The expansive area of Cumbria is home to many of the nation’s most sublime national parks and landmarks: the Lake District, Solway Coast, Arnside and Silverdale, Scafell Pike, and part of the Yorkshire Dales. Explore Cumbria and The Lakes by train today!
Hike scenic trails in Grasmere, kayak across Coniston Water, or hop on a heritage steamer on Lake Windermere – the great outdoors doesn’t get better than this.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Lake District is one of England’s most well-known parks with both the nation’s largest and deepest lakes, Windermere and Wast Water. You’ll also find Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, and all of England’s land above 3,000 ft. Plus, hike scenic trails in Grasmere or kayak across Coniston Water for even more beauty and adventure. With wondrous scenes like that, it’s no wonder this park was the muse of many poets.
In fact, you can even follow in their footsteps! Explore the life of renowned English poet William Wordsworth with a visit to Dove Cottage or discover the inspiration behind the iconic children’s character Peter Rabbit at The World of Beatrix Potter.
North of the Lake District is the Solway Coast, deemed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You’ll only need one look at its scenic vistas to understand why this coastline is heralded around England.
When it comes to places to stay, Cumbria has something to suit all tastes. Choose from luxury hotels, characterful bed & breakfasts and guest houses to a range of self-catering. Get back to nature and enjoy a night under the stars with plenty of campsite options, or if you prefer an added touch of comfort, why not opt for a luxury yurt or even a treehouse?
Don't forget to find a trinket to remember your trip by. Cumbria offers a range of handmade gifts, artisan shops, and farmers markets full of local fare. Towns like Keswick, Ambleside, and Kendal are the perfect place to pick up something special.
Car-free Cumbria
We've partnered with Visit Lake District to help you make the most of Cumbria's natural beauty and wildlife by travelling there car-free. A scenic train journey, with your eyes off the road, you'll be able to appreciate Cumbria's stunning coastline and the natural beauty of the Lake District.
Take the Lakes Line from Oxenholme Lake District to Kendal to explore a market town with lots to do. Then, it’s onto Windermere, where you’ll find an abundance of nature and almost endless things to see and do. If you fancy a walk, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Head up Orrest Head, a popular car-free walk from Windermere train station, which offers stunning views over the lake and an accessible route to the top for those with limited mobility.
For even more views, The Furness Line travels through seaside towns and villages like Arnside and Grange-over-Sands, both of which offer walks along the prom and some great places to shop, eat and drink. Plus, the Settle-Carlisle line will take you through the picturesque landscapes of quaint towns and villages such as Kirkby Stephen, Appleby and Lazonby and Kirkoswald.
Where to eat in Cumbria
Did you know? Cumbria is home to the most Michelin stars outside of London! There are also cafes, restaurants, bars and country pubs to choose from so you can keep your energy up while you explore and enjoy the views.
Explore Visit Lake District's car-free itineraries and find trains to Cumbria and The Lakes and plan your journey with Northern today!
Popular trains to Cumbria and the Lake District
Liverpool Lime Street to Windermere
Average time: 1h 58m
Cheapest Advanced
£10.20
Blackpool South to Carlisle
Average time: 2h 22m
Cheapest Advanced
£14.00
Manchester Piccadilly to Carlisle
Average time: 2h 6m
Cheapest Advanced
£27.50
Popular trains from Cumbria and the Lake District
Windermere to Lancaster
Average time: 0h 40m
Cheapest Advanced
£6.10
Workington to Carlisle
Average time: 0h 50m
Cheapest Advanced
£3.20
Windermere to Blackpool North
Average time: 1h 48m
Cheapest Advanced
£8.10
Cumbria Train Stations
The ceremonial county of Cumbria is one of sheer natural beauty, from its multiple Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Northern serves a range of stations in the region, outlined below. The main stations in Cumbria and the Lake District can be found below. However, Northern also services the following stations: Kendal, Garsdale, Oxenholme (Lake District), Ulverston, Whitehaven, and Workington.
Carlisle
Beginning services in 1847 and acting as the hub within Cumbria, Carlisle station serves trains to the Lake District, Newcastle, and Leeds. Built in a neo-Tudor style, the station was built alongside Crown Street and London Road stations. This is the best train station if you want to visit Carlisle by train.
Learn more about Carlisle station
Windermere
Serves only Windermere and is the terminus station for the Windermere Branch Line. Located only a 25-minute walk from the lake, or a short bus ride, it is in prime position for a quick trip to England’s largest lake.
Learn more about Windermere station
Barrow-in-Furness
On its 4th rename, Barrow-in-Furness, originally Barrow Pier, services both the Cumbrian Coast Line and the Furness Line, being the beginning of the Furness Line, which runs through to Lancaster.
Learn more about Barrow-in-Furness station
Dent
On the Settle-Carlisle line, Dent is currently the highest operational train station in England at 1,150 ft. Having two platforms, the station is only servicing the Settle-Carlisle line and is the last station on the line within Cumbria.
Learn more about Dent stationDid you know?
Cumbria includes all of England’s highest peaks and its most extensive upland terrain, centred on the Lake District. This concentration of height, relief, and glaciated landforms is unmatched elsewhere in Northern England and has dictated settlement, farming, and movement patterns for centuries.
Did you know?
Cumbria includes all of England’s highest peaks and its most extensive upland terrain, centred on the Lake District. This concentration of height, relief, and glaciated landforms is unmatched elsewhere in Northern England and has dictated settlement, farming, and movement patterns for centuries.
Cheap train tickets to Cumbria and the Lake District
Buy an Advance train ticket to Cumbria and the Lake District
Booking in advance is the best way to get our lowest fares, allowing you to save up to 60% compared to buying an Anytime or Off-Peak ticket on the day. Advance train tickets are released 12 weeks before travel and can be purchased up to 15 minutes before departure if tickets are still available.
Save by purchasing a Railcard
A Railcard is a discount card that lets you save up to one-third on train tickets. They are a great way to secure cheap rail fares. Purchasing a Railcard is easy and typically only costs £35 for a whole year.
Travel to Cumbria and the Lake District with the Rangers and Rovers tickets
Grab a Rangers and Rovers train ticket to see cheaper train travel across the region. There are 4 types of tickets to choose from: Cumbria Day Ranger, Cumbrian Coast Day Ranger, Cumbria Round Robin Ranger, and the Lakes Day Ranger. Each gives you the best price for travelling across their zones.
Trains to Cumbria and the Lake District FAQs
Save up to 60% on train tickets to Cumbria when you book in advance with Northern. Advance tickets allow you to book up to 12 weeks in advance of travel. Visit National Rail to find out the list of dates currently available for booking our Advance tickets.
Don't worry if your plans change – you can swap the departure time of your Advanced train ticket for another same-day Northern service in just a few steps for as little as £1.50.
The key stations in Cumbria are Carlisle, Penrith, Barrow-in-Furness and Kendal, which all act as hubs for the county. To see all stations Northern operates out of, click here.
Windermere station offers the best access to the Lake District.
Bicycles are allowed on Northern trains to Cumbria, however space is limited and is first come, first served. We ask that those using bicycles not to block doorways and use the dedicated bike spaces. Find more about cycling with Northern!
There are no specific luggage restrictions on Northern trains to Cumbria. However, we ask that passengers are mindful of how much luggage they bring and use the dedicated luggage space provided. Please do not block the train doors, walkways or use seats for luggage.
Peak times on trains to Cumbria range from 06:30 - 09:30 and 16:30 - 19:00. Find out more about peak and off-peak times.
If you lose an item on a Northern train to Carlisle or at a Carlisle station, we will do our best to find the item for you. To report a lost item call 0800 200 6060, or find out more on specific stations.
Parking availability depends on the station with larger stations like Carlisle having more available parking. Smaller stations may not have any parking available.
All Northern trains to Cumbria, as well as major stations in Cumbria, are equipped with accessibility features such as ramps and staff assistance. To find out more about the specific assistance given, head here.
Pets are welcome on Northern trains to Cumbria. Up to two pets per passenger can travel for free and dogs must be kept on the lead at all times or in a carrier. Find out more about taking your dog on a Northern train.
It’s quick and easy to travel to Cumbria by train, with journey times varying depending on your departure and destination station. Here are some popular routes to give you an idea of how well-connected the area is:
- Manchester to Windermere in 1h30m
- Oxenholme The Lake District to Windermere in 20m
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Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.