7 Reasons to Visit the Lake District, Cumbria Car Free

Written by: Alex

Date Posted: 05 November, 2025

1. Reduce your Carbon Emissions

Travelling by public transport is a great way to cut carbon emissions, but do you know by how much?

• According to the Campaign for Better Transport, ‘if we all took the bus instead of the car just twice a month, by 2050 this would create a reduction of 15.8 million tons of CO2’!
• Rail travel accounts for just over 1% of transport emissions while road transport accounts for almost three-quarters of transport emissions (Avanti West Coast)

By choosing to travel car free, you’re helping make tourism in Cumbria more sustainable - thank you!

2. Make the journey part of your holiday

Whether you’re travelling by train or bus, your journey will take you through miles of breathtaking landscapes. After all, Cumbria is the third largest county in England and home to two national parks: the Lake District National Park and part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The county is also home to two World Heritage Sites!

3. Get outdoors…

Embrace the joy of slow travel by including a walk, cycle ride or lake cruise in your journey. Check out our car free itinerary for the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway path which offers the opportunity to enjoy a well-earned pub lunch at the Horse and Farrier. Or hire a e-bike and explore this beautiful county at a relaxed pace.

4. …Or head for indoor attractions

Our cultural attractions tell the story of the Lake District, Cumbria - from figures like Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth to our modern day artists and creatives, our rich history is on display across the region. Bus and train services transport you to the places where you can learn all about it.

5. Experience History

Did you know the scenic 555 bus route is 100 years old! It isn’t just a way to get from A to B - it’s part of the history of the Lake District itself. Often described as the most beautiful bus route in England, Stagecoach 555 runs through the heart of the Lake District - with stunning views from your window along the way.

Hop off en-route and visit The Armitt Museum in Ambleside, Wordsworth Grasmere or the Pencil Museum in Keswick to discover more about the wonderful history of the area.

6. Raise a glass

Cumbria has many cosy country pubs and awarding gastro pubs to visit, offering the perfect opportunity to sample Cumbria’s local ales and enjoy local flavours. And if your favourite tipple is gin, a visit to Shed One in Ulverston is a must. Tour the distillery and enjoy a special gin themed afternoon tea (booking recommended).

7. Save, Save, Save

Travelling car free doesn’t just help the environment – it can help your pocket too!

Book in advance and save:

• Up to 48% with Avanti West Coast when you book 8 weeks in advance
• 50% when you book in advance with TransPennine Express
• Up to 60% with Northern when you buy your tickets 12 weeks in advance

Once you have arrived, single bus tickets are only £3 or explore all day or week with Stagecoach's North West Explorer tickets from as little as £12 per day / £37 for 7 days.

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