As part of World Public Transport Day (Friday 17 April 2026), Cumbria Tourism is joining forces with some of the UK’s leading rail and bus operators to encourage visitors to ‘Go Car Free’ for their 2026 Spring and Summer staycations.
The county’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) has teamed up with Avanti West Coast, Northern, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire and TransPennine Express to challenge common misconceptions about public transport – especially around journey times – and show just how easy it can be to travel without a car.
The latest phase of the award-winning Let’s Go Car Free campaign will see Cumbria Tourism lead wide-ranging marketing activity designed to inspire visitors to explore the Lake District and the wider county using public transport. It will also highlight how well connected Cumbria is to major cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and London.
A key focus will be the affordability of public transport, with visitors encouraged to take advantage of discounted fares and flexible ticket options, including advance train tickets. Stagecoach’s North West Explorer tickets also offer great value when you are undertaking multiple journeys throughout the Lake District and Cumbria.
Let’s Go Car Free will also shine a spotlight on some of Cumbria’s most scenic train routes, including the Cumbrian Coastal Line and the Lakes Line. Visitors will be guided towards a range of onward travel options, from boat services on scenic lakes and cycle hire and walking routes like the new Westmorland & Furness Way.
To make planning even easier, a dedicated online hub at visitlakedistrict.com/carfree will help travellers discover how to explore the county without a car. The portal features ready-made itineraries, ideas for sustainable places to stay, and inspiration for events and local foodie experiences.
The campaign will run across multiple marketing channels, including: digital advertising, email marketing, PR and influencer partnerships.
Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, says: “World Public Transport Day is the perfect moment to inspire fresh thinking about how we travel. Going car free gives people the chance to truly relax and enjoy the journey. Whether by train, bus, bike, boat or on foot, it opens up a more immersive way to experience Cumbria’s incredible landscapes – taking in the views in a way you simply can’t when you have your eyes on the road.”
Tom Waterhouse, Managing Director for Stagecoach Cumbria and Lancashire, comments: “We’re proud to support Cumbria Tourism’s ‘Let’s Go Car Free’ campaign and play our part in showcasing just how easy, affordable and enjoyable it can be to explore the region by bus.
“Cumbria is one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, and travelling by bus allows visitors to relax, take in the scenery and access some of the area’s most iconic destinations without the hassle of driving. With great value ticket options, including our North West Explorer, we’re making it easier than ever for people to get around and make the most of their stay. By working in partnership, we can help create a more sustainable visitor economy while ensuring communities across Cumbria remain well connected and accessible for everyone.”
Alex Hornby, Northern’s Commercial and Customer Director, says: “Travelling by train allows people to enjoy Cumbria’s stunning scenery without the stress of sitting in traffic or finding a parking spot. They can make the most of our convenient and affordable services, which run along the Cumbrian coast and through the Lake District – saving up to 60% by booking in advance.”
Richard Wareing, Head of Commercial Partnerships at Avanti West Coast adds: ‘We’re delighted to once again partner with Cumbria Tourism and other transport operators to highlight how easy it is to get to the heart of the Lakes by rail and bus. Last year, we saw more people than ever travelling to the region on Avanti West Coast services and are confident the new campaign will continue to inspire new visitors and get those returning to consider leaving their cars at home’.
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director at TPE, comments: “We’re proud to support the Let’s Go Car Free campaign and make it easier for customers to choose more sustainable ways to travel. With great value fares and direct connections to the Lake District from major cities, travelling by train is a convenient and enjoyable way to start your visit.”
Find out more at: visitlakedistrict.com/carfree