Best place to stay in the Lake District without a car
Whether it’s to cut your carbon, the stress, or your spending, leaving the car at home is a surprisingly easy way to visit anywhere in the Lakes… So long as you adapt to it’s more relaxed timetable.
There are lots of other ways to see the Lake District than by car, if you feel like taking a break from doing the driving then check out these alternate modes of transport!
Where to stay in Lake District if your leaving the car at home
Staying in the Lake District without a car is entirely feasible, thanks to its well-connected public transport network and a variety of towns and villages that cater to visitors. Here are some of the best places to stay (all linked by the central 555 bus route) where you can easily explore the area:
Keswick
- Why Keswick?: Keswick is a vibrant market town with plenty of amenities, shops, and restaurants. It’s also a hub for outdoor activities and has excellent public transport connections.
- Things to Do: Explore Derwentwater, visit the Keswick Museum, or hike up Skiddaw. Enjoy a walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path.
- Transport Links: Regular buses connect Keswick to Penrith (for trains), as well as other Lake District towns.
Ambleside
- Why Ambleside?: Located at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is a picturesque town with charming streets and plenty of accommodation options.
- Things to Do: Take a boat trip on Lake Windermere, visit the Armitt Museum, or hike to Stock Ghyll Force waterfall.
- Transport Links: Frequent buses run to Windermere (train station), Grasmere, and Keswick.
Windermere/Bowness-on-Windermere
- Why Windermere?: Windermere town and its neighbour Bowness-on-Windermere are popular tourist destinations with a variety of shops, cafes, and attractions.
- Things to Do: Visit the World of Beatrix Potter, enjoy a cruise on Lake Windermere, or explore Orrest Head for panoramic views.
- Transport Links: Windermere has a train station with direct services to Manchester and connections to other parts of the UK. Buses run to Ambleside, Keswick, and beyond.
Grasmere
- Why Grasmere?: Known for its literary connections to William Wordsworth, Grasmere is a quaint village surrounded by stunning scenery.
- Things to Do: Visit Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum, explore Grasmere Lake, or hike the nearby fells.
- Transport Links: Buses connect Grasmere to Ambleside, Windermere, and Keswick.
What’s it like, visiting the Lake District without a car?
As I’m usually the designated driver, I find that travelling by public transport allows me to relax and enjoy the journey far more than when I drive. Without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads, or finding parking, I can sit back with friends and family as we all sit together to enjoy the sights.
The Lake District’s public transport network
Its easy to move between towns and attractions though, it can be an exercise learning to go with the flow. Busses aren’t always exactly on time but, once they’re through the traffic you’d have been stuck in if you were driving, you’ll be on your way and, in the summer season the buses on the mail routes run every 20 minutes.
Using buses, trains, and boats also reduces my carbon footprint. It helps me feel that I’m preserving the natural beauty of the area for future generations.
Discover hidden gems
When not tied to a car I find you’re more likely to discover the fantastic walking and cycling paths, and exploring these routes on foot or by bike gives a more intimate experience of the landscape. I often stumble upon hidden gems that I might miss if I were driving.
Travelling by car can feel like stepping in to a bubble away from everything going on in the area to transport yourself to the next destination. Public transport encourages me to engage more with the local culture. I get to interact with fellow travellers and locals on public transport, which often leads to interesting conversations and insights about the area. It also means I can support local businesses more directly, whether it’s hiring a bike, taking a guided tour, or simply spending time in local cafes and shops.
Finally, there’s a sense of freedom and adventure in travelling without a car. Each day feels like a new opportunity to explore, with the flexibility to change plans on a whim without worrying about where to park or how long I can stay. It turns my holiday into a more spontaneous and enriching experience, where the journey becomes as enjoyable as the destination.
So! Have we convinced you? Do you…
Fancy taking a different mode of transport around the Lakes?
It depends on where you want to go and where you base yourself, but with a little planning you can usually get where you need to go – that being said, traffic jams in popular places will still be an issue, especially during the summer months, but at least you can enjoy the scenery and you won’t have to worry about finding a parking space when you get to where you’re going!
Getting around the Lakes by bus
The bus network around the Lakes is pretty comprehensive, with connections to all the major hubs. And the good news is, single fares are capped at £2 until the end of December 2024.
Hop onto the trusty 555 and you can even travel from the north of the county to the south.
Take a Private Minibus Tour
You could also book onto a private minibus tour – Mountain Goat runs a variety of routes.
Hire e-bikes
Or hire e-bikes to get around. Check out the National Park or Visit Lake District websites for lots more information on how to go car-free while you’re staying here.
Enjoy your stay, and don’t forget to drop us a line if we can help you with anything to do with your visit to the Lake District this summer.
By Lake Cruise
A very scenic way to see the Lakes is by boat. Windermere Lake Cruises sail every day except Christmas Day on England’s largest lake, Windermere.
To go from one end to the other, you can hop on at Lakeside and cruise all the way to Ambleside where you can hop off, enjoy a drink and some food in one of the many pubs and cafe’s, then make your way back to where you started.
Each cruise includes a fascinating commentary on the history, attractions and points of interest surrounding Windermere.
Hire a Taxi
Travelling the picturesque Lake District by taxi offers a serene and tailored journey through its breathtaking landscapes. The convenience of a taxi allows for spontaneous stops along the way where you can take in the scenery or explore historic landmarks.
There are plenty of local taxi firms to choose from, make sure to book in advance.
Discover more of the Lake District
With weekly articles highlighting the very best of the Lake District, there’s always something to get you inspired for your next trip!
If you’d like to be the first to hear of our guides, all our new property listings, events around the lakes, and our last-minute deals…
6 Walks in Coniston
Lakeside strolls, challenging climbs, scrambles, serene valleys, industrial remains, vast caverns, flooded quarries… Coniston has them all!
Ambleside boat trips and water sports
You can’t visit the Lakes without taking to the water at some point. And, one of the best ways to see the spectacular scenery is from a boat!
Hawkshead’s delicious cafés and restaurants
If hunger strikes when you’re wandering through Hawkshead, you’ll be spoilt for choice with everything from cosy pubs to traditional tearooms
Events in Ambleside
There’s always lots going on in bustling Ambleside – it is one of the most visited places in the Lake District, after all!
Places to eat in the Lake District
The Cumbrian food scene has never been tastier – with an abundance of incredible local ingredients on the doorstep
Staveley Restaurants
Staveley offers plenty of food and drink options but, with no restaurants in the village, eating out in the evenings is bit more limited
