Holiday Travel Chaos: Lancashire’s Train Disruptions – How to Plan Ahead for the Weekend

Published on December 14, 2025

Severe weather conditions in Lancashire and Cumbria have led to widespread train cancellations across several key routes, with Northern Railway urging commuters to avoid travelling for the next two days. The Met Office has issued a weather warning for heavy rain and possible flooding, which is expected to severely affect rail services over the weekend and into Monday, December 15, 2025.

In response to the adverse conditions, Northern Railway has announced that services will be heavily disrupted, particularly on routes in the Lake District and surrounding areas. Passengers are advised to not travel unless absolutely necessary, as flooding risks and heavy rainfall will make some routes impassable. The disruption is expected to cause major delays for both business travellers and tourists planning to visit the Lake District for the weekend.

Impacted Routes and Areas Affected

The affected areas are primarily in the northwest of England, particularly in Lancashire and Cumbria, where heavy rainfall has already caused disruptions and flooding along some of the most popular train routes. Northern Railway has confirmed that no services will be running on the following lines from Saturday, December 13 to Monday, December 15:

• Carlisle to Carnforth
• Oxenholme to Windermere
• Carnforth to Skipton
• Carlisle to Skipton
• Barrow to Lancaster / Preston
• Corkickle to Barrow
• Lancaster to Morecambe

Key Routes Affected:

• Lake District Lines: Services to Windermere, Skipton, and Morecambe have been cancelled.
• Carlisle to Carnforth: This popular route connecting Cumbria with Lancashire will not operate.
• Barrow to Preston: Delays and cancellations expected due to high rainfall and local flooding.

Impact on Business Travel and Tourism

The train cancellations are likely to have a significant impact on both business travel and tourism in the Northwest of England. For business travellers, particularly those with meetings or appointments in the affected areas, the lack of train services will disrupt schedules and may force travellers to rely on alternative transport, such as taxis or hire cars.

For tourists hoping to visit Lake District landmarks like Windermere, Grasmere, or Keswick, the train disruptions will significantly impact travel plans. These areas are often visited during Christmas for their scenic beauty, winter festivals, and outdoor activities, making the service outages especially inconvenient for those planning weekend getaways or holidays.

Weather Conditions and Flooding Risk in Lancashire and Cumbria

The Met Office has issued warnings for heavy rainfall and possible flooding across Lancashire and Cumbria from Saturday to Monday. This weather system is expected to bring up to 50mm of rain in some areas, with flooded roads and travel delays likely.

The weather warnings highlight several risks:

• Flooding of low-lying areas, particularly near rivers like the River Eden and River Lune.
• Difficult driving conditions, especially on the M6 and A65 due to waterlogged roads and standing water.
• Reduced visibility and poor conditions for outdoor activities, including hiking and sightseeing in the Lake District.

What You Need to Know for Travel This Weekend

If you are planning to travel to Lancashire or Cumbria this weekend, be prepared for delays and service interruptions. Northern Railway has strongly advised against non-essential travel, and those who must travel are urged to consider alternative modes of transport.

Quick Tips for Business and Leisure Travelers:

1. Check Train Status Regularly: Stay updated with real-time information from Northern Railway and National Rail Enquiries for cancellations and delays.
2. Use Alternative Transport: If your train is cancelled, consider using bus services, coaches, or hire cars for travel.
3. Allow Extra Travel Time: If driving, be prepared for waterlogged roads and flooding on major routes like the M6 and A65.
4. Review Local Weather Warnings: Keep an eye on the Met Office weather alerts for potential flooding and storm updates.
5. Contact Accommodations in Advance: If you’re staying in Cumbria or Lancashire, confirm your booking and ask your accommodation for advice on alternative transport options.

Business and Tourism Impact

The cancellations and disruptions are expected to significantly impact business operations in the region, especially for local industries reliant on rail transport for goods delivery. Hotels, restaurants, and local attractions in the Lake District could also face challenges, as fewer tourists may be able to visit the area.

For tourists, planning alternative routes and staying flexible will be key to navigating the disruptions. Many holidaymakers heading to Cumbria for winter activities, including hiking, sightseeing, or Christmas festivals, will need to make alternate travel arrangements or risk missing out on their planned activities.

How to Prepare for Future Travel Disruptions in Lancashire and Cumbria

While this weekend’s disruption is due to extreme weather, it’s important for travellers to anticipate similar challenges in the future, especially when travelling in winter months. To help you prepare, here are some actionable steps:

1. Stay Informed on Weather and Rail Services

• Check updates from Met Office and Northern Railway regularly to ensure you’re aware of any travel disruptions before you set out.

2. Allow Extra Time for Your Journey

• Bad weather and flooding can cause unexpected delays. Plan for additional travel time to ensure you reach your destination safely.

3. Have a Backup Plan

• If train services are cancelled, research bus services, taxi companies, or car hire options in advance, especially if you’re heading to rural locations like the Lake District.

4. Be Prepared for Potential Flooding

• If driving, carry emergency supplies like water, blankets, and first-aid kits, in case you encounter road closures or need to wait for authorities to clear routes.

Conclusion: Navigating Rail and Weather Disruptions in Northern England

While the recent train cancellations due to heavy rain and flooding may be inconvenient, preparedness is key to managing these disruptions. Tourists and business travellers heading to Cumbria or Lancashire during the Christmas season must be aware of delays and make alternative arrangements to ensure they reach their destinations safely.

In the future, checking real-time train updates, keeping an eye on the weather forecast, and planning for potential disruptions will help ensure a smoother journey despite the challenges posed by winter weather.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated