We are delighted to share the news that visitors can now reach Stanwick Lakes by public transport for the first time, thanks to the newly expanded Village Hopper bus service. This makes the nature and heritage available to enjoy on our 750 acre site accessible to even more people.
The exciting development came about when another operator withdrew from the Bozeat to Wellingborough route, and The Village Hopper, in collaboration with North Northamptonshire Council, stepped up extended its route. Among the new stops on the VH1 service is Stanwick Lakes.
Saturdays year-round and daily services during holidays!
The new service provides a Saturday route all year round and additional daily services during the school holidays. With an 11:35 am drop-off and a 3:28 pm pick-up, passengers can enjoy a four hour visit to the nature reserve, allowing ample time to enjoy the play areas, a nature walk, a trip to The Heritage Museum or a bite to eat at the Visitor Centre café.
The Village Hopper minibus now connects Bozeat to Wellingborough and allowing travel directly from Wollaston, Bozeat, Easton Maudit, Grendon, Cogenhoe, Brafield, and the Houghtons to Northampton, Wellingborough, Weston Favell, Stanwick Lakes, and Rushden Lakes.
Expanding Accessibility
Billie Passchier, Trust Director of Stanwick Lakes, said: “This has been a long time coming, so we are absolutely thirlled that for the first time, people will be able to visit us by bus. It means we’ll now be able to welcome people who may not have been able to visit us before, making Stanwick Lakes even more inclusive.
“The service during the school holidays also makes Stanwick Lakes more attractive to families looking for ways to get children outdoors and entertained during the break.
“We’d like to say a huge thank all those involved who have worked hard to make this bus service happen, allowing more people to access and make the most of this very special place.”
Support for the Community – travel for just £2
The Village Hopper service is part of the national Help for Households programme, which was set up to help people with the cost of living. This includes help with travel costs, such as capping bus fares at £2 until the end of 2024.
The new service is managed by Cogenhoe and Whiston Parish Council, which negotiated the route with North Northamptonshire Council. A consortium of rural parishes will operate the 16-seater minibus service.
For more details and to view the timetable, click here.
