There are few better times of the year than winter to explore the Lake District, recently crowned the UK’s best staycation destination according to research conducted by Sykes Holiday Cottages. The best part? You can easily get around, seeing all the sights from the comfort of a Stagecoach bus.
Whether you’re wandering through Windermere, shopping in Ambleside or enjoying a crisp, quiet walk by Derwentwater, Stagecoach’s Lakes by Bus guide makes it easier than ever to leave the car behind. Choose the sustainable, affordable, and stress-free way to travel the region.
If you’re looking for an affordable adventure, a single fare costs just £3, making it easy to hop on and off as you explore the area’s many attractions. For those planning a more extended stay or more frequent journeys, you can also take advantage of the North West Explorer ticket, which allows you to hop on and off as much as you like over a one, three, or seven-day period.
Visitors staying in guest houses, hotels, or campsites are encouraged to leave their cars parked and take the bus. You’ll save on parking costs, avoid congested roads, and help protect the Lake District’s world-famous landscape.
Stagecoach’s Lakes by Bus winter guide, which includes full timetables, suggested scenic outings, ticket information, and travel tips to help you make the most of your visit.
From iconic routes such as Ambleside to Grasmere or Keswick to Buttermere, to hidden gems like Hawkshead and Tarn Hows, buses offer a front-row seat to some of Britain’s most spectacular scenery.
For added convenience, passengers can download the Stagecoach Bus App to plan journeys, buy tickets, and check real-time running information – perfect for spontaneous adventures or day trips. You can also buy your ticket on the day from the bus driver.
Supporting sustainable travel
Tom Waterhouse, Managing Director Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire, said: “Using public transport to explore the Lakes helps reduce congestion and carbon emissions in the National Park, which attracts over 19 million visitors a year. By choosing the bus, travellers are supporting sustainable tourism while still enjoying the freedom to discover the Lakes’ charming towns, villages, and outdoor attractions.
“Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or planning a longer staycation, Stagecoach’s Lakes by Bus network makes exploring the Lake District easy, affordable and eco-friendly.”
Gill Haigh, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, also championed the benefits of bus travel: “Winter is a brilliant time to explore the Lake District and travelling by bus makes it even easier for people to enjoy the season and really take the time to soak up the magnificent scenery, to visit the many seasonal events and enjoy Cumbria’s bounty of attractions and superb food and drink and retail offer. With the £3 fare cap still in place, it’s also a really cost-effective and hassle-free way to get around, plus it’s better for the environment too.”
Why visit the Lake District in winter?
The Lake District has long been recognised as one of the most breathtaking destinations in the UK, with two of its locations – Windermere and Keswick – recently named among the nation’s top summer hotspots by The Mail. And winter offers quieter trails, cosy pubs, and dramatic views, all without the crowds of spring and summer.
For more information, pick up a copy of The Lakes by Bus guide from local outlets, or download it online.
Ready to plan your trip? Visit stagecoachbus.com to plan your journey, or check out our Stagecoach routes page to find out more about the services available.
A few highlights Cumbria has to offer…
🚌 The 555 – Britain’s most scenic bus route?
There is no better way to see the Lakes than from the top deck of the 555, and now, thanks to the national fare cap, passengers can travel all the way from Lancaster to Keswick for a bargain £3 fare.
The Lancaster-Keswick bus route is arguably the most scenic bus route in Britain, offering views of six lakes – Windermere, Rydal Water, Grasmere, Thirlmere, Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite – and traversing the foot of Helvellyn, England’s third-highest mountain. The 555 runs hourly throughout the winter and half-hourly in summer.
You can find out more on our dedicated The Lakes Connections 555 route page.
Keswick
Keswick is situated in one of the most stunning locations in Cumbria, nestled between Derwentwater and the Lakeland fells. If you have no real plans, then time spent just soaking up the beauty of the town is time well spent. Keswick is a thriving tourist destination, but it also offers so much for day-trippers and is easily accessible by bus.
From shopping to a distillery, open spaces to theatres, and galleries to outdoor pursuits, it is a destination for everyone. It was granted a market charter in 1276 by Edward I, and that market continues to this day. Discover more about this wonderful town on our Keswick destination page.
Kendal
For many visitors, Kendal is seen as the southern gateway to the Lakes. Another long-established market town, it is an abundance of hidden places, quaint streets and quirky cafes.
Unsure what to do? Kendal offers a great starting point, with its 12th-century castle, an enticing assortment of coffee shops and eateries, Abbot Hall and a host of galleries, you are sure to find something to keep you occupied. And if you need any more convincing, it is the home of fell walkers’ (and others!) favourite, Kendal Mint Cake.
Get planning your trip now by visiting our Kendal destination page.
Cockermouth
Cockermouth is a vibrant Georgian market town steeped in history; it is also the proud birthplace of Wordsworth and Fletcher Christian, leader of the Mutiny on the Bounty. Visitors can take their time meandering around many delightful antique shops and galleries.
Alternatively, take advantage of an abundance of independent shops and eateries all along one high street, and make a day trip of it. Positioned at the junction of the Rivers Cocker and Derwent, Cockermouth is often called the gateway to the Western Lakes.
Carlisle
As the only city in Cumbria, Carlisle is home to a wide range of places to visit and venues to explore. From enjoying a tasty lunch or dinner at one of the many great restaurants to shopping in the historic quarter or browsing the monthly farmers’ market, catching a bus into the city provides hours of entertainment.
Carlisle Cathedral is well worth a visit. Known for its famous starlight ceiling, stunning monastic gardens and exhibitions at the Fratry, its 900-year-old history means there is plenty to keep you busy. See how many misericords you can spot on the choir stalls, dating back to 1400, or marvel at the detail in the various stained glass windows, before enjoying a well-deserved cuppa in the award-winning café.
Art and history lovers can take a tour around Britain’s most besieged castle, or explore the variety of exhibitions on display at Tullie, which proudly describes itself as “museum, art gallery, community hub and generally great place”. Discover more about this historic city on our Carlisle destination page.
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