Let's Go car-free - History and Heritage

The Stagecoach 599 bus in Grasmere

Uncover the Lake District’s Rich History and Heritage with this Car Free Itinerary

At every twist and turn of the fabulous 599 Stagecoach bus route, the history and heritage of the Lake District is waiting to be explored.

Getting Here

The 599 service can be joined at Windermere Train Station, and it travels through to Bowness where this itinerary starts. Arriving by train? Travel with Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express or Northern to 'Oxenholme the Lake District' and then take the connecting Northern operated Lakes Line service to Windermere. Connect with the 599 bus from Windermere Train Station

Morning Bowness on Windermere

Windermere Jetty Museum

From Windermere Train Station, buses are available to transport you into the waterfront town of Bowness-on-Windermere (these include the 6, 508, 599, and 755). From here, take a short stroll to the Windermere Jetty Museum – where you can learn all about the rich history of England’s largest natural lake, its people, and its boats. You can even take a cruise on one of the museum’s fully restored heritage boats. Bowness is also home to The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, which is a wonderful family attraction.

World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Bowness-on-Windermere

After you have finished your visit to Bowness, you have two options. Join the 599 service by the waterside at bustling Bowness Pier, and head towards Ambleside along a scenic route. Or, you can buy a Central Lakes DayRider ticket which includes unlimited bus travel and a one-way half lake cruise with Windermere Lake Cruises. Take your cruise from Bowness to Waterhead, where you can join the 599 service. It is worth noting that some of Windermere Lake Cruises services also stop at the Windermere Jetty Museum, so with a little planning you can start your journey with a sailing to the Museum and then rejoin a later boat service to Waterhead.

Windermere Lake Cruises

Lunch

The 599 stops at Brockhole on Windermere: with its visitor centre, art gallery, lakeshore grounds and restaurant this is a wonderful place to enjoy lunch or afternoon tea, followed by a stroll round the gardens.

Or, travel directly to our next stop of Ambleside, which is home to cosy pubs, traditional cafes and even a Michelin Starred restaurant - so you will be spoilt for choice for places to eat.

Afternoon - Ambleside

If the cultural heritage of the Lake District floats your boat, then the Armitt Museum and Library in Ambleside is a must-visit. It opened in 1912 when Beatrix Potter was an early supporter. Not surprising, then, that it has a permanent exhibition devoted to her extraordinary life and work. It also houses a collection of artworks by Kurt Schwitters, who lived in Ambleside and influenced the development of 20th Century art. The museum is open every Thursday to Sunday (plus Bank Holidays) until the end of October.

Grasmere

This pretty village is a culture and history buff’s heaven, located at the end of the 599 bus line. One afternoon is not enough to enjoy it - so plan on getting the bus back again!

Heaton Cooper Studios, Grasmere

The Heaton Cooper Studio, established in 1905 by landscape painter Alfred Heaton Cooper, is a must-see for any art lover.

No trip to Grasmere would be complete without a visit to the home of William Wordsworth. Leave the bus at the Dove Cottage stop for Wordsworth Grasmere, which includes Dove Cottage, its gardens, and a museum dedicated to the poet’s life and poetry. Tour the cottage, immerse yourself in the museum and wander through the garden-orchard Wordsworth called “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”.

Wordsworth Grasmere

If you have not already had your fill of culture for the day – you could head to the National Trust’s Allan Bank. It’s a short 10-minute walk up the hill from the centre of the village. It was also briefly home to Wordsworth and his family, and to the founder of the National Trust: Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley.

National Trust Allan Bank

On the scenic return journey from Grasmere, you will be able to once again enjoy the landscapes that so inspired Wordsworth and countless other writers and poets.  A culture and heritage trip on the Stagecoach 599 route will live long in the memory. 

Top Tips

• Public Transport - Travel by Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express or Northern to Oxenholme the Lake District and take the Northern operated Lakes Line to Windermere. At Windermere Train Station catch the Stagecoach 599.
• Travelling with Dogs on Public Transport - When travelling by train, dogs are generally allowed on board. However, we recommend checking ahead for guidance on how to travel with your dog. Dogs are allowed to travel on Stagecoach buses at the discretion of the driver. Please be aware that the driver will consider things like if there is already another pet on the bus when making their decision. Assistance and guide dogs can travel at all times.
• Accommodation and tourist information: There is so much to see and do so why not stay over. Visit our accommodation page for lots of information on places to stay.