Getting here
& getting
around
Getting here
& getting
around
Explore Allerdale your way
How are you planning on getting to Allerdale and the Lake District, and travelling around once you’re here? Let us help you with some useful information to help you make the most of your journey, whether you want to use the bus, train, car or are cycling. There are plenty of ways to explore using the public transport network, taking in the spectacular views along the way.
There are buses connecting all of our main towns, from the north of Allerdale to the South, and into and out of the Lake District National Park too.
The Cumbrian Coast rail line links all the towns on the west of Allerdale with Carlisle and Barrow in Furness and is a brilliant way to see some beautiful scenery.
There’s plenty of help available for those with disabilities, both for getting around the area, and also making the most of the area while you’re here, like hiring Trampers to allow you to get out into the countryside of Allerdale and the Lake District. If you want to discover some of the most stunning routes, take the A591 which connects Keswick with the rest of the Lake District, or hop on the coast road from Silloth in the north right down to Workington where you’ll see views of Scotland and the Isle of Man.
The trip over the fells to the pretty village of Caldbeck is another gem, though locals will tell you their hearts lift as they see the mountains of the Lake District from our own Route 66, the A66 which connects Penrith with Allerdale.
Whatever you decide, enjoy the ride. You’re in a beautiful place.
Rail
The easiest ways to get to Allerdale are via Penrith or Carlisle. From Carlisle, you can take the train to Aspatria, Wigton, Maryport and Workington for easy access to the entire coast, or catch a bus to the north of the borough. From Penrith, regular bus services come into Allerdale to take you to all the main towns and to other areas of the Lake District too.
Bus
The Cumbria journey planner is the best place to start to plan your visit to Allerdale. It gives information about getting here, and travelling out and about by bus when you are here. Some of our bus routes will take you through the most glorious scenery, and you can use them to head right into the heart of the Lake District too.
Car
It’s really easy to get here by car. If you’re using the M6 from either the north or the south, leave at Junction 40 and head west on the A66 to get to Allerdale. It’s 18 miles from Penrith to Keswick, 31 miles Penrith to Cockermouth, 35 miles Penrith to Maryport and 35 miles from Penrith to Silloth.
Bike
All you need to know about getting around on rail and bus with your treasured bike is here. It’s wise to plan ahead as sometimes reservations are required on public transport but once you’re here there are a wealth of routes to choose from, both on and off road, inside and outside the Lake District. You don’t have to bring a bike though – you could even hire one once you arrive.
By Air
Carlisle Lake District Airport opened for scheduled services from London Southend, Dublin and Belfast in the summer of 2019. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, passenger flights from the airport are currently suspended. Check their website by following the link below to keep up to date with the latest developments.
Travelling with disabilities
There’s loads of helpful information available about travelling by public transport to make your journeys to and from Allerdale and the Lake District run as smoothly as possible. If you need car hire, easily accessible public transport, want to get out in the countryside, take a look at what’s on offer.
Tourist Information Centres
Discover the nearest tourism information centre to your stay in Allerdale and find out where to go, what to see, where to stay and the best places to eat, drink, shop and visit in and around the Lake District. They’re all staffed by local people who can give you the insider’s view on the best things to do.
Car parks
This is your guide to where you can park in our towns as well as details such as the number of spaces and disabled parking spaces that are available. For on-street parking in some of Allerdale and the Lake District’s towns and villages, you’ll need to pick up a free parking disc so you can display your time of arrival. All the tourist information centres stock them and many of the businesses do too.
