Half term is the perfect excuse to get out and about with the children, and hopping on a Stagecoach bus makes days out easy, affordable and stress-free.
From historic castles and countryside escapes to parks, pools and hidden local gems, there’s plenty to explore without worrying about parking or traffic.
Whether you’re planning a full day out or a spontaneous afternoon adventure, we’ve come up with 10 ideas that are all about making the most of half term while letting Stagecoach do the driving.
And for just £3 for a single ticket per person – with the added bonus that up to three children under the age of five can travel for free – it won’t break the bank.
Comics: The Famous and The Forgotten, The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven
Bus service: 2, 3, 3A, 29, 29A, 30 & 600
If you know Dennis the Menace from Judge Dredd then hop on a Stagecoach bus to Whitehaven where The Beacon Museum is one of the first venues to host Comics: The Famous & Forgotten, the debut touring exhibition by The Cartoon Museum in London.
This celebration tells the story of comic art in Britain and answers questions such as how did comic strips first get popular in Victorian Britain, and who was the first British superhero?
The Beacon is also hosting a special comic competition, giving young creators in four age groups from four years old to 16, the chance to produce their own original comic. Selected entries will be printed and displayed at the museum. Full details, including how to enter the competition, here.
Egremont Castle Walk
Bus service: X7, 22, 30 & 32
The weather is improving – hopefully – and days are certainly getting longer, so it’s time to get out walking again. This route, recommended by The Hiking Household, offers loads of trails and places to explore in and around the castle which dates back to the early 12th century. It was the first site in Cumbria to be awarded a Green Heritage Award in 2004. See here
Derwent Pencil Museum, Keswick
Bus service: 78, 554, 555, X4 & X5
If there are young artists in the family, this museum makes an ideal weekend visit. Entry is through a replica graphite mine, before visitors follow the story of pencil-making from its beginnings as a cottage industry to the present day. Highlights include the impressive eight-foot colouring pencil, while the museum shop offers a tempting place for children to spend their Christmas money. Click here for details of opening hours over the holidays.
Workington Leisure Centre pool
Bus service: 29, 29A, 30, 50, 51, 52, 60, 300, X4/X5
Workington Leisure Centre offers plenty of options for swimmers, with two pools to choose from. The main pool is 25 metres long and ideal for more serious swimming, while the teaching pool features a movable floor that allows the depth to be adjusted for different users. Swim For All sessions are well suited to families, and children aged 11 and over who want to swim lengths can take part in Swim For Fitness sessions. The centre also has a climbing wall.To find out more and to book, click here.
Soft Play and Clip ’n Climb, Maryport Activity Centre
Bus service: 300, 30, 60
If children have plenty of energy to burn, a visit to a soft play centre can be a good option. Maryport Activity Centre is open throughout the holidays and features a three-tier adventure play area, along with a separate space designed for toddlers. The centre also offers Clip ’n Climb sessions, with supervised climbing available for children aged four and over. To find out more and to book, click here
Carnegie Theatre, Workington
Bus service: X4, X5, 300, 30, 31
Lots to do at the Carnegie over half-term. For younger music fans, there’s K-Pop Live, the ultimate tribute to the global phenomenon, on 14 February. Step into the dazzling world of K-Pop — where every comeback hits harder, every choreo is next level, and every stage is pure daebak. On 20 February, join our intrepid rangers on a quest to recover the data crystal, restore power to the island and save the dinosaurs in Dinosaur Adventure Live – Danger On T-Rex Mountain. Full details here
Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
Bus service: 78, 554, 555, X4 & X5
Two great shows for youngsters in Keswick this half term. First up is The Bubble Show 2: More Bubble on Monday 16 February at 2pm. Journey through the awe-inspiring legends of Bubbleland, featuring fire effects, poetic puppetry, light-displays, majestic music and brand-new bubble masterpieces. Then on Tuesday and Wednesday 17 and 18 February, watch Mr Sleepybum’s Dream Machine, the acclaimed kids comedy show by Jody Kamali.
Full details here
Florence Arts Centre, Egremont
Bus service: 22, 30
Join the Fair Folk Family Activity Sessions at Florence Arts Centre on Thursday, 19 February with sessions at 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm. £3 per child. Tickets can be bought on the day. Enjoy nature trails, stories, cardboard car making, play with clay, Minecraft minerals and more. More info here
Lake District Coast Aquarium, Maryport
Bus service: 30, 60 & 300
Wet outside? Take the littles ones to somewhere wet inside! Head to the Aquarium where they can view the ray pool, shipwreck and deep reef, plus the SeaLab extension with microscope, lobster hatchery project, jellyfish breeding tanks and huge coral display that the kids can climb inside. There’s also a 14-hole crazy golf course and an adventure playground, cafe, and gift and tackle shop. More info here
Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite
Bus service: X4
Stroll around the two-acre park, based just outside Keswick, and marvel at more than 100 species, from snakes to zebras. Enjoy one of the magical bird of prey flying displays, or experience adventure with one of the park’s hands-on keeper experiences, when you can get up close and personal with meerkats, tapirs and lemurs. More info here