‘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
Santa’s New Sleigh, World of Beatrix Potter, Crag Brow, Bowness
Bus route: 755, 599, 6
Bus stop: Bowness
Have you ever built a sledge? If so, your skills could be useful for this show for kids aged two to eight – Santa’s sleigh is lost and Sprocket and Dibs need help to make him a new one. The 50-minute play in the Old Laundry Theatre ends with a gift for each child. There’ll be two shows a day from December 20 to 24.
To book, click here
Three Little Pigs, Brewery Arts, Highgate, Kendal
Bus routes: Multiple services into Kendal
This is a version of the Three Little Pigs we can recommend – it’s got all the usual huff and puff… and a bus! The family puppet show is aimed at three to 10-year-olds and the pigs need help from the audience to save their bacon. There are two shows a day from December 20 to 24, then again on December 27 and 28.
To book, click here
Christmas Card Stamp Trail, Barrow town centre
Bus routes: Multiple services into Barrow
If the kids reckon stamp collecting is boring, they should try this kind at Barrow’s annual pre-Christmas celebration on December 20. It’s got free attractions including a synthetic ice rink, curling rink, snowboard simulator, crafts and toy testing. Run to attract people to the town for Christmas shopping, children get a card that’s stamped at each attraction they try, then they hand it in for a prize draw. It’s run by BID, a non-profit organisation set up to regenerate the town centre.
For details, click here
Winter at Sizergh Castle, near Kendal
Bus route: X6, 530, 555 & 755
Bus stop: Brettargh Holt
A winter wonderland awaits at Sizergh which has created an outdoor light show with fluorescent stags and glowing trees. Then once you’ve finished there’s traditional decorations to enjoy in the National Trust-run manor and craft sessions in the Great Barn. There’s also gifts to fill stockings on sale in the shop and festive food in the cafe. The event runs until Christmas Eve – to book, click here.
Christmas Crafts Drop-In Workshop, Ragtag Arts, Mealbank Road, Kendal
Bus route: 43 & 43A
Bus stop: Mint Bridge, opposite Morrisons
If the kids fancy adding their own personal touch to the Christmas tree, take them to Ragtag Arts drop-in session from 10am to 4pm on December 20. Ragtag has all the materials needed, and ideas for perfect crafty creations. There’s also the opportunity to paint a pot with a professional glaze, and there’s playtime in the centre’s play space with dens and ball runs. For details, click here.
Barrow Park, Barrow-in-Furness
Bus route: Multiple services into Barrow
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 the local park? Barrow Park has a playground, dedicated skate area and loads of space for a kickabout. It’s perfect for an hour or two of simple, fresh-air fun.
Santa at Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge
Bus route: X6, 6
Bus stop: Newby Bridge
At this time of year Santa’s here, there and, er, everywhere – including at the Swan Hotel’s Grotto on the weekend of December 20 and 21. With a team of elves back at the North Pole he can deal with your Christmas lists at the last minute. Every young visitor to the grotto gets an early gift, too. To book, click here.
Regency Xmas Family Workshop, Dove Cottage, Grasmere
Bus route: 555 & 599
Bus stop: Daffodil House
What did William Wordsworth do at Christmas without a Nintendo Switch to play on? Well, you can find out at Dove Cottage’s Regency Christmas Day on December 20. The whole family can dress up in Georgian costume, make pomanders and wreaths, and decorate gingerbread stars made with Dorothy Wordsworth’s recipe. For details and to book, click here.
Swimming at Barrow Leisure Centre, Greengate St, Barrow-in-Furness
Bus route: Multiple services into Barrow
Bus stop: Park Leisure Centre bus stop
Give us a wave… you’ll see lots rolling across the water at Barrow Leisure Centre’s leisure pool, plus there’s a water slide and pirate cove play area. There’s also the 25-metre main pool beside it so the whole family can get a workout. Meanwhile, at Ulverston Leisure Centre (Priory Rd, Ulverston LA12 9HT) there’s a 25-metre pool which runs Swim For All sessions that are perfect for families.
Soft play, Outside In, Beezon Road, Kendal
Bus route: Multiple services into Kendal
Do the kids fancy a trip to a castle or exploring the high street without stepping outside? Outside In has the answer – its outdoors-themed soft play areas are warm and under cover, perfect for a typical Cumbrian winter’s day, and there’s even a cafe for the grown-ups. Outside In is a community-run charity centre that supports families in the town and surrounding area. To find out more, click here.