‘Tis the season to be jolly, but kids can get jolly bored if they’re cooped up all day. So we’ve come up with some family-friendly ideas for trips out during the Christmas school holidays – some festive, some fun, and all reachable by Stagecoach bus.
For just £3 for a single journey – children aged five to 15 pay £2, and up to three under-fives can travel free with an adult – or free for older people with a bus pass
Don’t forget to use the Stagecoach bus journey planner to find the best bus routes to get you there – you can find it at https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey
The Muppets Christmas Carol, The Tullie, Castle Street, Carlisle
Bus route: Multiple services into city centre
Bus stop: Carlisle bus station/Carlisle Market Hall
A frog playing Bob Cratchet with a buxom pig as his wife might not be what Charles Dickens had in mind when he penned this Christmas classic. But this 1992 film starring Michael Caine has become a festive tradition in its own right. All the Muppet favourites are here, including Statler and Waldorf as Scrooge’s dead business partners Jacob and Robert Marley. Suitable for children aged five and upwards, tickets are £5 for the 2pm showing on December 21.
To book, click here
Pinocchio, Rheged Centre, Penrith
Bus route: X4, X5
Bus stop: Rheged Centre
Here’s a pantomime with wooden performances guaranteed. It tells the story of everyone’s favourite fibbing puppet Pinocchio, who gets distracted on the way to school and ends up in a whale’s belly. This production is a one-hour film of a live pantomime, with jokes, songs and slapstick aimed at young viewers. Book showings at 11.30am or 2.30pm on December 28 and 29 here. Rheged also has an indoor play area where little ones can burn off some energy.
Santa’s Grotto, Dobbies, Orton Grange, Carlisle
Bus route: 300, 400, 554, 600
Bus stop: 5-minute walk from Orton Grange roundabout
Yes, it’s really him, in Carlisle, taking orders for presents before returning to the North Pole to pack up his sleigh. The little ones will be greeted by his elves, who will take them for a spot of ice fishing, snowball target practice and a visit to the reindeer stables, before their sit-down with Santa Claus himself. Visits can be booked until Christmas Eve, click here. Some of the money raised from ticket sales will support the Dumyat tree planting project near Stirling.
Carlisle Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival
Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle
Bus stops: Carlisle Bus Station/Carlisle Market Hall
If you think your Christmas tree looks impressive, go and compare it to what’s on show at Carlisle Cathedral. The Christmas Tree Festival is back, and promises to be twinklier than last year with scores of trees decorated by charities, schools, groups and businesses. The trees will be there throughout the school holiday, with activities for children and festive treats on sale at the cafe.
For details of this and other Cathedral events, click here
The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants, Vue Cinema, Carlisle
Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle
Bus stop: Carlisle Bus Station
Spongebob is 25, but if you reckon his slapstick comedy never gets old, take the kids on a bus ride to Carlisle’s Vue cinema. Search for Squarepants is the fifth Spongebob movie, and this time Spongebob, Patrick, Squidward, Sandy and Mr Krabs encounter the Flying Dutchman ghost ship in the ocean’s depths. Expect a December 20 release.
To book, click here
Skate by the Lake, Penrith
Bus route: 508
Bus stop: Watermillock
If you’ve got fans of the Frozen movies in your house, tell them to make like Elsa and Anna and slope off to Skate by the Lake. The 200 square-metre rink in the grounds of the Another Place hotel beside Ullswater is open to the public throughout the holidays. It’s proper Christmassy too, with a 16ft Christmas tree, shimmering lights and festive drinks and snacks.
To book, click here
Cinders, The Playhouse, Auction Mart Lane, Penrith
Bus route: Various services into Penrith
The Penrith Players promise you’ll have a ball of a time with their panto, Cinders. It’s the story we all know but with a few twists – the fairy godmother is new to the job and Prince Charming is anything but. One for the whole family, even your evil stepmother and ugly sisters are welcome. It starts on December 17 and runs until December 20… to book, click here.
Bitts Park, Carlisle
Bus route: Multiple services into Carlisle bus station
Upperby Park, Carlisle
Bus route: 67, 64
Did Santa bring a new football, skateboard or scooter for Christmas? If so, the kids will need somewhere to try them out, and where better than a park? Bitts Park has a dedicated skate area with ramps, and a playground suitable for children aged from nought to their mid teens. Meanwhile, Upperby Park, at the other end of town, has a playground, Hammond’s Pond and boating lake, and lots of space to run around. It’s simple, fresh air fun.
Swimming, Penrith Leisure Centre, Southend Road, Penrith
Bus route: Multiple services into Penrith bus station
Jump in, the water’s lovely… and there are even two pools at Penrith Leisure Centre. The main one is 25 metres long for some serious exercise, while the 13-metre pool is great for younger children. Swim For All sessions are targeted at families, while older kids who want to clock up some lengths can join the Swim For Fitness sessions.
For details and to book, click here
Eden Rock climbing centre, Brunel Way, Carlisle
Bus route: 61, 104
Bus stop: Harraby
If the little ones are climbing the walls, take them somewhere their skills will be useful… a climbing wall. Eden Rock Carlisle offers a huge range of climbing and bouldering challenges for all ages, with a dedicated kids’ room and classes. Adults can get stuck in too, or take the easy option and enjoy a drink in the cafe. Since safety is crucial, you’ll need to phone ahead to find out which session/class is best for your needs.
For details, click here