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Lake District Travel Information

Cumbria and the Lake District is so easy to get to, via train, bus, plane, ferry or car. There is plenty of easy access which ever way you choose to travel

The Lake District is located in the county of Cumbria, in northern England, and is easily accessible by train, plane, coach, bus, ferry, or car. The paragraphs below highlight ways of arranging your travel with estimated journey times.

By Rail
The UK has an excellent rail network including both an east coast and west coast main line rail service running from London to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Most major towns, cities, airports and ferry ports are connected to the rail network. The west coast line skirts the eastern edge of the Lake District calling at Kendal, Penrith and Carlisle. Connecting services travel onwards into the heart of the Lake District. Generally rail services in the UK run efficiently with the majority of trains running on time. But visitors need to be aware that engineering work can disrupt timetables, especially on Sundays and national (bank) holidays. Also not all trains have dining facilities – so check before you travel. It is also advisable to reserve seats in advance as many trains can get very full.
For all the help you need to plan your train journey to the Lake District try www.thetrainline.com Or call national rail enquires on +44 (0)8457 48 49 50.

Typical journey times by rail from:
• Manchester – less than 1 and 1/2 hours
• Birmingham – less than 2 and 1/2 hours
• London – less than 4 hours
• Newcastle – less than 3 hours
• Edinburgh – less than 4 hours

By Road
The UK’s comprehensive network of motorways, dual carriageways and ‘A’ roads means that Lake District can easily be reached by car. Visitors should be aware that some of the more popular locations in the Lake District can get congested at busy times, and some of the roads are quite narrow ,winding and steep – however the views are spectacular.

Typical journey times by car to the Lakes from:
• Manchester – approx 1 and ½ hours
• Birmingham – approx 2 and ½ hours
• London – approx 5 hours
• Newcastle – approx 2 and ½ hours
• Edinburgh – approx 4 and ½ hours

The above figures are assuming reasonably free flowing traffic. At busy times (e.g. 08.00 – 09.30, 15.30 – 17.30 and each Friday afternoon) allow additional time for congestion and traffic hold-ups)

By Air
The Lake District is served by a number of airports however Manchester is the most convenient airport to fly into to quickly access the Lakes. However, if you are hiring a car Newcastle, Glasgow, Liverpool, Humberside, Teesside and East Midlands are all within easy driving distance.

Airport links
Manchester Airport
Newcastle Airport
Glasgow Airport
Liverpool Airport
Humberside Airport
Durham Tees Valley Airport
Nottingham East Midlands Airport

By Coach
Scheduled coach services run throughout Britain including to Cumbria and the Lake District. Although one of the slower forms of transport it usually has the advantage of being a ‘door to door’ service in relative comfort. For all the help you need to plan your journey by coach and buy your tickets contact www.nationalexpress.co.uk
Or phone +44(0)8705 0 80 80.

Typical coach times from :
• Manchester – approx 3 and 1/2 hours
• Birmingham – approx 4 and 1/2 hours
• London – approx 7 and ½ hours
• Newcastle – approx 4 hours
• Edinburgh – approx 6 hours

By Sea
Ferries link Belfast and the Isle of Man to Lancaster (Heysham); Belfast and Dublin to Liverpool or Holyhead, and Northern Europe to Newcastle (North Shields) and Hull. Road and public transport networks conveniently link these ports with North Cumbria and the Lake District.

Further information about European and UK ports can be found at Ferry Crossings

and once you’ve got here…
Once you’ve found your way to the Lake District National Park you will find there are endless ways for you to get around. Try a scenic bus trip for a pleasurable day out or perhaps a relaxing meander on a traditional steamboat or lake cruiser. Alternatively take a step back in time and enjoy a fascinating trip on a steam train. If you’re feeling a bit more energetic or want to stay healthy during your break why not explore some of the many cycle and walking routes available.

Click for a range of additional information about The Lake District National Park

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