Lake District public transport
Winter timetable information 2021/22
So that’s the end of summer 2021 then. According to Lake District public transport. Once October school holidays are over many tourist transport services scale back for the winter season. There is still a great choice of public transport available across the Lake District but the services are less frequent and the lack of daylight means they often start later and finish earlier each day. Below is a summary of the available services. Check transport pages in this website for links to detailed timetables.
Buses
There are a number of seasonal bus services that cease to run over winter. The 77/77A Buttermere bus is an example that doesn’t run in winter which is a shame! Other services that mainly cater for tourists are still running but have less frequent services, for example the 599 central Lakes. Services that serve the main towns and roads such as the 555 and X4/X5 continue to operate at the same frequency all year round.
During the Christmas holiday the only day there are no buses is Christmas day. Only the 599 runs on New Years day. Buses operate a Sunday timetable on 26/27/28 Dec and 2/3 Jan.
Boats
Windermere – Windermere cruises still operate the Red cruise (Bowness – Ambleside), the Yellow cruise (Bowness – Lakeside) and the Islands cruise from Bowness. Cruises every day except Christmas day. Less frequent than summer. The Windermere car ferry continues all year round, except 25/26 Dec.
Ullswater – Ullswater Steamers continue to operate the full length of the lake cruise but less frequent. Not 24/25 Dec. The Aira Force shuttle stops running after 28th November.
Derwent Water – Keswick Launch is closed from 29th Nov 2021 to 5th Feb 2022. Weekends only in November.
Coniston Water – Coniston Launch runs reduced frequency northern cruises on weekends only from 10th Nov 2021 to 5th Feb 2022. Steam Yacht Gondola does not operate in Winter.
Trains
Mainline trains are running frequently all winter but timetables can often change due to Covid issues. Check websites for details.
The Lakeside & Haverthwaite railway is now closed for the winter.
The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is open between Christmas and New Year but closes the rest of the winter.
The Lake District winter wonderland can be a magical experience, especially on a cold, crisp, sunny day with snow on the mountains. What better way to appreciate it than on board public transport. There are still some Covid restrictions and procedures on board most public transport, eg wearing a mask, but that certainly doesn’t spoil the wonderful scenery, so I recommend you get out there and make the most of it!