Lake District Itinerary by Public Transport (Bus 505) 🚌⛰️
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This route is perfect for exploring the Lake District without a car, using the scenic Bus 505, which connects charming towns and natural highlights. All fares are capped at £3 per single journey, making it a budget-friendly option.
🚌 Don’t want to plan the trip or drive?
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I highly recommend the Lake District Rabbie’s tour.
It’s a British tour company that I’ve used several times and I absolutely loved the tour of the Lake District with them.
The guides are fantastic and they even made a playlist with local music.
Recommended Time: ⌛ 2 to 4 days
Lake District by Public Transport (Bus 505) Itinerary Summary
🗓️ Stop 1: Windermere
- Walk up to Orrest Head for sweeping lake views 🥾
- Stroll down to Bowness-on-Windermere
- Visit The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction 🐰
- Take a lake cruise from Bowness 🚤
🗓️ Stop 2: Ambleside
- Walk to Stock Ghyll Force waterfall 🌿
- Browse independent shops and cafés ☕🛍️
- Don’t miss the quirky Bridge House over the river
🗓️ Stop 3: Hawkshead
- Discover the village’s Beatrix Potter connections
- Walk up to St Michael and All Angels Church ⛪
- Pop into The Honeypot for local goodies 🍯
🗓️ Stop 4: Coniston
- Enjoy lakeside walks 🥾
- Take a cruise on Coniston Water and soak up the views 🚢
Total Distance: 🚍 Approx. 13 miles
Bus Fare: £3 max per single journey
📸 Photos & Info are located further down. Keep scrolling to see all these places. ⬇️
This Lake District itinerary is ideal for those using public transport, offering a relaxed way to explore the area’s lakes, villages, and literary heritage without needing a car. 🌿🧳📖
Get the FREE Lake District Itinerary by Public Transport (Bus 505) Map!
Additional Information & Highlights
📍Windermere
Located about 1/2 mile from the Lake, Windermere is an excellent starting point for walks.
🗺️ Things To Do:
– Go up to Orrest Head (the views over Lake Windermere are breathtaking). The hike is 4.5km long and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete.
– Get a meal in one of the local pubs
📍Orrest Head
Orrest Head is one of the best easy hikes in the Lake District. It boasts spectacular views over Lake Windermere as well as pleasant parts through the woods.
🥾 Hike Details:
– Circular hike
– 4.5 km long
– 1 hour 20 minutes
– Starting point: Windermere Train Station
Details of the hike available here.
📍Bowness-on-Windermere
Located on the shores of Lake Windermere, it’s the largest town in the Lake District.
🗺️ Things To Do:
– Cruise on Lake Windermere (tickets can be booked here)
– Visit St Martin’s Church (free)
– Visit The World of Beatrix Potter
– Shopping in the local shops
📍 The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
📍 Lake Windermere Cruise from Bowness-on-Windermere
📍Ambleside
Situated at the northern end of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is a beautiful market town with historic landmarks and a waterfall.
🗺️ Things To Do:
– Visit the Bridge House (National Trust)
– Walk to Stock Ghyll Force (1.6 km – 30 to 45 minutes)
– Visit the Stagshaw Garden (National Trust)
– Go on a cruise from Ambleside Pier
– Visit the Ambleside Roman Fort
📍Stock Ghyll Force
A beautiful waterfall in Ambleside
🥾 This is a short 1-mile walk which takes about 45 minutes From Ambleside town centre, head to Stock Ghyll Lane and follow the signs to the waterfall.
It’s a beautiful woodland walk.
📍Bridge House
📍Hawkshead
Located just north of Esthwaite Water, Hawkshead is a pretty village known for its connections with Beatrix Potter.
🗺️ Things To Do:
– Explore the village and get lost in the narrow streets
– Visit the Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
– Walk up to St Michael and All Angels Church and admire the views
– Get local products from the Honey Pot or the Chocolate Factory
– Visit Wray Castle (National Trust)
– Visit Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s former farmhouse (National Trust)
🅿️ Parking: The main car park in Hawkshead (pay and display) is the best place to park but it can be quite busy if you’re visiting during peak season.
📍Michael and All Angels Church
📍The Honeypot
📍Coniston
