World Gin Day: Companies raise a glass to new business opportunities

To co-incide with the global celebration of the juniper-inspired drink, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is launching the first of its brand-new ‘gin trains’. 

It follows the popularity of gin tasting cruises on sister-company Ullswater ‘Steamers’, which are also back on an extended, regular basis with weekly evening sailings every Friday between now and July 21.

The new two hour gin train will depart from Ravenglass station for a scenic return journey to Dalegarth station to meet Ulverston’s Shed 1 distillery team, where passengers will find out more about the distilling process and sample some of their award-winning gins.

Meanwhile, Ullswater Steamers has teamed up with Chestnut House in Pooley Bridge, which is famous for the largest wall of gin in the Northwest.

Passengers cruising the length of Ullswater onboard a heritage ‘Steamer’ will be entertained by local singer Fiona Hanlon as they sample complex botanical flavours. They can also bring their own picnic food on board.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway (Image: Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway)

Both attractions are operated by the family-run Lake District Estates. Its head of Marketing and Business Development, Rachel Bell, says: “The popularity of artisan craft gins shows no sign of slowing down. So with some leading distilleries on our doorstep, we recognised there was an opportunity to further develop gin-based experiences not only to attract new types of visitor but also to work together with other local businesses to support the wider economy.

“With World Gin Day just around the corner and some fantastic weather forecast for the coming weeks, what better time to raise a glass to this versatile tipple.”

Darren Todd from Chestnut House, says: “The gin cruises allow us to reach different, and often younger audiences. They also raise awareness about the shop – and we’ve actually already seen passengers popping back to view our full selection after taking part.

“It’s great to be working not just with Ullswater Steamers, but also a range of local distilleries and giving them a new way to market themselves to potential customers.”