We identified the journey from Carlisle to Brampton on the 685 Stagecoach bus as a key route.

Brampton businesses and stallholders who run the weekly market were feeling the impact of the pandemic as daytripper numbers reduced. There was a clear link between encouraging pensioners to use their bus pass for days out, being able to safely enjoy the local area again and supporting local businesses.

The Grand Day Out initiative was born.

The aim of the Grand Day Out is to boost the confidence of older people to explore the region by bus, enabling them to visit places they might not otherwise see, combat social isolation and loneliness and improve health and wellbeing.

We have been delivering Grand Days Out ever since. From days out to local attractions such as Carlisle Cathedral, Theatre by the Lake and Dove Cottage, to visits to Keswick, Whitehaven, Maryport, Barrow-In-Furness and Morecambe, among others.

The Grand Day Out scheme’s success is so great that the Stagecoach Group is now rolling out the initiative nationally, with the very first Grand Day Out taking place in Wales. Other regions, including Scotland, The Midlands and the North East have also used our model as a starting point and help expand the opportunity for older residents across the UK.