Visiting 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!
Fancy taking a different mode of transport around the Lakes?
Leaving the car behind can be easy but, it can depend 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.
And remember, it doesn’t matter what vehicle you’re in, traffic jams in popular places will still be an issue, especially during the summer months but, at least if your on public transport, you can enjoy the scenery, and you wonāt have to worry about finding a parking space when you get to where youāre 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 Ā£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.
Park and explore
Parking and bus ticket for Ā£18 for 5 people!
Combining the convenience of driving to a central location, with the freedom for the driver to then sit back and enjoy the rest of the journeys for the day.
Park up, pay at the ticket machine (on the day of travel) by cash or card and pick up two tickets, use one to display in your car window and another which you will need to show to your bus driver.
Take a Private Minibus Tour
You could also book onto a private minibus tour ā Mountain Goat runs a variety of routes.
Hire e-bikes
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 youāre staying here.
Enjoy your stay, and donāt 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 (where you’ll find the Lakes Aquarium and the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway where you can travel by steam train) and cruise all the way to Ambleside, stopping along the way to 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.
You can even combine your boat ticket with the busses.
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 breath taking landscapes.
The convenience of a taxi allows for spontaneous stops along the way where you can take in the scenery or explore historic landmarks.
For those visiting us from the cities, there’re no ride share apps active in the area. If you’re after a convenient online booking experience, Lakeside Taxis has their own app you can download to make bookings during your stay, and they’re pet friendly (dogs travel for free).
There are plenty of local taxi firms to choose from but, where possible, make sure to book in advance as they can get busy.
Hire a car
By combining traveling by public transport, and hiring an electric car for your Lake District holiday, you can enjoy the ease and eco-benefits of public transport for getting to and around key areas, while having the flexibility of an electric car for specific excursions or areas less served by public routes, all while minimizing your environmental impact.
North Lakes Car Share
Sustainable Keswick and Hiyacar operate this community-based scheme.
You can rent one of three cars in Keswick for short-term use.
Co-Wheels
Find Co-Wheels car club vehicles at Oxenholme Station and Windermere Station.
Register before your visit to receive a smart card. You can then book an electric car online, use your smart card to unlock it, and drive. At the end of the month, you’ll be billed for your hires.
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 Districtās 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 precisely 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. In the summer season the buses on the main routes run every 20 minutes so you’re never waiting long.
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.
Parking and transport options around the Lake District
Accessible walks in the lake district
Exploring the Lake District with mobility issues is becoming increasingly accessible, with initiatives and resources to cater to your needs
Keswick car parks – when and whereĀ canĀ IĀ park?Ā
Keswick is the most popular tourist destination in the northern Lake District so, as you might expect, parking is at a premium
Finding a Lake District parking place and other transport tips
Check out these alternate ways to get around or the best places to get parked once you reach your destination town or village.
Looking forĀ Parking in Coniston?
Itās an age-old problem in the Lake District. Where can I park? Itās a beautiful place so everybody wants to come. And most people drive..
Parking In Windermere – When and WhereĀ canĀ IĀ park?Ā
Itās beautiful here so everybody wants to come. Which means it gets busy, so parking is at a premium and itās not cheap
Hawkshead Parking – 2 places to find a space
Hawkshead village centre is a car-free zone, however there are still a couple of car parks and ways to get into and around the village!
Keswick transport & getting around
Getting parked or ditching the car and jumping on public transport? Here’s our guide to get you travelling around Keswick, hassle free
Lake District boat trips and Watersports
It is the Lakes, so it would be a rum do if you didnāt spend some of your time on the water. Hereās a few ways you can get off dry land.
Grasmere Parking – Where you can park, and when
Where to park? Because itās so beautiful, everybody wants to come. Fear not, though ā here’s our guide to parking in Grasmere
Lake Windermere boat trips and boat hire
You canāt visit Windermere without taking to the water, itās one the best ways to see all that spectacular scenery that surrounds the lake
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