiches or pies only, so if taking young children please be aware there is no inside seating areas at all and food has to be eaten on wet outdoor benches. Our 3 year old was able to shelter from the rain in the outdoor wooden play train, and browsing/purchasing 3 times in the little gift shop but was extremely cold (even after drinking 3 hot chocolates during her visit) by time we could return to Ravenglass . We did keep to our scheduled train tickets but witnessed many families asking to return on earlier trains, the staff were very understanding and helped the unhappy families where possible. On a positive note the train cleaning staff were fantastic, we witnessed them thoroughly cleaning each carriage after each journey and both stations have numerous hand sanitizer placed throughout. We will look forward to going on the larl Ratty in the not to distant future but will remember to take a waterproof picnic blanket for the bench and umbrellas .