Stagecoach, the UK bus operator has come up with 10 of their favourite activities to do by bus in Cumbria this summer that won’t break the bank.


Cumbria has so much to offer for day trips you can take the kids on. From stunning fell views to elegant coastal towns, world-famous routes through the Lake District to days on the water, there really is something for every taste and interest - and you can do them all while leaving the car at home. If you take a Stagecoach bus then up to three kids (aged 11 and under) can travel for free (with a paying adult) and it’s just £3 for a single fare for everyone else. We’ve come up with 10 of our favourite activities to do by bus in Cumbria - and they won’t break the bank.

Silloth beach Allerdale

A day out in Silloth
Bus route: 60 & 400
Bus stop: The Green, Silloth
Brave the wind for a day out on our west coast. If the weather allows, build sandcastles on the vast, sandy beach or explore the rock pools. Silloth's promenade is ideal for family bike rides or scooter races with an ice cream stop along the way. Explore Silloth Motorcycle Museum and Soldiers in Silloth with its collection of 6,000 toy soldiers, while further afield the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty beckons.
Timetable here

Aira Force Photo: visitcumbria

Aira Force
Bus route: 508, 509 & UB1
Bus stop: Matterdale, Aira Force. The bus stop is right in front of the Aira Force car park
Aira Force has been a family favourite for generations. Enjoy a walk through the forest, stopping at stunning stone bridges to marvel at the waterfalls. Follow easy paths suitable for all ages, look for red squirrels hiding in the trees and brace yourself for the majestic view over Ullswater from the Memorial Seat.
Timetable here

Ullswater

A cruise on Ullswater
Bus route: 508, 509 & UB1
Bus stop: Pooley Bridge Pier, Glenridding, or Park Brow for Aira Force

Ulswater ‘Steamers’ have been operating cruises on one of the Lake District's most iconic lakes for more than 160 years. With one of the largest heritage boat fleets in the world, they connect to some of the most famous and iconic walks in the National Park. You can sail one way from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding, then catch the bus back. Don’t forget you can combine your bus and boat ticket with Stagecoach's unique bus and boat ticket offer.
Timetable here

Grange over Sands

Grange-over-Sands
Bus route: X6 & 530
Bus stop: Railway Station, Grange-over-Sands

Perched on the north side of Morecambe Bay, and with a proud Edwardian and Victorian heritage, Grange-over-Sands is perfect for a day out. Begin with a leisurely stroll along the promenade, taking in views across the bay. Spot the ducks in the Ornamental Gardens then wander through the charming centre, browsing independent shops and stop for tea and scones at a local favourite like Hazelmere Café. For stunning views, walk up to Hampsfell Hospice and take in the surrounding landscape. If time permits, explore the nearby Holker Hall and Gardens.
Timetable here

Buttermere Image: Visit Lake District

Cockermouth to Buttermere
Bus route: 77C
Bus stop: Cockermouth Main Street / Buttermere Court Hotel

All aboard the shuttle bus! There are few routes in Cumbria where you will be more glad to leave the car behind - and the Lakes will definitely thank you for it. Sit back and enjoy the scenic journey through the Lorton Valley, with its rolling hills and dry-stone walls. Once in Buttermere, enjoy a circular walk around the lake, with views of Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike reflected in the water. Pause for lunch or tea at Syke Farm or the local inn.
Timetable here

Little Langdale Image: Visit Cumbria

Little Langdale
Bus route: 516 & 517 (weekends only)
Bus stop: Ambleside Kelsick Road / Little Langdale

Take a trip in the summer hols to Little Langdale where a walker’s paradise awaits, Opt for a gentle stroll to Slater’s Bridge and Little Langdale Tarn or serious fell walks to Lingmoor, Pike o’ Blisco, Crinkle Crags, Swirl How, Wetherlam and the Old Man of Coniston. Head along Wrynose Pass for its dramatic views and the Three Shire Stone, above Little Langdale, which marks the meeting point of the historic counties of Westmorland, Cumberland and Lancashire. Buses run every weekend in July and August, plus August Bank Holiday Monday. Start a linear walk in Little Langdale to the iconic Blea Tarn, then down to Dungeon Ghyll in Great Langdale for the hourly 516 bus to Ambleside.
Timetable here

Threlkeld to Keswick Railway

Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail
Bus route: X4, X5 & 509
Bus stop: Keswick Bus Station / Threlkeld

The Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail is a family-friendly, easy-access 5km trail which starts at Keswick Leisure Centre and follows the route of the old Keswick to Penrith railway, weaving its way over the River Greta and some of the original Victorian railway bridges. Keep an eye out for herons and dippers. The trail is free and pushchair and wheelchair friendly with seats dotted along the route. Buses run regularly between Keswick and Threlkeld, meaning you can make this a one-way linear walk.
Timetable here

Penrith

A day out in Penrith
Bus route: Multiple routes into Penrith
Bus stop: Penrith Bus Station / Penrith Railway Station

Sitting on the hub of the A6, M6 and A66, Penrith can be overlooked as you pass through. But hop on a bus serving the town to discover it has much to offer. Explore Penrith Castle, its medieval ruins framed by rose gardens in Castle Park. Visit St Andrew’s Church, a Grade I listed building with ancient hogback stones known as the “Giant’s Grave”. Drop into the Penrith and Eden Museum, housed in Robinson’s School, to discover Roman coins, local fossils and fine art. And take the 104 bus out to Center Parcs Whinfell Forest.
Timetable here

Bus and boat ticket for Windermere

Bus and boat ticket for Windermere
Bus route: 6, 505, 508, 516, 555, 599 & 755
Bus stop: Waterhead Pier / Brockhole / Windermere Jetty Museum & Bowness-on-Windermere

Enjoy a family adventure on Windermere, and explore it at your own pace. Stagecoach's bus and boat ticket whisks you on a fun-filled day. Cruise the sparkling waters on a scenic boat journey, taking in breathtaking views and fresh lake air. Hop on and off at Bowness and Ambleside. The ticket lets you get on and off at different piers, making it easy to find a perfect picnic spot or visit lakeside attractions such as Windermere Jetty Museum and Brockhole Visitor Centre.
Timetable here

Ulverston

A day out in Ulverston
Bus route: 6 & X6
Bus stop: Victoria Road

Another fine mess... spend a day in the birthplace of Stan Laurel. Ulverston certainly makes an effort to celebrate its most famous son and his portly partner - there's the Laurel & Hardy Museum, a statue of the pair installed in County Square in 2010, and the Stan Laurel Inn close to the house he grew up in. Away from the comedy duo, stroll through Victoria Park and, if you’re feeling energetic, take a short walk up Hoad Hill to the distinctive Tower of the Winds, where sweeping views across Morecambe Bay await.
Timetable here