Holidaying In Cumbria - Great Family Days Out You Can Get To By Bus This Summer

Pooley Bridge Bus service: 508, UB1, UB2 & UB3 Bus stops: The Crown Hotel

Pooley Bridge straddles the River Eamont at the head of Ullswater in the picturesque Eden Valley. The town's two wide main streets are lined with Greystone houses and a number of tea shops, all overlooking the lake.

A popular way to explore the area is to take a boat from Pooley Bridge, leave the boat at Howtown, and then walk to Glenridding and catch the boat back to Pooley Bridge. This was one of Wordsworth's favourite walks and offers views of the lake and Helvellyn.

There are also plenty of things to see and visit in the local area including: Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens, St. Andrew's Church, Dacre and Moor Divock stone circles and what’s more, Stagecoach are now also running a new shuttle service throughout the summer weekends. More details here.

Sizergh Castle and Gardens Bus route: X6, 555, 755 Bus stop: Heaves / Brettagh stop (ask the bus driver for Sizergh). Once at the Heaves/Brettagh take care crossing this busy road and use the crossing place. Continue walking in the direction of the bus, and then turn right down Nannypie Lane following the brown sign to Sizergh Castle. Take care on this country lane. Walk past the Strickland Arms pub and continue along the driveway to Sizergh Castle (20 mins walk).

In support of the Government's £2 bus fare cap (running until 31 October 2023), and to encourage visitors to arrive at Sizergh by sustainable transport, Sizergh are offering a free regular hot drink with a valid bus ticket. Drop in to Sizergh for easy estate walks, wildlife spotting, freshly prepared food and some inspiration from the gardens. There are plenty of free walks, pick up a map from visitor reception when you visit. The children's wild play area is open all year round and the 1,600 acre estate is a great place for dog walks. Afterwards warm up in the cafe with your free drink, and treat yourself to a hot bowl of soup and a freshly baked cake. Visit their website for further details.

Explore the Solway Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Bus route: 93/93A Bus stop: Bowness-on-Solway Glasson Moss Nature Reserve is easily accessible from the 93/93A bus. It is a haven for wildlife and plants, with trails and boardwalks to explore the wetlands. There is also a viewing tower where you can look over to Scotland, as well as picnic areas and disabled access. The bus also takes you to Solway Wetlands Centre at RSPB’s Campfield Marsh reserve, Bowness Sands and Drumburgh Moss.

A day out in Silloth Bus route: 400 Bus stop: The Green, Silloth Take a picnic and head to the beach at the Victorian seaside town of Silloth. With tree-lined streets and glorious sunsets, Silloth nestles on the shores of the Solway with stunning views across to Galloway and a backdrop of the Lake District Fells. You could also pop to the free exhibition ‘Soldiers in Silloth’, a private collection of toy soldiers and memorabilia run by volunteers.

Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal Bus route: 40, 41, 41A, 6C, X6, 555, 567 & 755. Bus stop: Kirkland Bus Stop The gallery has recently been transformed, with works on display from world-famous artists, such as JMW Turner, Frank Auerbach, Wright of Derby, Paul Nash and Barbara Hepworth. There is also a new exhibition by Julie Brook, ‘What is it That Will Last?’ the centrepiece of the refurbished gallery. It’s open from Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm.

Threlkeld Mining museum Bus route: X4 & X5 Bus stop: Threlkeld village hall followed by a bit of a walk to get to the museum (approx. 1 mile). This hidden gem bills itself as ‘the museum of Lakeland’s industrial heritage’ and can be reached from Penrith via the X4 bus. The museum is open from 10am to 5pm daily during the school holidays and trains are diesel hauled at 11.15am, 1pm and 3pm. Situated in a microgranite quarry, the museum takes full advantage of its position within the Northern Lake District. It is close to many of the classic, well-documented sites used by geologists for their excursions. The quarry itself is a RIGS site and displays contacts between the "Skiddaw Slate" and the granite intrusion, as well as other fascinating features.

Whinlatter Forest Trail Bus route: 77 & 77A. The ‘Honister Rambler’ bus 77 runs direct from Keswick Bus Station to Whinlatter daily, from 27th March to 5th November Bus stop: Whinlatter Visitor Centre The 77 bus, named the ‘Honister Rambler’, ensures that Whinlatter Forest is easily accessible by public transport. Whinlatter is England’s only true mountain forest and is home to stunning views, fantastic walks, exhilarating mountain biking, rare wildlife and adventure play for a wonderful day out.

Tullie Bus route: All services to Carlisle bus station Bus stop: Carlisle bus station, West Tower Street Tullie is in Carlisle’s historic quarter and has lots of things happening this summer. It’s an art gallery, museum, creative hub and much more, with family-friendly activities and events. You can find out more by visiting their website: https://tullie.org.uk/whats-on/. It is easily accessible by taking a bus into Carlisle city centre from locations across Cumbria.

Dock Museum Bus route: 2 & 5 Bus stop: Hindpool, Dock Museum The Dock Museum is FREE for all the family and has a fun programme of events over the summer holidays. It is also easily accessible by bus and the number 2 & 5 buses will get you there from Barrow town centre. Come and find out about shipbuilding in Barrow, Vikings in Furness, the oldest Northerner and the Furness railway.

Windermere Jetty Museum Bus route: 508 Bus stop: Windermere Jetty Museum This museum, situated in idyllic surroundings on the shores of Windermere, is hosting a special LEGO exhibition this summer. Artist Jon Tordoff has created a 10 square metre long replica of the Lake District. Alongside the exhibition, there will also be exciting LEGO themed activities and workshops for enthusiasts of all ages. Take the most scenic bus route in Cumbria, the 555, and hop off on Windermere Road for a short walk to the museum.

Buttermere Bus route: 77, 77A & 77C (weekend shuttle service from Cockermouth) Bus stop: Buttermere The bus will take you right into the heart of the northern lakes and the beautiful village of Buttermere. From here, you can take the whole family for a leisurely stroll around the lake or challenge yourself with a range of longer and more arduous walks. Stop off for refreshments at Gatesgarth Farm and enjoy the stunning mountains reflected in the lake.

A day out on the 555
Bus route: 555 Bus stop: Service operates from Keswick to Lancaster, via Kendal Hop on the 555 for a magical bus ride through some of Britain’s most stunning scenery. This bus takes you through Bolton le Sands, Carnforth, Levens, Windermere, Ambleside, Rydal and Grasmere, with a wealth of places to visit en route.

Wordsworth Grasmere
Bus stop: Wordsworth Grasmere Bus route: 555, Keswick to Kendal; 599, Kendal to Grasmere Bus stop:
Grasmere Daffodil Hotel for Dove Cottage Wordsworth’s House and Gardens is a great National Trust property that offers a 20% discount on entry if you show your bus pass, with free entry for any return visits in the next 12 months.

The Georgian townhouse was William and Dorothy Wordsdworth’s childhood home and is presented as it would have been when they lived here. The garden is packed with 18th-century varieties of vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers and runs down to the River Derwent, which inspired some of William’s poetry. It is a great day out for the whole family with special events on over the summer. Easily accessible by the 555 & 599 bus with a bus stop just outside the museum.