Windermere station has recorded a record 496,000 passengers in the 2025-2026 period, a seven percent increase on the previous year, according to train operator Northern. The company anticipates more than half a million journeys this summer as the Lake District continues to attract visitors.
Record Numbers at Windermere Station
The station serves as a gateway to England's largest lake and popular towns like Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside. Northern's Lakes Line terminates at Windermere, with stops at Oxenholme, Kendal, Burneside, and Staveley. Four daily services run in each direction between Manchester Airport and Windermere.
Benefits of Train Travel
Arriving by train reduces road congestion and pressure on car parks. Northern has launched a Cumbria Travel Pass allowing visitors to switch between trains, buses, and boats. 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. Windermere is a wonderful place to visit and buses run regularly from the station to a wide range of destinations. Our new Cumbria Travel Pass also makes getting around without a car even easier."
Local Support
Gill Haigh, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, added: "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. The Cumbria Travel Pass makes this even easier, combining different ways of getting around into one simple ticket."
Local businesses are preparing for a busy summer as more tourists choose UK destinations amid international travel uncertainty.
