Car Free Holidays

Ditch the motor and go car free at The Quiet Site

Enjoy car free holidays and glamping breaks at The Quiet Site, Ullswater.

The Lake District is a fabulous destination that is best enjoyed in ways which allow you take in our spectacular landscape. You can best enjoy these views while walking, cycling, sailing on the lake or by letting someone else do the driving.

Travelling without the car can offer you a great feeling of freedom and allow you to relax and enjoy your holiday.

To make it as easy as possible, the businesses around Ullswater have been working together to provide three new bus routes. The Ullswater Bus means you can enjoy car free holidays and access all the area’s best bits without jumping in the car.

We’ve rounded up some our favourite car free activities below, along with information about how to reach us. Don’t forget our wide range of glamping accommodation here at The Quiet Site means you can travel light and still enjoy a comfortable and relaxing break.

Travel by train

Travelling to Cumbria by train is both fast and easy. Penrith is our nearest station, on the West Coast Mainline. It’s just a short bus journey from the station to The Quiet Site.

Some common direct train journey times to Penrith from national destinations:

3h 5m – London
1h 30m – Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow
1h 10m – Wigan
1h – Preston
35m – Lancaster
15m – Carlisle

We’re also easily reached from the North East via Carlisle, or from Leeds and connecting stations on the Settle to Carlisle line.

Penrith Station

And from Penrith Station you can just jump on a 508 bus to The Brackenrigg Inn. From here we will pick you up, or you can get the Ullswater Hopper Bus straight to The Quiet Site if the timing is good.

Get out and about by bus

Travel on the new Ullswater bus service which links the valley’s places to stay and visit.

There are 3 practical, but very scenic routes to travel all starting and ending at Pooley Bridge, running on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.

UB1 loops around Watermillock stopping at places to stay and the popular Ullswater Way access point at Watermillock Church.

UB2 runs out to Lowther Castle and Gardens, stopping off and picking up as required along the route.

UB3 runs down to Howtown, useful if you wish to climb Hallin Fell, visit Martindale or pick up the Howtown to Patterdale section of the Ullswater way.

Ullswater Bus timetables

Enjoy car free holidays and days out

We’ve put together some of our favourite places to visit and things to do without the car when you’re staying with us.

The Ullswater Way

The whole circuit is 20 miles, but it’s easily broken down into sections which you can reach via the Ullswater Bus or Steamers.

Aira Force

A circular walk which takes around 4 hours from our front door. One of the best low level walks in the Lake District!

Little Mell Fell

A fairly short walk to the top of this lovely fell, which sits just behind The Quiet Site.

Hallin Fell

A magical fell just beyond Howtown on the southern side of the lake. A perfect climb for little legs too!

Ullswater Steamers

Take the Ullswater Bus to Pooley Bridge pier to enjoy a fabulous cruise (up to 2 hours) around England’s most beautiful lake.

Lowther Castle & Gardens

A wonderful day out visting this magnificent castle facade and enchanting gardens. Again, catch the Ullswater Bus!

Electric Bike Hire

We can organise bike hire so you can explore the quiet lanes and bridleways around Ullswater. Just let us know your dates, height and weight and your bikes can be ready and waiting for you.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Accessible, easy to learn and seriously fun, plus you can see the lake from a whole different perspective. Lessons and board hire can be booked at Another Place, just down the road from The Quiet Site.