Festivals, cruises, castles and railways Cumbria has something for everyone this Half Term

Half term is here, time to get out and explore with the family, and what better way to do it then travelling by Stagecoach bus?

It’s the easy, affordable and stress-free option to enjoy days out together.

Whether it’s a full day trip or a last-minute afternoon outing, these 30 ideas are designed to help families make the most of the half-term break while leaving the driving to Stagecoach, with no parking stress either.

With single fares capped at just £3 per person for a single journey, and up to three children under five travelling free with a fare-paying adult, enjoying a family day out doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

And don’t forget to download the Stagecoach app here for journey planning, real-time tracking and mobile tickets.

BounceFest, Lunedale Sports Centre, Kirkby Stephen

Bus route: 567

BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 0–12, featuring giant bouncy castles, slides, obstacle courses, interactive games and a dedicated toddler area.

Families can book timed sessions, giving children the chance to bounce, climb, race and let off steam in a safe, welcoming environment supervised by a friendly team.

An easy, stress-free day out for families during the half-term break, from 28-30 May.

More info here

Retro Rendezvous Festival, Ulverston

Bus route: 6, 6A & X6

Retro Rendezvous returns to Ulverston town centre for another exciting retro-themed weekend.

On Saturday, May 30, visitors can enjoy displays of motorcycles and scooters along Market Street and New Market Street.

On Sunday, May 31, Market Street will host the start and finish of the Velo Retro cycling festival, alongside an exhibition of classic cars in New Market Street.

Across both days, live bands will perform from 12pm to 6pm in The Sun beer garden, while a range of specialist market traders will also be in attendance.

And on Saturday evening, The Sun and several other pubs will host additional live retro music performances.

More info here

Boat cruise from Windermere or Ambleside

Bus service:  6, 555, 599 & 755 

A cruise on Windermere on board one of the many famous steamers or launches is the perfect half-term treat for the kids. Stagecoach has combined Bus & Boat tickets which are available for Coniston, Derwentwater, Ullswater and Windermere.

Book your cruise here for a time and starting point that suits you best.

More info here

Wray Castle grounds tour, Low Wray, Ambleside

Bus route: 505

The castle is currently closed but there’s still loads to do at Wray.

Join a member of the Wray team on a 45-minute Walk and Talk.

Starting at the terrace in front of the Castle, you will take a walk, stopping at key points around the perimeter of the Castle.

Here you will hear stories from how the estate was created to the special guests Wray has seen over the years, and how we are planning for Wray’s future.

More info here

Kendal Museum, Kendal

Bus route: Multiple services into Kendal

There’s plenty for children to explore at Kendal Museum; they can get creative with fossil rubbings, play a tune on the slate lithophone, be inspired by the local landscape in the Kendal and Westmorland Gallery, and discover evolution in the World Wildlife Gallery.

There’s a dedicated children’s area with dressing up clothes, toys, games, books, and even an historic rocking horse.

And parents can enjoy a coffee, while little ones are kept entertained.

More info here

Stainmore Railway Company, Kirkby Stephen

Bus route: 563

Experience railway history from Victorian times to the 1950s with historic Victorian and other vintage carriages and wagons plus a range of industrial steam and diesel locomotives.

Explore the station built in 1861 and enjoy refreshments in the 1930s buffet car.

On Sunday, May 31, there is a diesel train service.

More info here