Plan Your Trip

Your car-free guide to the Lake District.

Getting Here (Rail & Bus)

You don't need a car to explore the Lake District. The main hubs are well-connected by rail and coach, and local buses run to most major valleys and trailheads.

By Train

The West Coast Main Line runs to the edge of the park. The two key stations are:

  • Oxenholme (The Lake District): Change here for the branch line to Windermere, the park's main hub.
  • Penrith (North Lakes): A key hub for reaching Keswick and Ullswater. Local buses connect from the station.

Check National Rail Enquiries

By Bus / Coach

Coaches are a great, budget-friendly option for reaching the Lakes.

  • National Express: Runs services to Windermere, Ambleside, and Keswick from major UK cities.
  • Stagecoach (Local Buses): Once you're here, the 555 bus is your best friend. It runs right through the park from Kendal to Keswick.

Explore Stagecoach Routes

1-2 Day Itineraries

Here are two simple itineraries you can do entirely with public transport.

Placeholder image: A boat on Lake Windermere.

The Windermere Weekender

  • Day 1: Arrive by train in Windermere. Take a Windermere Lake Cruise boat to Ambleside. Explore the town and stay overnight.
  • Day 2: From Ambleside, take the 555 bus to Grasmere. Walk our Easy Route around Grasmere Lake, then bus back to Windermere station.
Placeholder image: A view of Derwentwater from a fell.

The Keswick Explorer

  • Day 1: Arrive by bus in Keswick. Walk our Moderate Hike up Catbells (accessible by the Keswick Launch boat).
  • Day 2: Explore Keswick town, visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle (short bus ride or walk), and depart from Keswick bus station.

Where to Stay & Eat

For car-free travel, it's best to stay in the main hubs: Windermere, Ambleside, or Keswick. All three are packed with accommodation and have excellent bus connections.

  • Hostels (YHAs): The most budget-friendly option. YHA Ambleside, YHA Keswick, and YHA Windermere are all fantastic and walker-friendly.
  • B&Bs and Guesthouses: Hundreds to choose from. Book well in advance, especially during summer.
  • Food: You're never far from a classic pub. All main towns have supermarkets (Booths, Co-op) to stock up on hiking snacks.

Seasonal Tips

Spring

A beautiful time to visit. Be mindful of lambing season (keep dogs on leads) and expect waterfalls to be at their best after the spring rain.

Summer

The most popular (and busiest) season. Book accommodation and travel months in advance. Start hikes early to avoid crowds and the midday heat.

Autumn

Arguably the best hiking season. The bracken turns a beautiful bronze, the light is golden, and the crowds are smaller. Days start to get shorter.

Winter

For experienced walkers only. Days are very short and weather is severe. You MUST have the right gear (see our Safety page) and know how to use it.