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Ullswater Steamers
Type:Sightseeing Attraction
Ullswater Steamers, The Pier House, Grisedale Bridge, Glenridding, Cumbria, CA11 0US
About
Step aboard an 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 30 minutes before departure time. We recommend visitors pre-book tickets to avoid disappointment. Tickets can also 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).
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 and use of e-cigarettes is not permitted on board vessels or on the piers.
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.
There is 1 x double 11kW EV charger at the car park at Glenridding Pier. Charges apply. Please download the Monta app in advance of your visit and follow the instructions to charge your vehicle.
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.
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Book Tickets
Opening Times
| Season (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025) |
|---|
* Please visit our website for fare and timetable information. Open all year except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Guide Prices
Our Family Ticket is for 2 adults and 2 children.
Children under 3 travel free.
A percentage of sales is donated to the Visit Give project working towards a sustainable future for the National Park network of footpaths.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
- Facilities for hearing impaired
- Wheelchairs available
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Catering
- On-site light refreshments
- Picnic site
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Groups
- Facilities for groups
Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities
- Facilities for conferencing
- Facilities for corporate hospitality
Parking
- EV Charging
- Parking with charge
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Gift shop
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
Site Features
- Regional Tourist Board Member
- Welcome Host
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Tripadvisor
- Excellent946
- Very Good417
- Average88
- Poor25
- Terrible39
Video
- Exploring the Ullswater Valley
Awards
- Other Awards
Self-assessed Accessibility Information - Visit England
VistEngland VAQAS Gold 2018 - Cumbria Awards
Cumbria Business Environment Network - Gold Award 2016 - Green Tourism
Green Tourism Gold Award 2020 - Cumbria Awards
Member of Cumbria Tourism 2016
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Map & Directions
Road Directions
Sat Nav CA11 0US. From Keswick, A66, A5091 to Aira Force, turn right onto Lake Road, Glenridding is 2 miles away. From the north, only 5 miles from junction 40 on the M6 onto the A66, then onto the A592 to Pooley Bridge. From the south, only 8 miles from Ambleside via Kirkstone Pass to Glenridding or from Bowness/Windermere.
Public Transport Directions
By bus links between Penrith and Glenridding operate all year. Telephone Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 By train, First TransPennine Express and/or Virgin Trains,run direct train services to Penrith from London Euston and other major UK destinations. Accessible by Public Transport: Penrith station is 5 miles away.
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