Victorian Characters Delight Crowds on Train Trip to Celebrate English Tourism Week

Victorian characters stepped back in time on a special train trip in the Lake District to celebrate the start of English Tourism Week. The event saw performers dressed as Queen Victoria and other historical figures travel by train from Oxenholme to Windermere and then by horse‑drawn carriage to Grasmere.

The re‑enactment was designed to highlight the importance of tourism in the region and to showcase how travel by rail helped boost visits to the Lake District in Victorian times. Queen Victoria and her companions were greeted by local hosts, including a performer portraying the inventor of Grasmere Gingerbread, who welcomed them with treats and shared stories of the area’s past.

Other historical figures taking part included portrayals of William and Dorothy Wordsworth, John Ruskin, Beatrix Potter and the author Arthur Ransome. The journey celebrated the legacy of Lake District tourism, which expanded significantly during the 19th century as rail connections made the scenic landscape more accessible.

Organisers said the event was a fun way to engage visitors and locals alike while recognising the contribution of tourism to the local economy. The celebrations for English Tourism Week aim to draw attention to attractions across Cumbria and encourage people to explore the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.