Trains to Cumbria and The Lakes Explore the beauty of the North
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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.
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. With wondrous scenes like that, it’s no wonder this park was the muse of many poets.
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?
However, natural beauty isn’t everything that Cumbria has, with a thriving foodie community, and a fantastic selection of accommodation both in and out of the parks. Cumbria is a great choice for a quick getaway to the sensational outdoors and exquisite dining.
Find trains to Cumbria 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
£11.20
Blackpool South to Carlisle
Average time: 2h 31m
Cheapest Advanced
£13.50
Manchester Piccadilly to Carlisle
Average time: 2h 6m
Cheapest Advanced
£13.10
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.
Carlisle
Beginning services in 1847 and acting as the hub within Cumbria, Carlisle station services 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.
Learn more about Carlisle station
Oxenholme Lake District
Near Kendal, this station services both the West Coast Main Line and the Windermere Branch Line and is the last staffed station until Windermere.
Learn more about Oxenholme Lake District 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
Kendal
Once a terminus station, Kendal now serves on the Windermere Branch Line, and sees one train per hour as scheduled.
Learn more about Kendal station
Garsdale
In the Yorkshire Dales, the station serves the village of Garsdale and town of Sedbergh in Cumbria. Built in 1876, the station has two platforms and is unstaffed serving only the Settle and Carlisle Line between Carlisle and Leeds.
Learn more about Garsdale 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.
Ulverston
A fully staffed station on the Furness Line, the station serves the town of Ulverston with the two platforms linked by subway and are labelled 1 and 3. However, there is no step-free access to either platform.
Learn more about Ulverston station
Whitehaven
Since 1847 the station has served the coastal town of Whitehaven on the Cumbrian Coast Line. The station is staffed and services run hourly from mid-morning to early evening, even on Sundays.
Learn more about Whitehaven station
Workington
Operating on the Cumbrian Coast Line, running between Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness. The station is fully staffed throughout the week with step-free access to both platforms and a foot-level crossing.
Things to do in Cumbria and the Lake District
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Trains to Cumbria and the Lake District FAQs
Save up to 65% 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 £2.50.
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.
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