Exploring Windermere Car-Free: A Greener Way to Enjoy the Lake
Reducing pollution and protecting Windermere’s natural beauty starts with the everyday choices we make, including how we travel. As part of our commitment to protect the lake and support sustainable experiences, the Love Windermere Partnership is proud to highlight ways visitors and residents can explore this iconic area without relying on cars.
Going car-free helps reduce congestion, lowers carbon emissions, and protects the health of the lake and its surrounding habitats. Thanks to the work of Cumbria Tourism’s ‘‘Go Car Free’ campaign with local transport providers like Avanti, TransPennine Express, Northern and Stagecoach, there are now more joined-up, greener travel options than ever before.
Plan Your Day, the Greener Way
Whether you’re heading to the western shore for a peaceful walk or setting out on a day of discovery, there are plenty of easy, enjoyable ways to get around using a mix of boat, bus, and train services.
- Bus & Boat Tickets: The Central Lakes Zone and Explorer Zone passes combine Windermere Lake Cruises’ half-lake journeys with unlimited Stagecoach bus travel, making travel seamless between Bowness, Ambleside, and beyond.
- Cross Lakes Shuttle: This special shuttle has returned, linking Bowness to Ash Landing. From there, you can hop on the Mountain Goat 525 bus to Hill Top and Hawkshead. Combined boat, bus, and attraction tickets are available, and boat/bus travellers get priority entry to Hill Top.
- Miles Without Stiles: The western shore of Windermere offers a picturesque, traffic-free walking and cycling route that’s fully accessible. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature, slow down, and experience the lake up close.
Rail & Ranger Tickets: For those coming from further afield, the Lakes Day Ranger ticket offers unlimited travel by train (Avanti, Northern or TransPennine Express), bus and lake cruise—all in one ticket. And advance-booking offers discounts on Northern train services throughout the summer.- Combined Attraction Tickets: Visitors can also enjoy discounted tickets when combining Windermere Lake Cruises with nearby attractions such as the Lakes Aquarium, Lakeland Motor Museum and Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway.
These greener transport choices are more than just convenient—they’re a meaningful way to help protect Windermere for future generations.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Love Windermere is all about partnership—from the organisations working to improve water quality, to the residents and visitors who care deeply about the lake. Travelling car-free is one small change that can make a big difference.
Discover more car-free adventures at Let’s Go Car Free in the Lake District, Cumbria – Visit Lake District.