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P.ublished 2nd May 2026
travel

Things To Do By Bus This Spring In The Lakes

Stagecoach Lakes  Summer
Stagecoach Lakes Summer
Spring is the perfect time to discover the Lake District, and Stagecoach is inviting everyone across Cumbria and Lancashire to make the journey by bus. Travelling by bus is not only convenient and affordable but also one of the best ways to sit back, relax and soak up the stunning scenery as you explore this world-famous region.

From breathtaking lake views to charming villages and bustling market towns, the Lake District is bursting with things to see and do this season - and Stagecoach makes it easy to reach them all. The new Lakes by Bus summer timetable connects visitors to the area’s highlights, offering flexible and scenic routes that let you enjoy every moment of your spring adventure without the worry of parking or traffic.

Planning your perfect day out is simple using the Stagecoach website or the Stagecoach Bus app. Plus, with free travel for pensioners using a NoW card and fares capped at just £3 for a single fare for everyone else, exploring the Lakes by bus has never been better value.

Donald-Campbells-Bluebird-K7
Donald-Campbells-Bluebird-K7
Bluebird K7 Festival, Coniston
Bus route: 505

A week-long celebration from 11-17 May at the Coniston Boating Centre, Lake Road, Coniston marking the 70th anniversary of Donald Campbell's first water speed record on Coniston Water. The event will feature the jet-powered hydroplane, Bluebird K7, returning to the water for demonstration runs - weather permitting. More info here


KeswickMountainFestival 
Photo:  Paul Mitchell
KeswickMountainFestival Photo: Paul Mitchell
Keswick Mountain Festival, Keswick
Bus route: 77/77A, 78, 509, 553, 554, 555, X4/X5 to Keswick

Keswick Mountain Festival returns from 15-17 May, bringing a weekend packed with outdoor adventure and entertainment. The festival blends mountain sports, live music, inspirational speakers, leading outdoor brands, and a wide range of food and drink. With 16 sporting events including trail running, hiking, open water swimming, road cycling, triathlon and adventure racing, there’s something to suit every level of adventurer. More info here


derwenwater-lake-cruises-4-1200x800 - photo Keswick Launch company
derwenwater-lake-cruises-4-1200x800 - photo Keswick Launch company
Bus & Boat Ticket
Bus route: Various routes into Bowness-on-Windermere, Coniston, Keswick and Ullswater

For a relaxing way to explore, hop aboard one of the iconic steamers or launches across four of the Lake District’s most beautiful waters. Combined bus and boat tickets from Stagecoach Group are available for Coniston Water, Derwentwater, Ullswater and Lake Windermere, making it easy to enjoy a scenic day out. More info here


Windermere Fell Foot 
Photo:  Harry Atkinson
Windermere Fell Foot Photo: Harry Atkinson
Fell Foot, Newby Bridge, Ulverston
Bus route: 6 or X6

So much to do at Fell Foot National Trust park this spring - visit the boathouse cafe, enjoy watersports including rowboat, kayak or paddleboard hire, take part in a Parkrun or explore the many nature trails. More info here


Lakeland Motor Museum, Backbarrow, Ulverston
Bus route: 6 & X6

Explore this unique collection of 30,000 exhibits including 140 classic cars and motorbikes. But the Museum isn’t just about cars - there are also period shop and history displays, fashion, a 1920s garage and a 1950s cafe. More info here


Castlerigg Stone Circle
Photo:  English Heritage
Castlerigg Stone Circle Photo: English Heritage
Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick
Bus route: 77/77A, 78, 509, 553, 554, 555, X4/X5 to Keswick

One of the most famous sights in Cumbria, this landmark is a must visit for anyone coming to the county this month. The ring of 38 standing stones, dating back around 4,500 years ago, is set against the stunning backdrop of Helvellyn and High Seat. More info here


Rookin House
Photo: Rookin-House
Rookin House Photo: Rookin-House
Rookin House, Ullswater
Bus route: 509

This adventure venue is the only one in the Lake District National Park who offer such a wide variety of activities including horse riding, quad biking and clay pigeon shooting plus more unusual ones including human bowling and the Argo Cat Off Road Experience. More info here


Honister Slate Mine, Borrowdale 
Photo: visitlakedistrict
Honister Slate Mine, Borrowdale Photo: visitlakedistrict
Honister Slate Mine, Borrowdale
Bus route: 77 & 77A

Looking for some adventure this spring? Test your nerve on the Infinity Bridge at Honister Slate Mine, or step things up with the Via Ferrata Classic or Extreme. Best suited to families with older children, the site also offers underground mine tours, combining history with high-energy challenges for a memorable day out. More info here


Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite
Bus route: 77 & 77A

Give orienteering a go at Whinlatter this spring - a map-reading challenge for all abilities. The aim is to navigate between control points using an orienteering map, with competitive participants racing to complete the course in the fastest time. Routes range from easy ones around the visitor centre to more challenging courses heading deeper into the forest. More info here