Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District – all without breaking the bank! The Lake District is famously known for boasting breathtaking vistas, serene lakes, and charming villages that have long captivated the hearts of visitors from all around the globe. You can explore the Lake District for just £2 when you jump on a Stagecoach-operated bus service.
Stagecoach launched their national £2 single fare scheme (valid until 31st December 2024) in a bid to make transportation more sustainable. When more people opt to use public transport, there are less cars in use which means less greenhouse gas emissions.
With the Lake District being home to remote areas, these bus routes are a fantastic service those who would like to explore locations that are a bit further out. Whether you are a non-driver, you fancy an alcoholic beverage or two, or you simply want to avoid the nightmare that is trying to find a parking space in the Lake District, it is now a brilliantly affordable option!
What’s more – with three of our hotels located in central Keswick, two in the Borrowdale Valley and one in Glenridding, ALL our hotels are now linked by bus routes, meaning it has never been easier to visit us!
So, what are the most popular Lake District bus routes?
Ullswater Hopper Bus: UB1 & 509
After a successful pilot year, the Ullswater Hopper Bus has returned for another year! There are two buses, UB1 and 509, running on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays. This route will stop at destinations such as Pooley Bridge, Lowther Castle, Ullswater Steamers, Aira Force, Howtown, Keswick, Penrith and Glenridding.
What can you get up to near Ullswater?
The Inn on the Lake is just 3 minutes’ walk from Glenridding bus stop! The hotel is based in an unrivalled location with picturesque views of Ullswater that you simply can’t find anywhere else.
Find luxury in the newly renovated bedrooms that radiate opulence and offer a cosy, yet stylish, place to rest your head. With a plethora of dining options, you simply cannot get bored – whether you’re in the mood for some casual pub grub, a spot of fine dining, a delicate afternoon tea, or indulging in some alfresco dining, we have something for all preferences!
Ullswater eBikes: Ullswater eBikes was created to allow visitors to get off the beaten track and explore the Southern end of Ullswater. Relax and enjoy your holiday with the convenience of having your e-bike delivered directly to your accommodation or pick up in Glenridding
Ullswater Steamers: Located right round the corner from the Inn on the Lake, hop aboard an Ullswater Steamer, offering one of the Lake District’s most picturesque cruises. With over 160 years of operating cruises on Ullswater, and one of the largest heritage boat fleets in the world, you can take advantage of this unforgettable experience 363 days a year, with connections to iconic Lake District landmarks.
St Patrick’s Boat Landing: St Patrick’s Boats offer a fun boat hire experience for up to six people. If you can drive a car, you can drive a motorboat – why not hire one and enjoy a unique activity in one of the most stunning areas of the Lake District?
Rookin House: A unique destination guaranteeing family fun, Rookin House Activity centre offers a plethora of activities such as horse riding, quad biking, archery, clay pigeon shooting and so much more… The centre has a commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for families, making Rookin House an ideal destination for those looking to escape the ordinary and immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the Lake District.
Lake District Paddleboarding: Lake District Paddleboarding is the Lake District’s first dedicated Stand-Up Paddle Boarding provider, offering introductory paddle boarding lessons on Derwentwater, Ullswater, Coniston Water and Windermere. Inn on the Lake is proud to offer private lakeshore access for all your paddleboarding, water sport and wild swimming needs. Derwentwater is also easily accessible from the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa.
The 78 bus runs along the Borrowdale Valley between Keswick and Seatoller daily (including public holidays), with regular departure times that happen at least once an hour. This service runs from 8:10am, with the final bus returning to Keswick Bus Station at 20:28pm. Ensure you are prepared; check the timetable online prior to embarking upon your adventure.
What can you get up to in the Borrowdale Valley?
Be one of the first to experience the newly reimagined Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa! After just reopening in early March following a revitalising update on the hotel exterior and whole ground floor, the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa has a new lease of life that oozes modern light and style. There is much to experience at this one location; relax and feel revitalized in the Falls Spa, delight in some delicious pan Asian cuisine in Mizu, grab a refreshing beverage or light bite in our beautifully reinvented bar or dog lounge, and indulge in a mouthwatering menu in the remarkable new Falls Brasserie.
2023 saw the Borrowdale Hotel receive a modern makeover that still pays homage to its historic character. It is a beloved, local establishment with a unique array of spaces tailored to fit a variety of preferences. From fine dining in the beautiful Restaurant, to a delicate Afternoon Tea in the Conservatory and Bar, there are options sure to satisfy everyone. Here, you will always find a warm welcome…and a cosy fireside to relax by at the end of a long, busy day.
What’s more – when you book an Afternoon Tea during April & May 2024, you will receive a FREE glass of fizz!
Keswick Launch: Enjoy a lake cruise on one of the Keswick Launches and experience the beauty of Derwentwater with breathtaking views of the surrounding fells. Enjoy special views of Skiddaw, England’s fourth highest mountain, Catbells, and the ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’. With the Launch stopping at Keswick and Lodore jetty, it is the ideal way to explore Derwentwater from our hotels.
The Falls Spa: One of the Lake District’s finest Spa hotels. Overlooking Derwentwater, it is the perfect place to relax, and immerse yourself in a world of natural beauty. Where your senses reawaken, where pristine waterfalls, freshwater lakes and imposing mountains frame your wellbeing journey. Where the outdoors seamlessly blend with the spa interior. A space to go offline, to reset and recharge.
Lunch at the Borrowdale Hotel: If you are looking for somewhere to catch up with loved ones and enjoy a spot of lunch, the Borrowdale Hotel is the perfect place to visit. Enjoy fine dining in the Restaurant, casual light bites in the Bar and Conservatory, or when the weather is glorious you can even indulge in some alfresco dining in the beautiful garden.
Afternoon Tea at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa: If you are partial to the sweet and savoury treats that traditional Afternoon Tea has to offer, the newly reimagined Falls Brasserie is a beautiful location to enjoy it. Offering beautiful views over Derwentwater and surrounding views, the Falls Brasserie offers a serene setting to relax, take stock and catch up with loved ones.
If you can’t part with your four-legged friend, we are more than happy for you to enjoy Afternoon Tea in our dog friendly side lounge.
Mizu: If you’re a fan of dining out in the Lake District but crave a new culinary experience, look no further than Mizu! Right in the heart of the Lake District, Mizu offers a unique take on restaurant dining. With a diverse menu drawing inspiration from Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisines, prepared by our talented team of chefs using only the freshest ingredients, Mizu promises to tantalise your taste buds and awaken your senses.
If you’re staying in the South Lakes, don’t worry – you haven’t been left out!
There is a bus route that runs from Kendal up to Keswick which makes stops in Windermere, Bowness, Brockhole, Ambleside and Grasmere meaning you can get anywhere you’d like when you explore the Lake District.
What can you get up to in Keswick?
Derwent Pencil Museum: Did you know that Keswick is home to the first pencil created? Discover the journey of this seemingly simple object, including World War II pencils with hidden maps, Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee pencil, and much more!
Theatre by the Lake: Showcasing incredible local and international talent, Theatre by the Lake is the home of Cumbrian performance. Welcoming and presenting the voices of minorities via the Moonlight Collective and Thick Skin Theatre, as well as presenting comforting classics like the Nutcracker and the Borrowers, Theatre by the Lake is an elegant addition to your Lake District visit.
Puzzling Place: The Puzzling Place is a small but mighty Keswick attraction. Why get regular family pictures when you can get pictures of yourselves upside down, squashed, or freakishly tall?! The home of optical illusions and magical demonstrations of physics, the Puzzling Place offers an incredible experience for all the family. We’re confident you won’t find anything like it!
Lake District Wildlife Park: Silly mouse, didn’t you know? There’s no such thing as a Gruffalo! Whinlatter Forest proves this wrong. England’s only true mountain forest, Whinlatter forest has something to offer everyone. Mountain biking, energising hikes, rare wildlife, and a Gruffalo trail! Whinlatter Forest really is the ideal location for families and solo visitors. And for those wanting to go wild, why not GoApe? Swing, soar and fly throughout the trees as part of this exciting outdoor adventure activity that gets you up close with nature.
The cost and how to redeem:
- Single Fares are capped at £2.
- Returns are capped at £4.
- Under 5s ride for FREE.
- Tickets can be bought on board the bus with either cash or card. You may also use the Stagecoach website and app.
