The golden age of the steam may have firmly been in the last century, but Cumbria is at the heart of preserving the history of British steam locomotives.
Famous locomotives are due to visit the county throughout the summer as part of the Northern Belle tours along the world-famous Settle – Carlisle line.
Steam locomotive enthusiasts can travel in style in individually decorated 1930s Pullman-style carriages to relive the golden age of British rail transport.
Narrator Bill Nighy told viewers it was “the grand duchess of luxury travel” and added: “Our plush grand tour has been the experience of a lifetime.”
On that occasion the Northern Belle was pulled by crimson-painted locomotive Princess Elizabeth, which once held the speed record for the West Coast mainline.
The 72-mile Settle to Carlisle line cuts through the northern Pennines and Yorkshire Dales, and was a triumph of Victorian engineering and architecture when it opened in the 19th century.
The route, with its 22 viaducts, including the magnificent 24-arch Ribblehead viaduct, and 14 tunnels, is regularly voted one of the 10 greatest train journeys in the world.
Last year, the Flying Scotsman made a string of visits to Cumbria as the legendary steam locomotive celebrated 100 years since it started operating and became the fastest train on the network.
READ MORE: Wigton Baths Trust under threat due to rising gas prices
Upcoming dates for the Northern Belle tour coming to Carlisle include April 13, April 20, April 27, May 25, June 8 and June 15.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here