School's out, so let’s hit the road. The Lake District is there to explore, and there’s no better way to do it than on board a Stagecoach bus. Better still, throughout August, children aged 5 to 15 get to travel for free (under-5s are always free). It’s part of the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme, which also sees VAT cut from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on family tickets to loads of attractions.

To help inspire you, here is a selection of attractions and places to visit on three iconic Stagecoach routes in the Lakes – Ambleside to Coniston; Grange-over-Sands to Windermere; and the Ullswater Hopper Bus.

517 Ambleside to Coniston service
Ambleside

Ambleside is great for kids, whether as a one-off stop or a place to base yourself for a few days, with plenty of shops, cafes, and, crucially, toilets. Pay a visit to Bridge House, a tiny 17th-century building perched over Stock Beck, fun for kids to spot and photograph. The famous lake cruises depart from nearby Waterhead pier on Windermere, just a short walk away, and you're never far from an impressive waterfall in the Lakes – Stock Ghyll Force is an easy walk up from the town centre and a free delight for all the family with the promise of an ice cream afterwards.

Elterwater
Elterwater is nestled by one of the county's smallest lakes with a picture-postcard village green and a pub. Get off at Elterwater Park and explore the village before following the River Brathay through the valley. It is a beautiful spot for a family picnic and an opportunity to enjoy some of the area's spectacular scenery without attempting a strenuous fell walk. There's another waterfall nearby, Skelwith Bridge, about 20 minutes from Elterwater, great for older kids.

Little Langdale
The Three Shires Inn stop puts you in the heart of Little Langdale, where you can enjoy a picnic and explore the surrounding countryside. The valley is particularly rewarding for families who simply want to spend time outdoors. Look out for the remains of the area's historic slate industry as you explore the valley. It is a chance to combine a family walk with a glimpse into the history of how the landscape was shaped by generations of workers. And the inn does family-friendly food too.

Coniston
Coniston makes an excellent base for a family day out. Browse the independent shops, find somewhere for lunch and explore the village before heading down towards the lake for a walk along the shore or a boat trip. The views across Coniston Water towards the surrounding fells make this one of the classic Lake District outings. The place is steeped in history, as the home of Victorian writer John Ruskin, while May saw the return of Donald Campbell's record-breaking but ill-fated Bluebird K7 hydroplane.

534 Grange-over-Sands to Windermere service
Fancy a family day out without the hassle of finding somewhere to park? The 534 is a new summer bus service linking Grange-over-Sands and Windermere, with plenty of brilliant stops along the way.

Grange-over-Sands
Visiting Grange-over-Sands? Then start with a wander along the promenade and through the town's parks and gardens. It's an easy-going option for younger children, with plenty of space to run around and enjoy an ice cream. Close by are the Lakes Aquarium in Ulverston and the National Trust park Fell Foot.

Lakeland Leisure Park

The bus stops at Lakeland Leisure Park at Flookburgh, making it possible to combine your journey with a staycation or simply enjoy the facilities available at the holiday park. There's so much to do at the park - indoor and outdoor pools, a private lake for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing, and activities for all ages, from a NERF training camp to a nine-hole golf course.

Holker Hall
The stop at Holker Hall Main Gate leads to one of the route's biggest attractions. Explore the impressive gardens and grounds, with plenty of space for children to let off steam. Check opening times and admission prices before travelling. The stately home offers events all year round, including live theatre and music for all ages, celebrations of local food, markets and seasonal festivities throughout the year. And you can access the courtyard area, with its cafe and food hall, without having to pay for admission to the house.

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

Travelling around on a Stagecoach bus is the way to see the South Lakes but you could hop off at Haverthwaite Railway Station for a ride on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. Once on board you can get to Lake Windermere – the Lakeside stop 3.2 miles down the line – and you could even push on to Bowness or Ambleside on a connecting steamboat cruise. This is the perfect time to go – trains run daily until November.

Bowness and Windermere
The 534 stops at Bowness Pier put you right in the middle of one of the Lake District's busiest visitor destinations. Take a boat trip, explore the shops or simply find an ice cream and enjoy the views across Windermere. From Bowness, it's possible to reach Windermere Jetty Museum, where families can discover the history of boats and boat-building on the lake. The museum is right on the water and has a café for a lunch stop.

UB1/UB2 Ullswater Hopper Bus services
Aira Force
Start at Aira Force, arguably the Lakes' best-known waterfall, and follow the woodland paths with plenty of opportunities to explore, climb and scramble. But you don't have to tackle a long walk to enjoy this beautiful corner of the Lakes. Pack a picnic, explore the woodland and take in the views before hopping back on the bus.

Another Place, The Lake
Looking for somewhere family-friendly to stay on this route? Another Place, The Lake is a boutique hotel on the shores of Ullswater with an indoor pool, activities including guided wild swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing (Ullswater marina is next door), and walking or cycling trails plus a kids' zone and dog-friendly rooms and areas.

Pooley Bridge
The village is an ideal base for a relaxed day out. Wander across the bridge, explore the shops and cafés, or head towards the lakeshore for a picnic and some fresh air. It is also a great starting point for exploring Ullswater by boat. Combine your bus journey with a trip on the Ullswater Steamers and see the lake from a completely different perspective.

Howtown (UB1 only)
Howtown itself is just a hamlet, but it is also a key walking/boating hub on this route. The Howtown to Glenridding lakeshore is a well-loved, fairly serious walk (around seven miles) for families with older kids; the scenery is spectacular, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy a picnic and spot wildlife. Many do it one-way and take the Steamer back to Howtown pier – another Steamer stop, so you can do a short there-and-back by boat instead.

Lowther Castle (UB2 only)
The UB2 provides a link to Lowther Castle, where families can explore the gardens, discover the castle ruins and enjoy the adventure playground. It's always a popular choice for a full family day out, but give yourself plenty of time there. Younger children can enjoy the playground, one of the best in Cumbria, with treehouses and play trials, while adults take in the gardens and historic setting. Check opening times and admission arrangements before travelling.