Visiting the Lake District without a car is entirely possible, especially if you base yourself in one of the towns with good rail and bus connections. Public transport is well-developed in the main tourist areas, and many of the most famous lakes, villages, and walking routes are accessible by train, bus, and boat.
Getting There
From most parts of the UK, the easiest rail gateways are:
- Oxenholme Lake District – on the West Coast Main Line, with connections to Windermere.
- Penrith – convenient for the northern lakes.
- Windermere – the main rail-served tourist hub.
From nearby Birmingham, direct and connecting trains typically reach Windermere in around 2.5–3.5 hours.
Best Places to Base Yourself
Windermere / Bowness-on-Windermere
Best overall choice for first-time visitors.
Advantages:
- Direct train access.
- Frequent buses to Ambleside, Grasmere, Keswick, and Coniston.
- Lake cruises depart from Bowness.
- Plenty of accommodation and restaurants.
Ambleside
Ideal for walkers.
Advantages:
- Central location.
- Excellent bus connections.
- Walking routes begin directly from town.
Keswick
Great for dramatic scenery and outdoor activities.
Advantages:
- Access to Derwentwater.
- Excellent hiking.
- Frequent buses to Penrith and surrounding valleys.
Getting Around
Bus Network
The Lake District’s bus services connect most major destinations:
- Windermere ↔ Ambleside ↔ Grasmere ↔ Keswick
- Ambleside ↔ Coniston
- Keswick ↔ Penrith
Many visitors use buses exclusively throughout their stay.
Lake Cruises
Boats can save considerable walking and provide spectacular views.
Popular services operate on:
- Lake Windermere
- Derwentwater
- Ullswater
