Stagecoach is doubling the frequency of the Sunday bus service between West Cumbria and Carlisle.
From July 23, the 300 from Workington to Carlisle will run hourly on Sundays, as it does during the week, and most Sunday journeys will be extended to start from Thornhill, Egremont and Whitehaven.
This will allow adult passengers to travel all the way from Thornhill to Carlisle, or any points in between, for just £2 under the national fare-cap scheme.
Tom Waterhouse, interim managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: “We are always looking to improve our services where we can.
“We’ve seen a positive response to the £2 fare cap from the public and that prompted us to improve the frequency of the Sunday service on the 300 and make it a through service from Egremont and Whitehaven to Carlisle.”
The new Sunday timetable will improve opportunities to travel to Carlisle for shopping and events and make it easier for people in Carlisle to make trips to attractions such as Mayport Aquarium and The Beacon, Whitehaven.
Buses will leave Whitehaven for Carlisle hourly from 7.05am to 4.05pm, with a last bus at 6.05pm, returning from Carlisle hourly until 6.10pm, then 8.10pm.
The Government introduced the £2 fare cap last year as a temporary measure to boost bus use after passenger numbers fell during Covid. The £2 fare in England applies until October 31, then rises to £2.50 until November 2024.
Thornhill to Carlisle is only one of the long-distance journeys possible with Stagecoach for £2. Others include Carlisle to Newcastle, Barrow to Kendal, Workington to Penrith and Lancaster to Keswick, all for just £2.
Stagecoach is making other minor changes from Saturday, July 22.
The 400 from Carlisle to Silloth will no longer serve Dobies Garden Centre at Orton Grange while service 30 from Maryport to Thornhill/Frizington will serve Lakes College only on Mondays to Fridays between 7.30am and 6.15pm.
There are tweaks to early morning and late evening journeys on the 30 and 300 in West Cumbria and revisions to early-morning Saturday services in Carlisle and West Cumbria to reflect low patronage levels.
These changes affect the 61, 62, 63, 67 and 104 in Carlisle and the 1, 2, 3, 3A, 29, 30, 50, 51 and 52 in West Cumbria.
Timetables are available to download on the Stagecoach website.
It’s not just about the destination, but how you get there
The 300 bus route travels all the way from Workington to Carlisle and whatever your reasons for travel, it’s bound to offer something to make you consider getting on board.
Taking the stress out of the morning commute
Not only does taking the bus allow you to save on fuel costs, but with free wifi on board, the majority of vehicles boasting USB charging points and no issues with parking at your destination, it is bound to make the morning commute a little easier. Plus, it means you never need to turn down after-work drinks again.
Go on an adventure
Sometimes the real adventure is not in the destination, but in how you get there. Pack your lunch and jump on board the 300 bus, as it travels through stunning scenery across West Cumbria. From games of “I spy…” to spotting the different animals in the fields, even the journey itself can be part of the fun for families.
Shopping treats
Head into Carlisle and take advantage not only of the bustling high street, but also the choice of shops on offer in both The Lanes Shopping Centre and in the city’s Historic Quarter. Treat yourself to some new clothes for summer, indulge in a visit to a toy shop or simply meander through the assorted clothes, jewellery, electronics, beauty and gift shops.
Soft play fun
Nothing will excite your children or grandchildren more than the chance to run wild in one of the county’s assorted soft play centres. Whether they’re letting off steam at Aztec in Carlisle, flying down the 30-feet tiger slide at Rookies in Wigton, bouncing around at the Wave Centre in Maryport or simply enjoying themselves at Workington’s Monkey Madhouse, there is something on offer for every child.
Get the show on the road
Get dressed up and head for a night on the town, enjoying the best live entertainment around. From National Theatre screenings to live pantomimes, rocking musical nights and dramatic theatre performances, the towns and cities along the 300-bus route have it all on offer. Whether you’re looking at the Sands Centre or the Green Room in Carlisle, the Carnegie Theatre in Workington or the community-run John Peel Theatre in Wigton, there’s a night of culture just down the road from you.
Culinary delights
Cumbria is proud to boast a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, and part of what makes them so special is the locally-produced and farmed ingredients that they use. Pop into Carlisle city centre on the first Friday of the month to browse the farmers’ market, or make a stop off at any of the delicatessens, butchers and grocers in the city. Alternatively, indulge in any of the cafes or restaurants which boast the very best ingredients, making it truly a foodie’s delight.
