Many people think that you need to drive a car in order to explore the Lake District. While it can be convenient, a car is not required. It’s not only possible, but also an enjoyable way to explore a region. In addition to reducing the environmental impact, you will also avoid the difficulties of navigating unfamiliar, twisting roads, as well as parking issues and so on.
We show you in this article how to travel around the National Park with no car. But before you continue reading, it’s important to decide where to base yourself. Kendal, despite being a little biased, is a great choice. Oxenholme in the Lake District is also only 3 miles from the town and accessible by the Windermere branch. What’s more, if you’re without a car, you’ll most likely want to have things like shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants within walking distance, and by basing yourself in a town, you get to tick all of these boxes.
Public transport options available in the Lake District
Here we explore some of the most common forms of public transport in the Lakes – buses, trains and taxis.
Buses
The 555 Stagecoach runs from Kendal to Keswick stopping at Staveley and Windermere along the way. It runs every hour or more from 7am to 7pm. You can use it in conjunction with any other service. The open-top Stagecoach 559 is a fun way to explore the Lakes. It runs primarily between Bowness, Grasmere and Kendal.
However, the earliest trains also start from Kendal and the latest trains terminate in Kendal. There are also shuttle buses that run between Buttermere and Wasdale, and Ullswater, and buses that go from the National Park to Hadrian’s Wall.
What’s more, throughout 2024, a single bus fare on most routes in England outside of London will set you back a mere £2, as part of the government’s Help for Households campaign, so this can make getting around the Lake District by public transport very affordable indeed!
Trains
The West Coast mainline route, which runs from London to Scotland along the eastern side, stops at Lancaster, Oxenholme, the Lake District, Penrith, and Carlsile. Not all trains stop in all of these stations. From Lancaster, you can take the Barrow line, which takes you through Arnside and Grange-over-Sands, as well as Ulverston, while services from Barrow will take you up Cumbria’s west coast.
Windermere Line: From Oxenholme in the Lake District you can take this line which passes through Kendal Burneside, and Staveley. From Carlisle you can travel the northern part of the county to the west coast, at Maryport. Except for the service to Windermere the trains won’t take to you into the heartland, but will take you other locations where you can take a taxi or join the bus network.
Taxis
It is easy to find taxis in the Lake District. However, it’s not like London, where you can simply hail a passing taxi. Typically you need to request one by phone. Do not assume that they are as common as in big cities, especially if your village is small. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to plan your trip well in advance. You may not always be able call and get a taxi within 10 minutes. You can download an app from companies like Lakeside Taxis, which operates out of Kendal or Windermere. This app allows you to see the cost and book a trip in advance.
Lake District Boat services
You can also travel around the Lake District on a boat. There are services on four of the main Lake District lakes – Windermere, Derwentwater, Ullswater and Coniston Water.
Windermere
Windermere Lake Cruises has the highest number of visitors in Cumbria. You can board or disembark at Bowness, Ambleside, or Lakeside for cruises lasting anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hour. Tickets are available in a variety of options, and can be combined with tickets for attractions. You can also opt for the Freedom of the Lake Ticket, which includes unlimited boat travel on all routes within 24 hours.
Windermere also has a fixed chain car ferry – on which foot passengers can travel, too – that runs from Ferry Nab just south of Bowness-on-Windermere to Far Sawrey on the western side of the lake where you can enjoy a lovely shoreline walk that takes in Claife Heights and Strawberry Gardens.
Derwentwater
Keswick Launch offers scenic cruises all year round on Derwentwater in the Lake District National Park. It circles the lake, stopping at several jetties, allowing passengers to hop on and off to explore surrounding attractions such as the Lodore Falls or the tranquil village of Grange-in-Borrowdale. The panoramic views of the fells, and the wooded shores make it a wonderful way to experience the beauty in the area. The company offers rowing boat hire.
Ullswater
Ullswater Steamers, a heritage boat service, has been cruising Ullswater waters for more than 160 years. These traditional steamers, modernised with quiet engines and gliding along the lake’s clear waters between Glenridding Bridge and Pooley Bridge offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This cruise is popular among walkers who combine it with hikes on the Ullswater Path.
Coniston Water
Coniston Launch provides an informative way to discover the tranquil beauty of Coniston Water – one of the most beautiful but least crowded lakes in the Lake District. The circular cruises are available with self-guided options. Stops include Brantwood (the historic home of John Ruskin) and Torver.
These quiet electric boats let visitors glide peacefully across the water while taking in views of Old Man of Coniston, the surrounding woodlands and the Old Man of Coniston. You can also hire kayaks, paddleboards or boats on many of Cumbria’s lakes.
Guided tours
You can also explore the Lake District on a small guided tour. You won’t need to worry about driving or planning. You can leave yourself in the capable and organised hands of an operator. Mountain Goat Tours is a popular tour company based in Windermere that visits a number locations in the north of England. They were established in 1972 and are based from Windermere. Ten Lakes Spectacular can start in Kendal and is a day-long tour that includes stunning scenery, historic houses and food and drink. You can also book a private tour to ensure that you see the sights you want to, at your own pace.
What you need to know about planning your trip for 2024
Lake District: Walking Tour
Don’t forget that you can see a lot by foot! There are many town-totown hikes which include the Lakeland fells. You can also do circular walks or short, accessible walks. Catbells and Helvellyn are among the longer hikes that can be done without a car.
Cycling around the Lake District
Of course, there’s also cycling. You can explore the area whether you are a road cyclist, mountain biker or both. There are many trails and tracks in Grizedale that are suitable for mountain bikers of all abilities. Road cyclists might enjoy riding around the lakes or taking on high mountain passes. You can also hire bikes at the location.
And for the really fit, there’s the Fred Whitton Challenge, a 112-mile charity sportive around the Lake District, which is held in honour of the late Fred Whitton who was a great advocate for cycling in Cumbria and North Lancashire.
Enjoy the natural beauty of Lake District
So, there you have it… I hope this guide has shown that traveling around Cumbria and the Lake District without a car is not only feasible, but can in fact actually enhance your experience. You can immerse yourself into the tranquility and natural beauty of the Lake District by taking scenic boat tours, using public transportation, and walking along its many public footpaths. This allows you to enjoy the scenery, experience the Lake District authentically, and take your time. You can enjoy a memorable Lake District trip without a vehicle, whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation.
