Bassenthwaite Lake Station, an unforgettable dining experience in the Lake District.

Address: Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Bassenthwaite, CA13 9YL.

Are you looking for something special when you are in the Lake District? The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station (which is near Keswick) can become an unforgettable romantic experience. We booked the Orient Express Afternoon Tea for our third wedding anniversary and we loved it! Dogs are welcome in all areas of the station, including the train.

Movie lovers would be surprised to know that this is the very train from the 2017 film ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Dame Judi Dench, Willem Dafoe, Penelope Cruz, Olivia Colman and Johnny Depp. Soon after the film came out, the train was bought  by two enthusiastic entrepreneurs who successfully turned it into a restaurant in the Lake District.

A bit of history or how everything started. Bassenthwaite Lake Station was opened to passenger traffic in January 1865, and closed in April 1966. It was empty for many years and fell into a serious state of decay and disrepair. The station building was ruined. Only in 2019, the place began to revive. Simon and Diana Parums bought the site inspired by its huge potential and the audacious idea of turning it into a community space and a café. During the process of restoration, they realised that the station was too small for a proper café. So when the opportunity to purchase a full-sized replica of a French SNCF steam train from the famous film turned up, they didn’t hesitate. 

Now Bassenthwaite Lake Station is a popular place (advance booking is essential) that offers different dining options,  including their famous and very generous afternoon tea. A great selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats is served to you alongside unlimited tea or coffee. We noticed everybody had doggy bags because it’s unrealistic to eat everything in one go! 

The price for Standard Afternoon Tea is £35 per person or £20 for Childs Special Afternoon Tea.

A £15 per person deposit will be required at the time of booking for all afternoon teas.