Bassenthwaite Lake Station in Allerdale

Today was our 3rd visit to Bassenthwaite Lake Station, and once again, we weren't disappointed. This time, we enjoyed afternoon tea and had to be by far the best we have had yet. Excellent service from Diane and her team. We also enjoyed a sit outside in the bird hide, lovely grounds this time of the year. Highly recommend. Thank you once again. 🩷💐

The place is always popular so we decided to check it out but was left disappointed. The reasons were the length of time taken for our order being taken, despite there being empty tables. Then the drinks arrived a while after the food, which is strange as it’s normally the other way round. This was especially problematic because the scone that I was served was the driest that I have ever had and was a chore to eat. The lemon drizzle cake was lacking the taste of lemon. The drinks were the saving grace but not enough to tempt a return.

We came here for the first time for breakfast for my husband’s birthday. We ate in the carriage and had a wonderful experience. The carriages were set up simply but effectively to create a lovely atmosphere. Staff were very friendly and professional. Our food was excellent and very good value, especially compared to other cafes in the local area. Loved the old music playing quietly in the background too as it just completed the ambience. We had a little walk around the station afterwards which was also well set up and looked after. You are quite close to the main road but do not really notice this and focus is more on the countryside the other side of the road. Would highly recommend and hope to return to try the afternoon tea.

This was our first time visiting the restaurant. Great place and with it being part of a movie set was just amazing. The staff were great the facilities were stocked. The food was really good. A little pricey but it was worth the extra just for the movie set. The only thing I didn’t like was your cutlery was in a pot on your table. I hate this at the best of times but when you’re paying £20 for a main course this should not be happening. Yes I’m a hungry horse where you can have a 3 course meal for a tenner but not when it’s so expensive. Also the guy sat in the table next to us put his phone in it? As everyone knows phone are a breeding ground for bacteria so all that bacteria will be passed onto the cutlery for the next people. Just for this I didn’t give it 5.

Amazing trip to this lovely gem. Nostalgic and wonderful atmosphere. We booked to eat in the carriage and we were not disappointed. Service very friendly and fast and the food was absolutely delicious. Well worth a visit for anyone kids and adults alike.

Beautiful spot for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea near to Bassenthwaite Lake. Plenty of free parking. We stopped for lunch here. Portion size is very generous and food was delicious. Lovely experience to eat on the train. Would highly recommend. Owners very friendly and welcoming.

I came across this place by accident whilst searching for rail-related places round the town of Cockermouth in the Lake District, and my word am I glad I found it! Bassenthwaite Lake Station is situated on the old railway line between Cockermouth and Keswick in Cumbria, which was closed between 1958 and 1972. The station itself was closed in 1966 and was left abandoned for 53 years. In April 2019, the site was purchased by Simon and Diana Parums, who since have renovated Into the cafe it is today. Later in 2019, the couple purchased the replica SNCF class 241 express steam locomotive and the 3 replica Orient carriages. These 4 pieces of rolling stock are actually, the very train that appears in the Kenneth Branagh 2017 film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ starring Dame Judi Dench and Johnny Depp. With that little history lesson out of the way, let’s focus on the experience. All the food was excellent, with a wide and diverse selection of food and drink for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All the staff were incredibly friendly, and were genuinely passionate about their job. I got the chance to speak to one of the loverly staff during my visit, who told me the story of the business, and told me the businesses plans to expand in the future! If you are in the Cockermouth area and you are in need of a place for breakfast, I would definitely recommend this place!

Absolutely fantastic, brilliant afternoon tea, brilliant service, lovely staff and lovely location, recommended to everyone. Access also great.

Very poor afternoon tea. £90 for 3 people it should be good at that money but no was very poor. Staff were lovely but food was not great. No options on sandwiches etc disappointing as wasn't keen on what was coming. Halloumi burger was awful, as was every sandwich. Thought um cakes look good and will make up for it erm no all bland and watery. Coffee was cold and not great on the refills and no more milk brought on refill coming either. Anyway we won't be back or recommend was a very disappointing experience and was a special birthday treat. Much nicer afternoon teas about so try them.

Spent a lovely afternoon on the train for tea. Tasty food, coffee and tea refills included in afternoon tea price. Lovely staff, all in all a great time had and good value.