Ullswater Steamers

About

Step aboard a Ullswater 'Steamer' for a boatload of fun! 

Ullswater 'Steamers' is an award-winning environmentally accredited Lake District attraction celebrating over 160 years of operating cruises on England's most beautiful lake. We operate one of the largest heritage passenger fleets in the world offering visitors an experience they will never forget.

Ullswater runs a serpentine course for eight miles through expansive vistas of Lakeland's highest mountains. Helvellyn at 3,117ft (950m) crowns Ullswater at the southwestern end of the valley, standing on a mighty plateau approximately 9 miles (14.5km) in length and 4.5 miles (7km) wide. From the gentle rolling hills of the northern reach to the grandeur of the south where the foothills of Helvellyn rise from the lake shore, this dramatic landscape has inspired writers and artists for centuries. Most notably was William Wordsworth who famously wrote the lyric poem, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud. These inspirational daffodils can still be seen today “fluttering and dancing in the breeze” at Glencoyne Bay.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ provide the perfect opportunity to combine a cruise with some of the most famous and spectacular walks in the Lake District National Park. For those who don’t wish to walk the popular round-the-lake 20-mile Ullswater Way in one day, shorter sections of this waymarked route can be enjoyed using a ‘Steamer’. Please visit our website for further information.

The 'Steamers' operate an all-year service with varying timetable connections. Cruise times vary from 20 to 120 minutes. Sail from Glenridding or Pooley Bridge on a return ticket to take in the full lake or combine a shorter sailing with a walk. There is a shuttle service between Glenridding Pier and Aira Force during the main season. Please see the website for full timetable information.

We offer a range of facilities on board the vessels and in the Glenridding and Pooley Bridge pier houses. A great opportunity to relax and enjoy light refreshments with spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The onboard bars serve a range of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks and snacks.

Private hire

Why not consider celebrating a special occasion on board a Ullswater ‘Steamer’?  With the Lake District fells and beautiful lake forming a scenic backdrop, spend precious time with friends and family, creating memories to cherish. 

Drink packages are available, plus options for food and music. Contact us for a charter pack and tour of facilities so we can advise on the most suitable vessel for your specific requirements. Corporate events can also be catered for.

Events

Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for exciting events such as our popular gin cruises or fish & chip supper cruises.

Opening times

We’re open all year except on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Tickets and timetables

Please visit our website for fares and timetables. Tickets are available to purchase online. Please note that online ticket sales close at midnight the day before travel. We recommend visitors pre-book tickets to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be purchased on the day at the ticket offices (subject to availability). Children under 3 travel free. Dogs welcome on board for £1. Credit cards accepted (no fee).

We have limited space for bikes and paddleboards - £2.50 each. Subject to capacity on board. Cannot be pre-booked. This is allocated at the skipper's discretion due to capacity.

Facilities

To help you plan your visit, please take a look at our website for a full list of facilities.

There are fully licensed bars on board all boats and at the Glenridding pier house | Light refreshments can be purchased at the pier houses and onboard | Outdoor picnic areas and indoor seating at Pooley Bridge and Glenridding | Gift shop | Free Wi-Fi is available at the pier houses | Baby changing facilities | Children welcome | Facilities for groups and coach parties | Meeting, conference and wedding options available.

Smoking is not permitted.

Parking

Pay and display parking is available at Glenridding, Pooley Bridge and Aira Force. Please note that parking at Pooley Bridge and Aira Force is not provided by Ullswater 'Steamers'. There is no parking at Howtown pier. 

Accessibility

Disabled access | Disabled toilets | Facilities for the hearing impaired | Wheelchairs available | We have designed an accessibility guide to help you plan your visit to us. Please click here to view. 

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