Show Mum Just How Much You Care And Create New Memories Together This Mother’s Day

The bulbs are popping up and the days are getting longer, as spring brings with it Cumbria’s awakening. Spring-time also means that Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and once again it’s all about showing mum just how much she is loved.

Why not treat her to a new experience, or simply head outside to enjoy some quality time together. Whatever you’re into, we’ve compiled a list of 10 things you can do to show her you care this March 10 – and all within easy access of a bus, meaning no arguments over who has to drive. What’s more, now is the perfect time to take the bus as it costs just £2 each for a single journey with your mum.

Lake District Wildlife Park Image visitlakedistrict.com

Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite

Take mum for a walk on the wild side at this popular attraction, just outside Keswick. Wander the two-acre park at your leisure and marvel at more than 100 species, from snakes to zebras. Enjoy one of the magical bird of prey flying displays, or truly experience adventure with one of the park’s hands-on keeper experiences, where you can get up close and personal with meerkats, tapirs and lemurs.
Bus service: X4
Bus stop: A short walk from the trotters world bus stop
Find out more on the Stagecoach website.

The Fairydust Emporium Silloth Image Facebook.

Silloth stroll

Indulge in some sea air, and head to Silloth for a stroll along the promenade. You can enjoy spectacular views across the Solway Firth and maybe even catch sight of a Haaf Netter. When you want to warm up with a cuppa and a cake – or spoil yourselves with a scrumptious lunch – then why not pop into The Fairydust Emporium Café, described by customers as a real hidden gem.
Bus service: 400
Bus stop: The Green, Silloth
Find out more on the Stagecoach website

Chocolate Factory, Hawkshead

Chocolate Factory, Hawkshead
Create your own tasty chocolate creations at the Children’s Chocolate Factory in Hawkshead. From chocolate dinosaurs, bears or bunnies, to chocolate slabs and marshmallow chocolate creations, the 30 to 40 minute workshops are guaranteed to keep all the family entertained – although be aware, every adult must be accompanied by a child. Alternatively, stop by for a visit to the Factory and Coffee Shop, indulging in more than 100 varieties of loose chocolates and freshly made butter and cream fudges.
Bus service: 505
Bus stop: Tourist Information Centre, Hawkshead
Find out more on the Stagecoach website

Laurel and Hardy, Ulverton Images visitlakedistrict.com

Fish and chips in the birthplace of a Hollywood comedy legend

Nothing says “I love you mum” than steaming hot fish and chips! Head to the birthplace of a Hollywood comedy legend, and explore Ulverston with your mum. Pose beside Stan Laurel's statue before heading inside the world famous Laurel and Hardy Museum to learn more about the town's most famous son, even indulging in a viewing of a film or two. Once you've had your fill of laughs, then take a stroll through the beautiful market town and treat yourselves to steaming hot fish and chips. Priory Plaice Fish & chips is one of the few takeaways open on a Sunday, allowing you to grab your tasty treat and head up to the Sir John Barrow or Hoad monument to enjoy them in the open air, while enjoying 360-degree views - just remember to wrap up warm.
Bus service: 6 & X6
Bus stop: Victoria Road, Ulverston
Find out more on the Stagecoach website.

Ullswater Steamers Image visitlakedistrict.com

Ullswater bus and steamer
This award-winning Lake District attraction allows you to combine bus and boat, with every Steamer stop except Howtown Pier within walking distance of a Stagecoach bus stop. The Steamers have been running for more than 160 years and allow you to sit back and relax while enjoying the best view of England’s most beautiful lake. This time of year also offers visitors the chance to get a unique view of Wordsworth’s daffodils on the west shore.
Bus service: 508
Bus stop: Pooley Bridge, Glenridding
Find out more on the Stagecoach website

Brockhole Art Gallery Image Brockhole Art Gallery

Explore the art gallery at Brockhole
This popular visitor centre has so much to see and do, but why not soak up some culture and take mum on a tour of the exhibitions and gallery? The Gaddum Gallery has a regular changing programme of exhibitions by local talented artists, plus a view from its balcony to rival any in the UK. Once done, take time to explore the Lake District Natural History Galley, in partnership with Kendal Museum, as well as The Lake District Story Exhibition.
Bus service: 505, 516, 555 & 599
Bus stop: Brockhole gates
Find out more on the Stagecoach website

The Thermal Spa at Low Wood Bay - Image English Lakes

Thermal Spa at Low Wood Bay
Make it a day of luxury, and indulge both of you with a three-hour Thermal Journey at Low Wood Bay spa, in Ambleside. Step inside and breathe in dry salt, coconut steam or herbal infusions before relaxing in gentle thermal currents. Then step outside and experience the Fellside Infinity Pool, outside sauna, hot tubs and fire pit. Start or finish the day with either a two course lunch or wood-fired afternoon tea in Blue Smoke at Low Wood Bay.
Bus service: 505, 516, 555 & 599
Bus stop: Low Wood Bay, Windermere
Find out more on the Stagecoach website

The Lakes Distillery tour Image The Lakes Distillery

The Lakes Distillery tour
Nestled on the north shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, this distillery creates award-winning spirits in a spectacular location, so what better way to treat mum than to take a tour of the site. Go behind-the-scenes and see the whisky maker's unique approach come to life, as you learn the secret of their whisky, gin and vodka – and of course get to taste them all too! Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the distillery’s Bistro, indulging in food and drink made with seasonal produce.
Bus service: X4
Bus stop: Lakes Distillery
Find out more on the Stagecoach website

Take a daffodil walk through Dora's Field

Wordsworth’s most-famous poem, I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud…, is often called daffodils and was inspired by a forest encounter and a “long belt” of daffodils. Take your own colourful walk in Dora’s Field, next to St Mary’s Church at Rydal Water. The poet bought the field after a minor spat with a neighbour, and originally threatened to build a house for his daughter Dora. After she died of tuberculosis, Wordsworth planted hundreds of daffodil bulbs in the field in her memory. There are a number of footpaths in the area to help explore.
Bus service: 555 & 599
Bus stop: The bus stops on the A591. Carefully cross and walk up the lane towards Rydal Mount and Rydal Hall
Find out more on the Stagecoach website.

Newcastle Image by 5477687 from Pixabay

Shop ‘til you drop in Newcastle

On the rare occasion there is nothing left to explore in Cumbria, then why not hop on board a bus and head east to Newcastle and shop ‘til you both drop. The city is perfect for both high-street hunters and independent gem seekers. Bustling Eldon Square offers all your favourite brands, while hidden courtyards like Grainger Market overflow with unique finds. Fancy a designer splurge? Fenwick awaits. Craving local flair? Explore quirky boutiques on Grey Street. Shopping in Newcastle is a delightful adventure, blending retail therapy with genuine local flavour.
Bus service: 685
Bus stop: Eldon Square Bus Station
Find out more on the Stagecoach website.