It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but the struggle to help keep all the family entertained around the big day is real.
Thanks to Stagecoach, bus travel just got a bit more magical with their Santa buses – and you can still hop on board a bus and travel anywhere in the county for just £2 per person per journey until December 31. This means you can banish the boredom and make the most of the wintry and festive activities on offer throughout the region, while riding in style on board specially decorated transport.
We’ve come up with our top picks for things to enjoy on the bus this holiday and, as we know it’s also one of the most expensive times of the year, we’ve included ideas that won’t break the bank.
Bus Service: 22, 30
Bus Stop: Egremont Market Place & Red Lion Hotel
Join one of several cosy, interactive storytelling sessions on December 21, perfect for families with children aged three to eight. Snuggle up with a blanket and listen to enchanting winter tales, complete with sound effects and actions. After the story, let your little ones' imaginations soar as they create their own winter stories with a provided storyboard. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to spend quality time together, away from screens and immersed in the magic of storytelling.
More info here
Bus route: 78, 554, 555, X4 & X5 Bus stops: Keswick Bus Station
Children aged three and over can enjoy the magic of Tinsel, and follow the tale of a magical little boy who dreams of being the fairy on top of the Christmas tree. But to get to the top, he’ll have to convince a whole tree of doubting baubles, naughty elves, and a naysaying nutcracker.
More info here
Bus route: 30, 300
Bus stop: Curzon Street
Looking for somewhere to get in out of the cold and keep the little ones entertained? Head to the aquarium and come face-to-face with a shark and giggle at jellyfish. View the ray pool, shipwreck and deep reef, plus the latest 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, gift and tackle shop.
More info here
4. Festive fun at Whitehaven Library
Bus route: 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 29, 29A, 30 Bus stops: Lowther Street & Strand Street
Pop along for the final festive Storytots event of 2024, taking place at 2pm at the library on Thursday, December 19. The fun-filled session will have a decidedly Christmassy feel, and is open to children under the age of five – and their parents or guardians too. Booking is not required.
More info here
5. Theatre Royal, Workington
Bus Service: Multiple services into Workington
Bus Stop: Workington Bus Station
Happy Thoughts theatre company will be putting on a performance of Merry Christmas Mary Poppins, on Friday and Saturday, December 20 and 21. Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm show. This year marks the first year that Mary Poppins has become public domain, and so she will be featuring in a very special festive adventure for all the family to enjoy.
More info here
Bus Service: X4
Bus Stop: Lake District Wildlife Park
Wrap up warm and wander the two-acre park, based just outside Keswick, at your leisure and marvel at more than 100 species, from snakes to zebras. Enjoy one of the magical bird of prey flying displays, or truly 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. The park caters to curious minds of all ages with interactive talks led by passionate keepers.
More info here
Bus Service: Multiple services into Whitehaven
Bus Stop: Whittington Cat (stand C)
Create unforgettable Christmas moments for your little ones at The Beacon Museum’s enchanting Santa’s Grotto. From December 17 to 22, your family can take a festive adventure filled with wonder. Enjoy warm hot chocolate, creative crafts, and a captivating Christmas trail. Finish the adventure with a magical encounter with Santa himself in his winter wonderland grotto. Each child will receive a special gift. Booking is advised.
More info here
8. Dick Whittington at the Carnegie Theatre, Workington
Bus route: Multiple services into Workington
Bus stop: Workington bus station
With boos and hisses and shouts of “He’s behind you”, the cast of Dick Whittington will be helping the family have plenty of laughs at the Carnegie Theatre from Boxing Day until December 30. WADAMS, which has a long tradition of amateur dramatics, will be entertaining crowds with their antics for the annual pantomime. Tickets cost £17 each, or £62 for a family ticket. Booking is required.
More info here
9. Keswick Wonderland
Bus route: 78, 554, 555, X4 & X5 Bus stops: Keswick Bus Station
Create lasting memories in the enchanting Christmas Wonderland, open until December 23. Explore a magical winter wonderland, complete with festive lights, a captivating Christmas tree, and a charming carousel. Warm up with delicious treats and hot drinks at the Christmas market. Little ones will also have the chance to meet Santa Claus and receive a gift.
More info here
10. Santa’s Grotto, Whitehaven Civic Hall
Bus route: Multiple services into Whitehaven
Bus stops: Queen Street, Whitehaven
Enjoy a last minute visit to Santa this Christmas, and ensure he knows exactly how good you’ve been. Thanks to The Solway Hall, Santa will be in his grotto in the Civic Hall every day until midday on Christmas eve. It costs £5 per child and booking is essential. To book, or to find out opening times, call 01946 690970.
More info here
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