As the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway marks its landmark 150th anniversary year in 2025, and Railway 200 celebrates the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, this well-loved heritage attraction is set to welcome two very special visiting locomotives for a spectacular steam gala.
Celebrations over the railway’s three-day May Day Bank Holiday Gala Weekend (Saturday 3 to Monday 5 May) will include extra services, historic steam and diesel engines, heritage train rides, and an electric atmosphere for rail enthusiasts, families, and photography lovers alike.
One of the event highlights will be the much-anticipated return of Green Goddess, a historic locomotive from the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway (RH&DR). Originally trialled at Ravenglass one hundred years ago, this legendary locomotive will return for a record-breaking fourth visit. May’s Gala Weekend will also include the newly overhauled Bonnie Dundee. Originally built to serve the Dundee gasworks at the turn of the twentieth century, it returns to Ravenglass to pull its first passenger trains there in two decades, before continuing its long-term loan arrangement over at Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway.
At the Ravenglass Railway Museum, there will be a special anniversary exhibition featuring the fascinating story of the origins of La’al Ratty, looking at the key characters involved in the opening of this vital industrial railway in 1875. The museum will also play host to a model of ‘Owd Ratty’ created by renowned model railway maker Peter Kazer.
This is a chance to see some very special locomotives and enjoy a historic celebration of steam, stories and stunning scenery. 1, 2, and 3-day event tickets can be booked online soon or purchased on the day at Ravenglass or Dalegarth stations (subject to availability). For further information about events and timetables, visit www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk or call 01229 717171.