Make The Most Of Summer With 10 Things To Do In North Cumbria – And All By Bus

While the weather may not have realised it yet, summer is here and the long school holidays will soon be upon us. Some families will relish it, while others might be wondering how best to keep the children occupied whatever the weather.

Thanks to Stagecoach, you can still hop on board a bus and travel anywhere in the county for just £2 per person one way, with the added bonus that up to three children under the age of five can travel for free. Children aged five to 15 can also benefit from a discounted rate opening up the options for new adventures this summer. From fabulous days out in the fresh air, to indoor activities to help rainy days pass, we’ve come up with 10 of our favourite activities to do by bus in North Cumbria and they won’t break the bank.

So banish the boredom and create lasting memories with our handy guide to all the fun on your doorstep.

For anyone looking for extra advice on making the most of ditching their car, Stagecoach have also put together a fantastic guide to getting around the Lakes by bus.

Carlisle Cathedral Photo: Stagecoach

Carlisle Cathedral
Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle
Bus stops: Carlisle Bus Station / Carlisle Market Hall
Take a trip back in time at Carlisle Cathedral and explore 900 years of history. Explore its grandeur with a free children's trail, full of puzzles and secrets to uncover. Marvel at the vibrant stained glass windows and unique starlight ceiling and then relax in the peaceful gardens afterwards and refuel at the award-winning cafe. It's both fun and educational and, best of all, it is free. Once home, don’t forget to head online and download free colouring sheets, to recreate the cathedral and its splendour at home.
More info here

Whinlatter Forest Photo: Stagecoach

Whinlatter Forest
Bus Route: 77 & 77A
Bus stop: Whinlatter Visitor Centre
Whinlatter Forest, England's only mountain forest, offers outdoor fun for all the family. Free activities see children hunt the Gruffalo sculptures hidden along the Gruffalo Party Trail, before burning off energy at the Wild Play Trail which boasts slides, climbing frames, and even water play. If you’re feeling adventurous, then why not book to try Go Ape's zip lines or rent bikes for a family cycle adventure. Finish it off with a tasty ice cream or luxury hot chocolate in the on-site café.
More info here

Honister Slate Mine_ Borrowdale Photo: Stagecoach

Honister Slate Mine, Borrowdale
Bus route: 77, 77A, 77C
Bus stops: Honister Slate Mine
Whether you are enjoying a rare moment of Cumbria in the sun or looking for a rainy day activity, Honister has it all. For the bravest families, why not take on the infinity bridge or even the stomach-dropping Via Ferrata – neither for the faint-hearted. Alternatively, head inside for a fascinating underground mine tour or even climb the mine itself. Whatever the weather, Honister boasts exciting and challenging activities to keep everyone entertained.
More info here

Aira Force Photo: visitcumbria.com

Aira Force
Bus route: 508, 509 & UB1
Bus stops: Matterdale, Aira Force. The bus stop is right in front of the Aira Force Car Park
Aira Force is a family favourite for people of all ages and abilities. Enjoy a walk through the lush forest, stopping at stunning stone bridges to marvel at the waterfalls. Follow easy paths suitable for all ages, and make a game to see how many red squirrels you can spot hiding in the trees. Pack a picnic lunch or treat yourself in the café at the bottom. Afterwards, why not go stone skimming on Ullswater?
More information here.

Latrigg Photo: Lake District National Park

Latrigg
Bus route: Multiple services into Keswick
Bus stops: Keswick bus station
This mini mountain is the perfect climb for young explorers. Short enough for little legs (just a few miles), the hike offers stunning views of Derwentwater at the top. It's a great introduction to the Cumbrian fells, with a sense of achievement and a vista to take your breath away at the summit. Pack a picnic and make a day of it, spotting sheep and birds along the way. Latrigg is a fun and easy climb that the whole family can enjoy.
More info here

Keswick Photo: Lake District National Park

A day out with the kids to Keswick
Bus route: Multiple services into Keswick
Bus stops: Keswick bus station
Hop on board the bus for just £2 per person, and head to Keswick where you will be spoilt for choice with activities. Sail across Derwentwater on a traditional wooden launch, run around Fitz Park, tackle ghyll scrambling or head into the town centre to explore an abundance of shops and cafés. If you’re looking to head indoors you can choose from the Puzzling Place or the Pencil Museum as just two of Keswick’s assortment of indoor attractions.
More info here

Ullswater Steamers Photo: Lake District National Park

Bus and boat ticket for Ullswater
Bus route: 508, 509 & UB1
Bus stops: Pooley Bridge, Pooley Bridge Inn
Enjoy a family adventure on Ullswater. Stagecoach's bus and boat ticket whisks you on a fun-filled day. Explore charming villages by bus, then set sail for breathtaking views aboard a historic Ullswater Steamer. Spot soaring fells reflected in the water, and keep an eye out for playful otters. The ticket lets you hop on and off at different piers, making it easy to find a perfect picnic spot or visit lakeside attractions.
More info here

Silloth Beach-Allerdale Photo: Stagecoach

A day out in Silloth
Bus route: 400
Bus stops: The Green, Silloth
Build sandcastles on the vast, sandy beach or explore the rock pools teeming with sea creatures. Should the wind pick up – and it is Cumbria after all – then why not try flying a kite or even take on the waves with a surfing lesson. Silloth's promenade is ideal for family bike rides or scooter races with an ice cream stop along the way. History buffs can explore the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or unwind in charming cafes and traditional pubs. Just don’t forget the chippy tea at the end of the day.
More info here

Head to the Beacon in Whitehaven for The World of Peter Rabbit storytime trail
Bus route: 1, 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 29, 30
Bus stop: Lowther Street & Strand Street
Jump on board a bus for just £2 and immerse yourself in the classic Beatrix Potter story, Peter Rabbit, at a showcase planned at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven. The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail is a celebration of one of Potter’s most famous stories, and runs until Monday, September 1. Children can crawl under the garden gate, hide in a watering can and see their reflection in a mirror pool, just like Peter Rabbit.
More info here

Tullie House Image by Wolfgang Claussen from Pixabay

Tullie House: Backing the Blues exhibition
Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle
Bus stops: Carlisle Bus Station / Carlisle Market Hall
While Tullie House museum and gardens may be closed until autumn for major refurbishment, it will partially open its doors this summer for a very special exhibition. Backing the Blues: 120 Years of Carlisle United opens its doors on July 20 and encourages families and fans to celebrate the legacy of Carlisle United. From being able to see Jimmy Glass’ blessed boots, watching behind-the-scenes cine film from past decades, or reading rare collections of letters and artefacts from Blues’ fans and players, it is something no CUFC fan should miss. Entry will only be via the Annetwell Street entrance.
More info here