Top 10 ways to explore the Lake District without a car
Whether you plan to visit the Lake District for the first time, or you are making a return visit, leave the car at home, and explore the region by train, boat or bus. Some of the best ways to get around the Lake District without a car include:
1.Ullswater Steamers
Once referred to as the Dark Lake, Ullswater has influenced poets and writers, such as William Wordsworth, and is as popular now as always. Home to many species of wildlife, including red deer and red squirrels, plus ancient woodlands and fells, Ullswater runs a serpentine course with Helvellyn, England´s third largest mountain at its head. The Ullswater Steamers create the perfect opportunity to combine a lake cruise with some of the most spectacular walks in the lakes.Fare options for 2010 include: Purchase a round the lake pass and receive a voucher to travel on the sister company, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway for half price. Special concessions are also available for four adults, which allow one adult to travel half price on the round the lake pass, 2010.
For more information about Ullswater Steamers, see website: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk or contact enquiries@ullswater-steamers.co.uk.
2.Windermere Cruises
The main Windermere cruise operates every day throughout the year from Ambleside, Bowness and Lakeside, except on Christmas Day. The trip takes 3 hours in total, but passengers are free to hop on and off to enjoy the different attractions around the lake. Favourite places to visit include the World of Beatrix Potter, Ambleside Museum, and the small towns and villages around the lake. Parking is available near the main piers, and private charter cruises can be pre-booked for groups. If you drive from your hotel, park at Lakeside, Bowness or Ambleside.
For more information, e-mail info@windermere-lakecruises.co.uk or check out www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
3.Coniston Launch
If you want to transport yourself back to the 1920s, take a trip aboard the Coniston Launch ferries, which run a service to 7 jetties, including Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin. The solar-electric powered ferries offer a unique and environmentally friendly way of enjoying breathtaking views over Coniston Water, and the informative crew will run a commentary throughout. Of you prefer, take the boat one way and walk back along the lake side foot paths. Special cruises include ´Swallows and Amazons´, ´Campbells on Coniston´ which includes a comprehensive talk about the speed record attempts in the 1930s, or you can even charter a private launch if you prefer. The launch runs throughout the year, with restricted sailings, subject to weather in December and January.
For more information, contact: info@conferry.co.uk or check out www.conistonlaunch.co.uk.
4.Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
Steam trains run a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside, through the Leven Valley, and connections are also available with Windermere Lake Cruises. Visitors can enjoy a restaurant, engine sheds, souvenir shop, picnic area, plus see exhibits of steam and diesel locomotives. The trains run from 27th March to 31st October, 2010, Monday to Sunday, 10.40am to 4.15pm.
For more information contact: l.hr@btconnect.com or check out www.lakesiderailway.co.uk
5.The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Each locomotive, including the oldest working 15" gauge engine in the world, River Irt, travel some 6,000 miles per year. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway continues to attract thousands of visitors every year, and offers cafés and gift shops at both ends of the line. Visitors can also hire cycles and enjoy Wainwright-inspired walks, plus kids can enjoy a new adventure play area at Dalegarth. Opening times vary, according to the season, and all the facilities are open when the trains are running.
For more information, check out the website: www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk or e-mail: steam@ravenglass-railway.co.uk.
6.The Fellsman
The Fellsman offers visitors to the Lake District a scenic steam-hauled return journey over the Settle to Carlisle railway on board the incredible Fellsman vintage train. Departing between July 28th and September 8th, 2010,operating on Wednesdays from Lancaster, Preston, Bamber Bridge, Blackburn, Clitheroe and Long Preston, and also offering visitors a full day travelling through the Yorkshire Dales, over the Ribblehead Viaduct, this is one of the most popular train journeys in the county. Visitors also have time to sightsee in the fascinating Cumbria towns of Appleby and Carlisle. Reserved seating is available in standard class and first class, and a buffet car is also open, with premier dining available for passengers who want breakfast or dinner en route.
For more information or to book online with a discount, e-mail reservations@statesmanrail.com or visit www.statesmanrail.com
7.South Tynedale Railway
You can buy your ticket in the restored Victorian station building and ride through the amazing countryside of the South Tyne valley. The trains are hauled by preserved steam and diesel engines. The return journey transports you to Kirkhaugh in 45 minutes, but if you want to explore the countryside or stop for some lunch, you can always take a later train back. Although Kirkhaugh Station has no road access, Alston Station has refreshments, a gift shop, plus car and coach parks and toilets.
For more information, including times and prices, check out www.strps.org.uk or e-mail: strps@hotmail.com
8.Windermere buses
Just a mile from the shores of Windermere, the longest lake in England, the town of Windermere offers visitors a wealth of great things to see and do.
Buses to and through Windermere include:
Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston.
Langdale Rambler 516 Windermere - Ambleside - Dungeon Ghyll.
Kirkstone Rambler 517 Bowness - Windermere - Glenridding.
Kentmere Rambler 519 Ambleside - Windermere - Staveley - Kentmere.
LakesLink 555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Keswick - Carlisle.
Open Top Experience 599 Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere.
618 Ambleside - Windermere - Ulverston - Barrow.
X8/X9 Preston - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Keswick. (summer service only).
For more detailed information, check out: www.traveline.org.uk or enquiries@traveline.demon.co.uk
9.Keswick buses
Keswick is one of the most attractive and popular market towns in the Lake District, easy access to the town is offered with a range of bus links from other parts of the county. Keswick buses to and from the town include:
X4/X5 Workington - Cockermouth - Keswick - Penrith.
Caldbeck Rambler 73/73A Carlisle/Keswick - Caldbeck - Keswick.
Honiston Rambler 77/77A Keswick - Buttermere - Keswick.
78 Keswick - Seatoller.
74 Osprey Bus Whinlatter -Dodd Wood
86 Keswick - Portinscale - Keswick.
Ullswater Connexion 208 Keswick - Patterdale.
LakesLink 555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Keswick - Carlisle.
888 Newcastle - Alston - Keswick.
X4 Penrith - Keswick - Workington.
X5 Penrith - Keswick - Workington.
X8 Preston - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Keswick.
For more information, access: www.traveline.org.uk/index.htm
10.Buses to and through Cockermouth
If you want to visit the birthplace of William Wordsworth, or enjoy Cockermouth for its rivers, castle and wide range of attractions, it is easily accessible by bus. Routes include:
35 Workington - Cockermouth - Slatefell.
36 Workington - Cockermouth - Keswick.
58 Cockermouth - Maryport.
217 Cockermouth - Cleator Moor.
219 Cockermouth - Cleator Moor.
263 Maryport - Workington - Cockermouth - Buttermere - Ennerdale.
600 Carlisle - Cockermouth.
949 Cockermouth - Lorton - Buttermere.
951 Cockermouth - Aspatria - Fletchertown.
X4 Penrith - Keswick - Workington.
X5 Penrith - Keswick - Workington.
Whether you decide to explore the Lake District on by bus, train or boat, you won´t be disappointed, and you can even combine all three to make the most of the fantastic travel links in the lakes. Alternatively, explore the magnificent lakeside fells by foot, and take a boat, bus or train back to your hotel, to make the most of this incredible region.
