PENRITH has been named the number one destination for British staycationers travelling by train, reflecting a growing trend towards the area’s commitment to sustainable travel.

Data from Virgin Trains Ticketing has revealed the number of people taking the train to Penrith (North Lakes), which Avanti West Coast serves, has increased by 106 per cent in the last six weeks. 

The trend aligns with local initiatives like the ‘Sustainable and Integrated Transport for Ullswater’ (SITU), which launched a pilot minibus scheme in July 2023.

The service, operated by Stagecoach, connects local holiday accommodations to key attractions such as Pooley Bridge, Howtown, Lowther Castle – routes that hadn't been served previously. 

Daniel Holder, a member of SITU and owner of the award-winning eco-holiday park, The Quiet Site, said:  “The SITU has done an awful lot of work to link the accommodations to attractions in the Ullswater Valley.

“We’ve been working hard on connectivity to make the sustainable transport integrated. It’s great to see those figures come in from Virgin, it’s really super,” he said.

Ullswater bus Ullswater bus (Image: Supplied)

Acknowledging the benefits that SITU is bringing to the area Rachel Bell, the head of marketing and business development for Lake District Estates, which runs Ullswater Steamers, explained: "It pulls people in from campsites in outlying areas who don’t have the 508 bus in easy reach. Instead of using cars, they can use the Hopper bus. 

"We have recognised that visitors are our bread and butter but it’s about managing those visitor numbers sustainably.

"Ullswater businesses like Daniel at the Quiet Site, parish councils, Lowther, Dalemain, are a very tight-knit community who are working together to make it a destination organisation," she said. 

Rachel Bell Daniel Holder Andy the Bus Driver Michael Firth and Jim Walker launch the Ullswater Bus in 2023Rachel Bell Daniel Holder Andy the Bus Driver Michael Firth and Jim Walker launch the Ullswater Bus in 2023 (Image: Supplied)

Discussing Lake District Estates' Waterfoot Caravan Park at Pooley Bridge, Rachel said they have seen an 'increase' and plenty of positive feedback that holidaymakers can come and leave their campers not having to worry about driving again throughout their holiday in Cumbria. 

Charlotte Fairbarn, creative director at Lowther Castle, indicated that whilst this year may not be as busy as last year due to the weather, they had recorded a stronger July with August also looking ‘promising’.

“As an estate, we’re very keen on sustainability and nature-friendly farming, we’re delighted to hear so many people are travelling by train.  The outward connections with Stagecoach mean they can easily reach the likes of Keswick, Ullswater and Appleby, while Penrith itself is a wonderful town with plenty for visitors to see and do, including a thriving arts scene, picturesque castle and quirky museums," she said. 

 Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, shared how they have encouraged travel to the county without relying on cars since 2023 - with Avanti West Coast and Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire providing support along the way. 

"The campaign proved so successful that in June 2024 Avanti launched a new virtual station in ’Keswick’ combining a rail and bus ticket allowing passengers to travel from anywhere on the west coast mainline to Penrith and then effortlessly connect into Keswick – which is one of the most popular destinations within Cumbria.  

"The campaign PR reach has been incredible at an estimated 92 million people, so it comes as no surprise that Penrith is now the number one choice for visitors travelling by train.

"Concurrently we have a campaign running to highlight cultural attractions in the Westmorland & Furness council area.

"Penrith is within that catchment, meaning that visitors can use the station and onward connections to reach a number of fantastic attractions such as Rheged, Brougham Hall and Castle and Acorn Bank, all car-free. 

"For those who are very enthusiastically active, it’s also possible to hire bikes and e-bikes at Penrith Station with Arragon’s Cycle Centre. Travelling to and around Cumbria by rail, bus, bike and boat has never been easier and we’re delighted to hear that visitors are really embracing this more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to travel.”