This Sunday, March 30, is Mothering Sunday, the day we thank our mums and show our appreciation for everything they’ve done for us.
And what better way to treat her than a fabulous trip out?
Don’t panic if you haven’t planned anything. We’ve pulled together five suggestions, all accessible by Stagecoach bus.
With single bus fares capped at £3, no matter how far the journey, you can save your money to spoil her when you get there.
So treat mum – or maybe a grandma, aunty or someone who has simply always been there for you – and take them out this Mothering Sunday.
Check bus times at https://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables
North Cumbria
Afternoon tea at Carlisle Cathedral
Buses: Carlisle city services or 79 from Dumfries via Longtown, 104 from Penrith, 300 from West Cumbria, 554 from Keswick or 685 from Brampton
Nearest stops: Market Hall or Bus Station
A classic afternoon tea in the magnificent surroundings of Carlisle Cathedral’s Fratry Hall, with live piano music. Includes homemade fruit scones with jam and cream, finger sandwiches and bitesize treats, all served with a pot of tea. Make the day extra-special by adding a G&T or a bottle of Prosecco. From £25.
Book here
A cruise on Ullswater
Buses: 104 or X5 to Penrith, then 508 to Ullswater
Nearest stops: Pooley Bridge Pier, Glenridding, or Park Brow for Aira Force
William Wordsworth immortalised Ullswater in his poem ‘Ode to the Daffodils’. They absolutely look their best now.
The finest way to enjoy UIlswater is to cruise the full length of the lake, from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding, with Ullswater Steamers. You can sail one way then catch the bus back. Maybe break the bus journey for the short walk to Aira Force – the waterfalls are especially impressive after heavy rain.
Ask the driver of the first bus you board for an Ullswater Bus and Boat ticket (£17.50), which includes unlimited bus travel and a lake cruise.
More info here
Shopping in Newcastle
Buses: 685 from Carlisle and Brampton
Nearest stop: Eldon Square Bus Station
If mum is a serious shopper, she’ll love a day in Newcastle. Eldon Square Shopping Centre is only a stone’s throw from the bus station and features hundreds of brands from AllSaints to Fenwick and New Look to John Lewis, plus a wide choice of places to eat. The 685 bus from Carlisle now runs hourly on Sundays. And remember, thanks to the fare cap, you can travel all the way for only £3. More info here
Live streaming of Billy Elliot the Musical
Buses: City services and 79, 104, 300, 554 or 685 to Carlisle, 104 to Penrith
Nearest stops: Botchergate or Carlisle Bus Station for Vue, Penrith Bus Station for the Alhambra
Based on the Academy Award-nominated film, Billy Elliot the Musical has won the hearts of millions since it opened in London’s West End in 2005.
Set in a northern mining town, Billy’s journey takes him out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance.
There are Mother’s Day live streamings at 2pm at the Vue Cinema, Carlisle (tickets from £17.49) and the Alhambra Lonsdale in Penrith (from £14). Approximately three hours, including an interval.
Spa pampering at Bannatynes
Buses: 62 or 79
Nearest stop: Moorville Terrace
The Bannatyne Spa Carlisle, in partnership with Elemis, will help mum escape, rejuvenate and harmonise body and soul through indulgent spa therapies and beauty treatments.
The spa features single and dual treatment rooms, manicure stations, a relaxation room with heated loungers and water beds, and a spray tan booth.
Treatments include facials, pedicures and massages, with prices from £10 per treatment. Book at https://spa.bannatyne.co.uk/treatments
West Cumbria
Afternoon tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station
Bus: X5 from Workington and Cockermouth
Nearest stop: Dubwath. Take care crossing the busy A66
Enjoy afternoon tea in an art-deco railway carriage built for Kenneth Branagh’s 2017 film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’.
Afternoon tea begins with soup and sandwiches, followed by savoury treats such as a wagyu beefburger slider and then delicious sweets. Served 11am-3pm, priced £40, with the option to add Prosecco for a ‘Royale’ afternoon tea.
Request a booking at https://www.basslakestation.co.uk/afternoon-tea-menu
A cruise on Derwentwater
Buses: X5 from Workington to Keswick, option of 78 open-top double decker from Keswick to Seatoller
Nearest stop: Keswick Bus Station
Dubbed the ‘Queen of the English Lakes’, Derwentwater is arguably the most beautiful lake of all with its wooded bays and fine backdrop of Skiddaw.
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwent Water, with departures from Keswick every half hour, and the option to break journey at Hawes End, Low Brandelhow, High Brandelhow, Lodore and Ashness. Combine the sail with a trip down Borrowdale on a Stagecoach open topper.
Ask the driver of the first bus you board for a Derwent Water Bus and Boat ticket (£17.90), which includes unlimited bus travel and a lake cruise. More info here
Live streaming of Billy Elliot the Musical
Buses: 30/300 from West Cumbria to Carlisle or X5 to Keswick
Bus stops: Carlisle Bus Station or Keswick Bus Station
Based on the Academy Award-nominated film, Billy Elliot the Musical has won the hearts of millions since it opened in London’s West End in 2005. Set in a northern mining town, Billy’s journey takes him out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance.The Mother’s Day streaming at Workington’s Plaza Cinema is sold out but you can see it at 1pm at the Alhambra in Keswick (£12) or at 2pm at Vue in Carlisle (from £17.49). Approximately three hours, including an interval.
Spa pampering at the North Lakes
Bus service: X5 from Workington, Cockermouth and Keswick
Nearest stop: Skirsgill Gardens, Penrith
Let mum relax in the award-winning spa at the North Lakes Hotel in Penrith.
She can indulge in luxurious spa treatments or simply enjoy an afternoon by the pool with a good book. There’s also a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.
Treatments include a wide range of facials and massages at prices from £35. The X5 bus from West Cumbria runs hourly on Sundays and drops you very close to the North Lakes Hotel.
Book at https://www.northlakeshotel.co.uk/spa-treatments/treatments
Shopping in Carlisle
Buses: 30/300 from Egremont, Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport
Nearest stops: Carlisle Market Hall or Bus Station
If mum is a serious shopper, she’ll love a day in Carlisle.
The Lanes Shopping Centre offers a great selection of big-name retailers including Next and Primark, while nearby English Street has the likes of Marks & Spencer and Boots.
There are plenty of good places to eat too and you might be able to fit in afternoon tea at Carlisle Cathedral’s Fratry Hall, with live piano music, from £25. Reserve at https://carlislecathedral.org.uk/tickets/
South Cumbria
Afternoon tea at the Midland
Buses: 755 from Bowness, Windermere and Kendal
Nearest stop: Aldi in Marine Road West
Afternoon tea at the magnificent and painstakingly restored art deco Midland Hotel in Morecambe makes a wonderful Mother’s Day treat, served in the conservatory with views across Morecambe Bay.
Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, pastries and scones, accompanied by a steaming pot of your favourite tea. Priced at £30 per person or £35 if you add a glass of Prosecco.
Book at https://www.inncollectiongroup.com/the-midland-hotel/
A cruise on Windermere
Buses: 6, 599 or 755 to Bowness Pier, 599 or 555 to Waterhead Pier
Nearest stops: Bowness Pier or Waterhead
Windermere is the longest lake in England and a cruise from Waterhead Pier at Ambleside to Bowness is a must for any lover of Lakeland.
Why not combine a scenic sail with an equally scenic bus ride on the open-top 599 route? This takes you from Bowness to Ambleside and Grasmere. Don’t forget to buy mum some Grasmere Gingerbread before you head home.
Ask the driver of the first bus you board for a Windermere Bus and Boat ticket (£16 or £19.50, depending where you start from), which includes unlimited bus travel and a one-way lake cruise. More info here
Shopping in Lancaster
Bus: 555 from Ambleside, Windermere and Kendal
Nearest stop: Lancaster Bus Station
If mum is a serious shopper, she’ll love a day in Lancaster.
St Nicholas Arcades in the city centre has big names brands including Next, Boots, Lush and Superdrug while nearby Marketgate Shopping Centre has the likes of Marks & Spencer and Primark.
It’s not all about national chains though. Lancaster has great independent retailers too. On no account miss Atkinsons Coffee Roasters in China Street near the bus station. It’s like stepping back into a bygone age.
Live streaming of Billy Elliot the Musical
Buses: 6 and X6 to Barrow, 555 or 599 to Ambleside
Nearest stops: Ramsden Square, Barrow, for Vue, or Kelsick Road, Ambleside, for Zeffirellis
Based on the Academy Award-nominated film, Billy Elliot the Musical has won the hearts of millions since it opened in London’s West End in 2005.
Set in a northern mining town, Billy’s journey takes him out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance.
There are Mother’s Day live streamings at 2pm at the Vue Cinema, Barrow (tickets from £17.49) and Zeffirellis in Ambleside (£15). Approximately three hours, including an interval.
Spa pampering at Low Wood Bay
Buses: 505, 516, 555 & 599
Nearest stop: Low Wood
The Good Spa Guide named the Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa as one of the best spa experiences in the country.
Its treatments and beauty products cater for every skin type, skin condition and stage of life using the purest and most natural ingredients.
Select individual treatments – including facials, massages and specialist treatments – or splash out on a full spa day experience for £185 and give her a Mother’s Day treat she’ll never forget.
Book at https://englishlakes.co.uk/hotels/low-wood-bay/
