New figures have revealed that a record number of people have been travelling to and from a popular Lake District destination by train.
Train operator Northern revealed that 496,000 passengers passed through Windermere Railway Station in 2025/26, which it said was a record high and up seven per cent from the previous year.
The train operator said it was now expecting more than 500,000 journeys to be made in 2026/27.
Northern has now launched a new ticket that allows visitors to switch between trains, buses and boats when they’re exploring Cumbria.
The Cumbria Travel Pass, which costs £40 per person for a day, grants them unlimited travel across the county on Northern, TransPennine Express and Avanti trains, Stagecoach bus services and certain Windermere Lake Cruises boats – allowing them to make as many stops as they want along the way.
Alex Hornby, commercial and customer director at Northern, said: “It’s easy to see why the Lake District is such a popular destination and we’re delighted that a growing number of people are getting there by train.
“We know how important tourism is to the local area and reliable and affordable public transport allows people to explore everything it has to offer without the stress of driving in traffic or searching for a parking space.”
Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said: “It is fantastic to see record numbers of people passing through Windermere station, making use of the Lakes Line as a way to reach the heart of the Lake District National Park.
“Getting to and around the Lake District in Cumbria by public transport is simple and straightforward, with so many ways to travel – from trains and buses to boats, boots and bikes.
Tom Waterhouse, managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria and Lancashire, said: “It is fantastic to see growing numbers of people choosing public transport to visit the Lake District, one of the UK’s most iconic destinations.
“The record passenger numbers at Windermere reflect the strong appeal of travelling sustainably and stress-free, allowing visitors to focus on enjoying everything the area has to offer.
“Through our partnership with Northern and the Cumbria Travel Pass, we’re making it even easier for people to connect seamlessly between buses, trains and boats, supporting local businesses, reducing congestion and helping visitors explore more of Cumbria without relying on the car.”
