Trains to the Lake District

How do I get to the Lake District?

By train travel of course! Take in those picturesque views, enjoy a treat or two on the train, and arrive in the heart of Cumbria in no time. Our trains stop at Oxenholme, Penrith (North Lakes) and Carlisle so you can explore a whole range of places in the Lake District with us.

Things to do in the Lake District

As Britain's largest National Park, the Lake District offers a whole range of mountains, tea-rooms and lakes to visit.

We also think this place really comes to life when its pouring down with rain. When you're paddle boarding on Lake Windemere, or your tucked away in a local pub - the rain in the Lake District is definitely something to embrace - like a botanical spa but with more rain and less hot rocks.

The most popular of peaks within this National park is Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak. Or, if your not looking for the highest of heights then there is also Helvellyn, where the walk to the top gives you a breath-taking view of Striding Edge.

Once you've got your steps in and are ready to head back down we'd definitely suggest a trip out onto the water instead. For the leisure lovers wanting to take in the sites with a nice cup of tea in hand there are fantastic boat tours that take you out onto Lake Windermere for the afternoon. For those watersports lovers wanting to take things to a next level then you'll find a whole range of paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing and jet skiing shops along the lakes shores.

If you find yourself on Ullswater, you can spend your time on one of two restored steamers. And on Coniston Water, you can get on a tour and re-pace the world-famous water speed records set by the Campbell family in the 1930s, 1950s and 1960s.

And when all the watersports, walking and weather watching is done there there is so much literary history to take in. You might recognise or know that Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and friends, are all written by Beatrix Potter whilst she live in the Lake District - you can visit Beatrix Potter’s home and you might even spot your own Peter Rabbit or Jemima Puddle-Duck.

What food should I try?

The Lake District is a pretty tasty choice for those who love to try local delicacies.

Kendal Mint Cake

This sugar-based Kendal Mint Cake (by based we mean it is over 80% sugar) originates and is still made in Kendal. Popular among climbers and mountaineers it is sometimes even the snack of choice for Everest climbers.

Cumberland Sausages

As the name describes, this is one for the meat-eaters. The Cumberland Sausage is a staple food found on sale in many of the Lake Districts market towns.
The sausage is traditionally very long, and sold rolled in a flat, circular coil.

Grasmere Gingerbread

For those with a sweet tooth, the Grasmere gingerbread is a very intensely ginger flavoured treat. Perfect for the packed lunch before heading up Scafell pike or enjoying with a nice cup of tea back at home. It's been around since the 1850s and was created in Lakeland village. 

Our trains arrive into Oxenholme Station, near Kendal. From there you can go by train, taxi, bike or bus to a number of local villages, tourist attractions and tea-rooms. 
We know many of you are travelling from across the UK as you head to the Lake District so we've put together a list of the fastest times when you travel from your certain location.

1. Book Direct

It's simple, it's been said time and time again but Booking Direct is a great way to save you some pennies on your train tickets. If you get your train tickets through the Avanti West Coast website we can guarantee that you can buy with confidence, safe in the knowledge that you couldn’t pay less – and there are no booking fees. We back up our regular prices with a promise that we’ll refund the difference if you find the same ticket elsewhere for less after buying it on our app or website. For more information visit our Book direct

2. Book as a Group

It's Julie's Hen-do, it's your mum's birthday, it's a weekend away with your mates or it's a trip away with the whole school - no matter who you're travelling with, our groups team can be on hand to get you from A to B and back again! If you book in advance as well then there might even be ways to savesome money on all of your tickets. For more information visit our Group Travel page.

3. Get yourself a Railcard

Railcards are a great way to save, especially if you’re a frequent traveller. From as little as £30 a year, you can get a Railcard that gives you great discounts every time you travel outside peak hours. We have several different Railcards for different age groups, so find the one that applies to you and get saving. If you’re in the 16–25 group, that could be as much as 50% off! Also look out for our Two Together Railcard, which is perfect for couples who often travel together. All the information you need can be found on our Railcards page.

The Lake District station (Oxenholme train station) is served by several bus routes including service 40 and 41 to Kendal town centre. There is ample bike parking at the station, as well as plenty of car parking spaces.

There is a taxi rank directly outside the main station entrance at Oxenholme train station.

Yes, it’s easy to get to the Lake District by train. Avanti West Coast runs regular trains to the Lake District, Oxenholme train station, so you can travel in comfort from wherever you are in the country. Check our train times page for up-to-date information on routes, journey times, and train timetables.

The Oxenholme station car park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can leave your car overnight while on your trip.

The best way to get cheap tickets to the Lake District is to book in advance. You can do that online or on the Avanti West Coast app - and remember that when you book directly with us, you don’t pay any booking fees. It’s also easy to upgrade or change your ticket when you book with us, giving you more flexibility. There are also lots of other ways to save with Avanti. If you’re travelling with friends, family, colleagues or with a school group, consider booking a group ticket to benefit from cheaper tickets, or if you fall into one of our eligible groups, you could save up to a third on the cost of train tickets with a railcard.

When you travel First Class with Avanti, all you need to do is sit back and relax - and let us take care of the rest. You’ll enjoy roomier seats with a guaranteed table, so you can catch up on emails, watch an episode of your favourite show, or get stuck into a good book. We also offer complimentary food and drink on board in First Class, served to you at your table by a dedicated host (subject to availability), with a carefully chosen menu featuring suppliers local to our routes. And if you’re departing from or arriving at one of our stations with a First Class Lounge, you can take advantage of it to enjoy snacks, refreshments, comfortable seating and free, fast Wi-Fi.

Peak season in the Lake District is July and August when the weather is at its best and holidaymakers and hikers come from far and wide to enjoy the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities - but the area can be enjoyed all year round. Adventurers will enjoy the Kendal Mountain Festival, held every November, while music lovers can enjoy everything from jazz to string quartets during the Lake District Summer Music Festival, held between May and August in Kendal.

Tickets usually become available to book online and on the app 12 weeks in advance. You can sign up for Advance Ticket Alerts to be notified when tickets for your routes become available. Remember that the earlier you book, the more you save - and with an Advance ticket, you’ll always have a seat booking for stress-free travel, whatever your destination.