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P.ublished 23rd May 2026
lifestyle
30 Fantastic Things To Do In Cumbria By Bus This May Half-Term Holiday
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.
South Cumbria
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
Bus route: 6, 6A & X6
Retro Rendezvous returns to Ulverston town centre for another exciting retro-themed weekend. On Saturday 30 May, visitors can enjoy displays of motorcycles and scooters along Market Street and New Market Street. On Sunday 31 May, 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
Stories in the Dust Beggar’s Theatre Millom
Bus route: 7, X7 & M1
With live music and puppetry, Stories in the Dust is a funny, heartfelt and hopeful eco-fable that takes you to another world. A world where an ancient book guides your way, a drop of rain changes everything and a mighty lion holds its secrets in an old clay pot. Will our two intrepid explorers make it? They’re full of ideas and full of hope but dangerously low on baked beans. 22 May, 6pm-8pm, ideal for ages five to 12. More info here
The Jungle Book The Coro, Ulverston
Bus route: 6 & X6
Swing into the jungle and join Mowgli and friends Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, a gang of mischievous monkeys led by King Louie in this enchanting new musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved classic. This funny, exciting, and wildly entertaining new musical adaptation is filled with catchy songs that will captivate the whole family. Saturday 23 May, 2.30pm-4.50pm. More info here
Boat cruise from Windermere or Ambleside Boat cruise f
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
Image by Visit Lake District
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 & 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
Cartmel Races
Bus route: 530
The racing season gets underway with the opening day on Saturday 23 May followed by the Cartmel Gathering on Bank Holiday Monday, 25 May, and Whit Wednesday Evening, 27 May. Children are welcome at all race meetings, and under 18s get in free for all fixtures, except the Racing & Music night. Cartmel’s famous fairground provides hours of fun at every fixture for the young and young at heart. More info here
Kendal Musuem
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 & 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
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 31 May there is a diesel train service. More info here
Sound Rangers Full of Noises Piel View House
Bus route: 6 & X6
Sound Rangers is back for May half term. Build a cardboard den in the garden, make a bug mask or costume and join the Big Bug Band from 11am-3pm on Wednesday 27 May. Suitable for children aged five to 13. Free but you can reserve a place; all materials and instruments provided. More info here
North Cumbria
Upperby Gala, Hammonds Pond
Bus route: 67
This year’s gala is set to be a great family day out with entertainment to suit all ages.
Organised by Cumberland Council and supported by the Friends of Hammond’s Pond Group, Upperby Gala will provide fun for all the family on Bank Holiday Monday 25 May between 1pm and 4pm. The programme will include performances compared by The Fairly Famous Family including community dance groups; Studio A Dance Company, Razzamataz Theatre Schools, Carlisle Dance Academy, Express Dance Studios and O’Hehir School of Irish dance plus the Bjamba band and with the highlight of the show, the Tom Longton Sheepdog Demos. Other activities include the Hammond’s Pond Railway, children’s activity marquee, a fun fair, Owl Magic and Zoo Madness. More info here
Tullie
Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle
Get busy with their family craft sessions inspired by The Legend of King Arthur this May half term. All sessions are drop-in 1pm-4pm unless otherwise stated. Included with adult admission/annual ticket, children go free. Saturday 27 May - Merlin Wizard Hats; Monday 29 May - 3D Paper Camelot Castles; Tuesday 30 May - Sword in the Stone Sculptures (relaxed session at 10am, booking required). More info here
Décopatch workshops Rheged Penrith
Bus route: X4 & X5
This creative Décopatch workshop invites children and families to design their own unique masterpiece. With a wide selection of items to choose from, including farm animals, unicorns, masks, letters and more, participants can use beautifully designed paper, glue and brushes to decorate their chosen creation. Runs until 31 May, suitable for ages two and over, booking essential. More info here
Wild Colour Creations The Rebuild Site Heathlands, Carlisle
Bus route: 79
Unleash creativity and have a blast at Kids Make Stuff, a fun, colourful, and messy arts and crafts group for kids of all ages. Using recycled items, cardboard, and lots of imagination, kids will explore hands-on crafting that’s not only playful but also kind to the planet. It’s the perfect place for little makers to experiment, create, and celebrate the joy of crafting in a vibrant, welcoming space. Two 90-minute sessions on Tuesday 26 May, £6 per child, booking essential. Book a place on the morning session here & here for the afternoon session.
Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle
The fifth military festival includes a 12th-century combat tournament and 18th-century drill, a First World War medic and Second World War Burma display plus a selection of military vehicles and more, plus the KidsZone with activities for children. Organised by Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, it takes place in the castle grounds on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May between 10am and 4pm. More info here
Border 7s Festival Carlisle Rugby Club
Bus route: 685
The festival is back for another weekend of rugby, music, dance and family fun on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 May. Enjoy thrilling rugby action and live music with special performances from Carlisle Dance Academy and a range of family-friendly activities. More info here
Wigton
Bus route: 300 & 554
A baby, toddler and infant sensory messy play class which aims to stimulate all senses through exploration, curiosity and play. Spark little ones’ curiosity and allow their imaginations to soar in messy trays all designed to aid development and create special bonding time without you having to clean up. Thursday 28 May, 11.30am-12.30pm, four years and under, sibling welcome. More info here
Toto Kerblammo Keswick Theatre by the Lake
Bus route: Multiple services into Keswick
Two productions for kids this half-term. In Toto Kerblammo!, Toto the dog must save Effy after she smuggles him into a block that doesn’t allow dogs; a play about listening, friendship and finding hope in the darkest of places on 26 and 27 May. Then on 28 and 29 May enjoy Once Upon a Fairytale - Goldilocks is missing and needs your help to find her. More info here
Netherby Hall Spring Craft Fair Longtown
Bus route: 79
The 2026 fair celebrates local craft businesses, artists, and food vendors. Browse a variety of stalls, meet independent businesses, local movers and shakers, enjoy good food and explore the Walled Gardens and grounds. Saturday 23 May and Sunday 24 May, 10am-4pm, free entry and parking. More info here
A cruise on Ullswater
Bus route: 104 or X5 to Penrith, then 508 to Ullswater
Ulswater ‘Steamers’ have been operating cruises on one of the Lake District's most iconic lakes for more than 160 years. With one of the largest heritage boat fleets in the world, they connect to some of the most famous and iconic walks in the National Park. You can sail one way from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding, then catch the bus back. More info here
West Cumbria
Ocean Art Adventure The Beacon Museum
Bus route: 2, 3, 3A, 29, 29A, 30 & 600
A fun and creative hands-on session exploring the impact of plastic pollution and how we can protect our seas. Learn about marine pollution, create a driftwood fish mobile, make a clay fish fridge magnet, play games and contribute to a collaborative sea-themed art display. This one-hour session takes place at 11am and 1pm on 25, 27 and 29 May. Costs £5 per person. More info here
Play Trail Haig Pit
Bus route: X4. X5 & 554
This family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to meet the ponies, explore the facilities, and learn more about what the stables offer. Throughout the day, there will be demonstrations, quizzes, games, face painting and merchandise available to buy. Children can get involved with hands-on activities, meet the ponies up close, and ask questions. More info here
Kites & Gliders Keswick Museum
Bus stop: Multiple services into Keswick
Looking for some fun craft activities during May half-term? Come to the museum to make your own paper bag kites and wooden gliders, and listen to a story about kiteflying. There'll be plenty of time to build and decorate your creation, then let them soar in Fitz Park. All materials and tuition provided. Wednesday 27 May, morning (11am) and afternoon (2pm) sessions available. More info here
Medieval Muncaster Festival
Bus route: X7
The Medieval Muncaster Festival is a grand celebration where history comes alive, filled with excitement, adventure, and fun for all ages. Join knights, peasants, wizards and fools and be part of a festival for "The King of the North" to be proud of. There are archery, crossbow and axe-throwing sessions for older kids. More info here
Play Trail Haig Pit
Bus route: 2
Bring the whole family for a free day of fun with balance bikes, volleyball, badminton, sack races and more from 12pm to 4pm on 26 and 27 May. There will be games and sporting equipment on the grassy seaside fields on the Whitehaven coast for all to enjoy. Set up a blanket on the grass to relax between games and see how many butterflies you can spot in the tall grass. More info here
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Lake District Coast Aquarium Maryport
Bus route: 300, 30 & 60
Head to the Aquarium and come face-to-face with a shark and giggle at jellyfish. View the ray pool, shipwreck and deep reef, plus the latest SeaLab extension with microscope, lobster hatchery project, jellyfish breeding tanks and huge coral display that the kids can climb inside. There’s also a 14-hole crazy golf course, cafe, gift and tackle shop - and the pirate adventure play park is now open. More info here
Lake District Wildlife Park – Image: visitlakedistrict.com com
Bus route: X4
Make the most of the warmer spring weather with a visit to the two-acre wildlife park just outside Keswick, where visitors can explore at their own pace and discover more than 100 species, from snakes to zebras. Seasonal bird of prey flying displays offer a memorable highlight, while hands-on keeper experiences provide the chance to get closer to animals including meerkats, tapirs and lemurs. With interactive talks led by knowledgeable keepers throughout the day, the park offers plenty to entertain curious minds of all ages. More info here
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Wordsworth House and Gardens
Bus route: X4, X5 & 600
So much to do and see at the poet’s childhood home. When you arrive, get into character and become a poet. Then head into the garden for more fun and games. Fletch the perch-crow will help you find his garden friends hiding around the house and amongst the flowers and vegetables in the garden. More info here
Pottery session, Florence Arts Centre
Bus route: 22 & 30
Take part in a fun and creative pottery workshop for children and young people aged eight to 18 led by Steph Sykes on Saturday 30 May. During the hands-on session, participants will explore a variety of clay techniques, including rolling and cutting clay, joining smaller pieces to create larger forms, shaping simple 3D designs and adding textures and patterns to their work. 1pm-2.30pm. More info here
West Coast indoor karting
Bus route: 30, 60 & 300
Enjoy the ultimate go-karting experience at North-West England’s largest indoor track with sessions for all ages and levels of driving experience. It’s family friendly and suitable for ages eight to 80+ - and you can even have your children’s birthday party here. More info here