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Go Car Free and Explore the North Lakes by Bus and Train

Penrith to Keswick Journey through the North Lakes

Hop on the train or bus and head for Penrith. It is around a three-hour train ride from London and just over an hour from Glasgow on a direct Avanti West Coast service; or just over one and a half hours from Edinburgh with TransPennine Express.

Penrith is the perfect place from which to explore the North Lakes. If you are staying over, many places will keep your bags for you ahead of check in.
 

Morning


Upon arrival at Penrith Railway Station, step on the X4 Stagecoach service and enjoy a stunning journey through the Lakeland fells to Keswick. If you arrive early in Penrith, why not explore the ruins of the town’s 14th century castle, which are located in a public park close to the railway station.

The bustling market town of Keswick is located between Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite. You may be surprised to learn that Bassenthwaite is the only true ‘lake’ in the Lake District! It lies between Keswick and Cockermouth, and is the only body of water to claim this prestigious title.

Leave the bus at Keswick, where you could easily spend the day exploring the local shops and cafes; and discovering museums and attractions like the Derwent Pencil Museum and The Puzzling Place – an attraction filled with optical illusions. Keswick is also a great place to enjoy an easy stroll: follow Lake Road down to the peaceful shores of Derwentwater and take in the majestic views across the water to Cat Bells. Theatre by the Lake is nearby and offers the opportunity to pause for coffee or catch a matinee, before taking a Lake Cruise on Derwentwater.
 

Lunch


Follow Lake Road back into town where you’ll find numerous places to eat lunch. There is everything on offer from fish & chips to relaxing lunches in 4-star hotels.
 

Afternoon


September through to the end of October is the perfect time to see the Lake District clothed in the spectacular colours of autumn. From Keswick bus station, catch the X5 service through to Cockermouth and enjoy the wonderful reflections of the heather covered mountains in Bassenthwaite’s tranquil waters.

Cockermouth is the gateway town to the Western Lake District and plays host to a number of special events, like Taste Cumbria food festivals in September and December. It’s also home to Wordsworth House and Garden: run by the National Trust, it’s where the poet William Wordsworth spent his childhood. Today it’s open to visitors, who can explore the house and idyllic gardens.
 

Top Tips


Public Transport

Travel by Avanti West Coast or TransPennine Express to Penrith (North Lakes) and catch the Stagecoach X4/X5 service to Keswick.

Travelling with Dogs on Public Transport

When travelling with Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express, you can take up to two domestic pets for no extra charge. Please check the guidance on their websites.

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:

Visit our accommodation page for lots of information on places to stay and things to do.

Penrith to Keswick Stagecoach bus  Penrith Castle  Wordsworth House, Cockermouth

In association with Avanti West Coast and Stagecoach Bus

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Itinerary Items

Item
1 Penrith
2 Penrith Castle
3 Derwentwater
4 Bassenthwaite Lake
5 Keswick
6 The Pencil Museum
7 The Puzzling Place
8 Theatre by the Lake
9 Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co.
10 Wordsworth House and Garden
11 Avanti West Coast
12 Stagecoach Buses
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Product Information

  1. Penrith

    Penrith

    Penrith is a bustling market town of sandstone buildings, renowned for its wealth of specialist shops offering an interesting choice of goods.

  2. Penrith Castle
    Penrith Castle

    Penrith Castle

    Penrith

    The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the Nevilles and Richard lll. Set in a municipal park opposite the railway station.

  3. Derwentwater

    Derwentwater

    Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.

  4. Bassenthwaite
    Bassenthwaite

    Bassenthwaite Lake

    Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and 70ft deep and home to the rare vendace fish species.

  5. Keswick

    Keswick

    Keswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions, friendly shopping and a range of local delicacies.

  6. Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Pencils and Art Supplies at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Pencils and Art Supplies at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Pencils and Art Supplies at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Pencils and Art Supplies at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Exterior at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Pencils and Art Supplies at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Pencils and Art Supplies at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Pencils and Art Supplies at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Pencils and Art Supplies at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
    Exterior at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District

    The Pencil Museum

    Keswick

    Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.

  7. Optical Illusions at The Puzzling Place in Keswick, Lake District
    Optical Illusions at The Puzzling Place in Keswick, Lake District
    The Ames Room at The Puzzling Place in Keswick, Lake District
    The Anti Gravity Room at The Puzzling Place in Keswick, Lake District
    Eyelusion Exhibition at The Puzzling Place in Keswick, Lake District
    Eyelusion Exhibition at The Puzzling Place in Keswick, Lake District
    Eyelusion Exhibition at The Puzzling Place in Keswick, Lake District
    Optical Illusions at The Puzzling Place in Keswick, Lake District
    The Ames Room at The Puzzling Place in Keswick, Lake District
    The Anti Gravity Room at The Puzzling Place in Keswick, Lake District
    Eyelusion Exhibition at The Puzzling Place in Keswick, Lake District
    Eyelusion Exhibition at The Puzzling Place in Keswick, Lake District
    Eyelusion Exhibition at The Puzzling Place in Keswick, Lake District

    The Puzzling Place

    Keswick

    An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?

  8. A Performer Interacting with the Audience at Every Brilliant Thing at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    A Performer Interacting with the Audience at Every Brilliant Thing at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    Visitors at the Entrance to Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    Audience Enjoying a Show at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    Performers of The Blonde Bombshells of 1943 at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District © Paula Raith Photography
    Theatre Seating at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    Visitors Watching a Performance at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    Stage Set for a Show at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    Performers of Around the World in 80 Days at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    Performers of 39 Steps at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District © Tony Bartholomew
    Stage at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    A Performer Interacting with the Audience at Every Brilliant Thing at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    Visitors at the Entrance to Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    Audience Enjoying a Show at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    Performers of The Blonde Bombshells of 1943 at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District © Paula Raith Photography
    Theatre Seating at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    Visitors Watching a Performance at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    Stage Set for a Show at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    Performers of Around the World in 80 Days at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District
    Performers of 39 Steps at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District © Tony Bartholomew
    Stage at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Lake District

    Theatre by the Lake

    Lake Rd, Keswick

    Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in Britain can match. Each year it stages up to nine of its own productions of classic, modern and new plays and has won multi-starred reviews.

  9. Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co. in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co. in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co. in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co. in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co. in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co. in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co. in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co. in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co. in the Lake District, Cumbria

    Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co.

    Keswick

    Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.

  10. Exterior and Front Entrance at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria © National Trust Images - Paul Harris
    Exterior and Front Entrance at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria © National Trust Images - Paul Harris
    Kitchens at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria
    Gardens at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria © National Trust Images - Paul Harris
    Experience Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria
    Kitchen and decor at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria
    Experience and learn at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria
    Beautiful gardens at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria
    Exterior and Front Entrance at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria © National Trust Images - Paul Harris
    Exterior and Front Entrance at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria © National Trust Images - Paul Harris
    Kitchens at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria
    Gardens at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria © National Trust Images - Paul Harris
    Experience Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria
    Kitchen and decor at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria
    Experience and learn at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria
    Beautiful gardens at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria
    Exterior and Front Entrance at Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth, Cumbria © National Trust Images - Paul Harris

    Wordsworth House and Garden

    Cockermouth

    Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home. Whether you meet the maid-of-all-work or a knowledgeable 21st-century guide, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.

  11. Avanti West Coast Pendolino train on the West Coast mainline in Cumbria
    Avanti West Coast Pendolino train on the West Coast mainline in Cumbria
    Avanti West Coast train travelling through the Lake District countryside
    Avanti West Coast train pulls into Penrith Station
    Avanti West Coast train in Penrith Station
    Avanti West Coast Pendolino train on the West Coast mainline in Cumbria
    Avanti West Coast train travelling through the Lake District countryside
    Avanti West Coast train pulls into Penrith Station
    Avanti West Coast train in Penrith Station

    Avanti West Coast

    Avanti West Coast (formerly Virgin Trains) run fast and frequent trains from London, Birmingham and Glasgow to the Lake District, serving Oxenholme (South Lakes), Penrith (North Lakes) & Carlisle.

  12. Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses
    Stagecoach buses

    Stagecoach Buses

    We're Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire and we provide bus services in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Keswick, Morecambe and West Cumbria.

Itinerary Distances

Sort By Shortest Journey

FromToDistance * (metric)
Penrith (54.66541,-2.75498)Penrith Castle (54.66271,-2.75493)0.27
Penrith Castle (54.66271,-2.75493)Derwentwater (54.57154,-3.14924)24.63
Derwentwater (54.57154,-3.14924)Bassenthwaite Lake (54.65085,-3.21812)8.9
Bassenthwaite Lake (54.65085,-3.21812)Keswick (54.60041,-3.13767)6.88
Keswick (54.60041,-3.13767)The Pencil Museum (54.60387,-3.14194)0.43
The Pencil Museum (54.60387,-3.14194)The Puzzling Place (54.60117,-3.13951)0.31
The Puzzling Place (54.60117,-3.13951)Theatre by the Lake (54.5956,-3.13947)0.56
Theatre by the Lake (54.5956,-3.13947)Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co. (54.59482,-3.1405)0.1
Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co. (54.59482,-3.1405)Wordsworth House and Garden (54.66364,-3.36889)14.93
Wordsworth House and Garden (54.66364,-3.36889)Avanti West Coast (54.30503,-2.72154)52.07
Avanti West Coast (54.30503,-2.72154)Stagecoach Buses (54.45765,-3.01455)22.94
Total Distance *131.98 miles
Estimated Journey Time4.25 hours

* Approximate distance by road

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