Good To Know

Useful information to help you plan your visit and links to help and advice whilst you are here. Find links to organisations that are here to help with accessibility during your visit and use the new search panel options to browse for specific information when searching for accessible accommodation, things to do, places to visit and food and drink venues. Accessibility search results now carry direct links to accessible information on the individual venue listings, making it easier to find relevant information for specific requirements.
 

Travelling to Cumbria By Rail

If you are travelling to Cumbria by rail then Avanti and Transpennine Express both operate services on the West Coast Mainline. Both companies offer Passenger Assist services to help you on your way, be that station and seating plans or help getting on and off the trains. Northern Trains operates the local branch line services around the county, connecting the West Coast Mainline to Windermere and towns and villages around Morecambe Bay via the Furness Line and on to the West Coast via the Cumbrian Coast Line.

These companies have some great schemes to help you with all aspects of your journey, from booking to travelling. You can also access rail cards for discounted travel.

• Avanti Accessibility Hub - for information on assisted travel, the Avanti travel companion scheme and mobility help.
• Avanti passenger assist service or call 0345 528 0253 - option 3.
• First Transpennine Accessible travel & facilities - for information designed to help support older and disabled customers access services including their Passenger assist service (or call 0800 107 2149).
• Northern Trains Passenger Assist service or call 0800 138 5560 (Text Relay 18001 0800 138 5560)

Travelling to Cumbria By Coach

National Express operate services to Penrith and Carlisle. There is a great information resource on their website.

• National Express Accessibility Information page
• National Express Assisted Travel Team contact page or telephone 03717 818181 (lines open 8am - 6pm, 7 days a week).
• They also offer a Disabled Coachcard for a small annual fee which offers up to 1/3^rd off travel.
   

Getting Around Cumbria

There are lots of exciting ways to get around Cumbria and the journey can be part of the adventure for everyone.Here are some useful links to information from companies offering accessible travel around the Lake District and Cumbria.

• Northern Trains Accessibility Hub - a great resource with lots of information and help with accessible travel.
• Stagecoach Buses Accessible travel FAQs
• Reays Coaches Accessibility Statement - Reays runs some of the local bus services and their accessibility statement contains useful information on the assistance is available at each stage of your journey.
• Mountain Goat Accessibility Statement - Information on the facilities and services on offer to all passengers. Mountain Goat offers a range of scheduled and private hire tours around the county.
• Ullswater Steamers offer familiarisation visits, sensory stories and have wheelchair friendly services.
• Coniston Launch can carry folded up wheelchairs and offers a flat approach and handrails.
• Steam Yacht Gondola - If you can manage steps then step back in time aboard this historic vessel.
• Windermere Lake Cruises - Choose the right cruise for you with Windermere Lake Cruises accessibility guide.
• Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway - La’al Ratty offer familiarisation visits, sensory stories and have wheelchair friendly services.
• Keswick Launch - Operating on Derwentwater, Keswick Launch has a relatively flat approach and 4 steps to enter the vessel. Wheelchairs can be stowed.
• Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway - aims to cater for passengers of all needs.
• Tramper Hire - Hire a tramper all-terrain vehicle and explore the wonderful landscape around the lake District, Cumbria.
• Vehicle Hire - Need to rent some wheels in Cumbria and the Lake District? There are car hire options and privte hire options.