We have put together some resources to help you plan your travelling to Buttermere and the surrounding area.  Bear in mind that some of the services are highly seasonal so you should check with the relevant transport operators prior to travelling for specific details of your planned journeys.

Public transport

Arriving in Buttermere by public transport is certainly possible, but it does take some planning.  The Cumbria Council Journey Planning Tool is an invaluable to exploring the best options.

Trains

The West Coast mainline runs to the east of the Lake District, connecting Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle with London and Glasgow. A direct train also runs from Manchester to Windermere. Local trains call at Kendal, Staveley and Windermere. There is also route following the Cumbrian coastline.  Rail planning information is available on the National Rail website and to find whole journey options you should consult the Cumbria Council Journey Planning Tool.  In order to reach Buttermere, most journeys will involve changing at Penrith for onward bus to Keswick and a further bus to Buttermere (see below for bus information).

Buses

Buttermere is served by the Honister Rambler bus route. This bus service (77/77A) operates in both clockwise and anti clockwise directions taking in Portinscale, Catbells, Grange, Seatoller, Honister Slate Mine, Buttermere, Lorton and Whinlatter Forest. It runs approximately hourly, with around 10 journeys each day during the peak season.  For bus timetables click here.

Travelling by Car

The Lake District can reached in about five to six hours from the South East and London, about one and half hours from Manchester and two hours from York.  The M6 runs to the east of the Lake District National Park and to access Buttermere take Junction 40 and the A66 or A592 for the northern end of the Lake District.  Butteremere is approximately 45 minutes and 27 miles from Junction 40 via the A66 to Keswick

Remember that roads in the Lake District can be narrow, steep and twister – even the A roads.  The Honister Pass between Borrowdale and Buttermere is 1 in 4, making them some of the steepest roads in England!

Car Parking

There is a car park in the centre of Buttermere Village, behind the Bridge Hotel and next to the Fish Hotel.

The Short grid reference for the car pakr is NY 172 169 and the nearest postcode is CA13 9XA.

You can pay by phone reference, 7265, however bear in mind that you might not be able to get any or better than a poor mobile signal on your mobile telephone provided.

The car park has toilet facilities, including disabled and baby-changing facilities.

There is no coach parking at this car park.

Air Travel

The nearest airports are Manchester to the south and Glasgow to the north. There is a railway station at Manchester airport with services that run to Oxenholme next to Kendal, Kendal, Staveley and Windermere.

Useful Travel Resources:

AA Route Planner
Cumbria Council Bus Timetables
Cumbria Council Travel Planning Tool
National Rail Website
RAC Route Planner