10 things to do in south Cumbria this summer - all by bus

Stagecoach is offering county-wide travel for only £2 per person one way.

Up to three children under age five can journey for free, and fares are reduced for five to 15-year-olds.

Unlock new experiences this summer, with Stagecoach suggesting 10 top activities accessible via bus routes in south Cumbria.

Whether it's exploring outdoors or seeking respite indoors on rainier days, there's an option to keep boredom at bay.

The Dock Museum, Barrow

• Bus route: 2 & 5
• Bus stops: Hindpool, Dock Museum

Consider visiting The Dock Museum, a free family-favourite which delves into Barrow's shipbuilding history.

With interactive exhibits and dressing up areas, children can command ships and even practise riveting.

The museum also boasts an outdoor play area and café, remaining closed for refurbishment until July 24.

Ambleside Rambler's Ruin Mystery Trail

• Bus route: 505, 516, 555, 599
• Bus stops: Kelsick Road, opposite the library

(Image: Stagecoach)

A mystery awaits at the Ambleside Rambler’s Ruin trail.

Engage your family’s detective skills as you patrol quaint locales across the 2.2-mile journey to solve the riddle.

The trail costs £9.99 and should take two hours to complete.

Kendal Castle

• Bus service: Multiple bus services to Kendal
• Bus stop: Kendal Bus Station / Weavers Court / Castle Garth

(Image: Stagecoach)

The World of Beatrix Potter

• Bus service: 6, 508, 555, 599 & 755
• Bus stop: St Martin's Church / Bowness Pier

(Image: Stagecoach)

Mindful of history enthusiasts, Stagecoach suggests exploring the ruins of Kendal Castle or visiting The World of Beatrix Potter for a walk through whimsical storybook scenes.

The castle, once under the powerful Parr family's administration, has an audio trail to reveal it's historical secrets.

Meanwhile, Beatrix's museum features interactive displays of her endearing characters.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, Milnthorpe

• Bus service: 755
• Bus stop: Lakeland Wildlife Oasis (On request)

For wildlife lovers, the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis offers close encounters with over 100 species, educational exhibits, play areas, and a café.

Windermere

• Bus service: 6, 505, 508, 516, 555, 599 & 755
• Bus stop: Waterhead Pier / Brockhole / Windermere Jetty Museum & Bowness-on-Windermere

(Image: Stagecoach)

Enjoy the enchanting Windermere on a bus and boat ticket, with freedom to cruise the lake, unwind at the charming Lakeside villages like Bowness and Ambleside.

The ticket will let you get on and off at different piers, making it easier to find the perfect picnic spot.

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

• Bus service: 6 & X6
• Bus stop: Railway Crossroads

(Image: Stagecoach)

Here, aboard a genuine steam train, families can relive the allure of the 1950s through beautiful Leven valley.

Dogs are welcome for free, ensuring the entire family is catered for.

The railway journey concludes in Lakeside Station, with onward connections to Windermere Lake Cruises.

Brockhole

• Bus service: 505, 516, 555 & 599
• Bus stop: Brockhole gates

(Image: Stagecoach)

Alternatively, the sprawling Brockhole woods, meadows, and shoreline offer a playground, ziplines, boat hire, mini-golf, archery, and exhibitions.

Windermere Jetty Museum

• Bus route: 508
• Bus stop: Windermere Jetty Museum

For the science-minded, the Windermere Jetty Museum presents a Summer of Steam from July 20-September 3.

The museum encourages budding inventors with STEAM activities and a chance to explore tiny ecosystems in the Microworld display.

Allan Bank, Grasmere

• Bus service: 555 & 599
• Bus stop: Heaton Cooper Studio, Grasmere

(Image: ©National Trust Images/Steven Ba)

Lastly, embrace the great outdoors at Allan Bank in Grasmere during its summer of play.

Activities are free after paying admission, allowing families to explore its expansive gardens and woodlands.

Visitors can challenge each other to classic lawn games like croquet and bean bag toss, while there is also an art room, a second-hand bookshop and more.