CUMBRIA Tourism is highlighting the array of transport options available to help people go car free and immerse themselves in the stunning Lake District landscape.

From flexible ‘park and sail’ tickets and inspiring itineraries from the train, to ‘hop on, off hop’ bus services and handy shuttlebuses to popular visitor spots, it’s easier than ever for visitors to leave their cars behind as they explore the very best our world-class destination has to offer.

Just a few of the options for visitors to choose from include parking and exploring by bus with inclusive bus and parking tickets. There is all day parking and unlimited bus travel within Stagecoach’s Central Lakes zone for up to 5 people travelling together for £18. See www.stagecoachbus.com for participating car parks.

Or you could make tracks as the train takes the strain. Cumbria Tourism has teamed up with Avanti West Coast and Network Rail to collate some great online ideas and inspiration for getting to – and around – Cumbria. The destination’s official visitor website is helping people to explore without their cars at: www.visitlakedistrict.com/byrail

Why not park and sail to your walking trail from Keswick Rugby Club, linking to the Keswick Launch Company’s shuttle service to Hawse End? Parking is £4 for a day with a 15% voucher for launch services for up to 5 people.

Or combine the bus and boat with Windermere Lake Cruises. Enjoy unlimited bus travel in the Central Lakes zone and a single boat journey from Bowness to Waterhead (Ambleside), on the open deck of an iconic ‘steamer’ with their ‘bus and boat’ ticket.

There is also the option to park and take a shuttle bus to two popular beauty spots.

Two low-cost shuttlebuses for the Wasdale Valley run every weekend until the end of September.

Sustainable Transport Lead for Cumbria Tourism, Gemma Procter, said: "Creating ‘an experience’ which allows people to immerse themselves in our stunning landscape is an important motivation for people’s choice of transport, whether they’re planning day trips in and around the Lake District, Cumbria, or staying for a longer period of time.

“There are a range of transport services and offers readily available which encourage people to leave their cars at home and make the journey part of the experience. That’s fantastic news for locals wanting to explore our large and diverse county, and a real bonus for people from further afield too.

“It means everyone has the chance not only to create memorable experiences – at a time when we need it most - but also to help protect our world-class destination and local communities with greener travel choices.”