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You are here: Home > Things to Do > Windermere Lake Cruises, Bowness

Windermere Lake Cruises, Bowness

Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Windermere Lake Cruises in the Lake District, Cumbria

Type:Sightseeing Attraction

The Promenade, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3HQ
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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating - 4594 reviews4594 reviews

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About

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque village buzzing with tourism.  The star attraction is undoubtedly Bowness Pier, the central hub for cruises on England's largest lake, Windermere.

Windermere Lake Cruises operates a range of boat trips from Bowness Pier, offering breathtaking scenery and a variety of experiences.  Choose the Red Cruise (75mins) for a scenic journey to Ambleside with stunning mountain views, or choose the classic Yellow Cruise (90 mins), a round trip to the southern tip of the lake.  For those who want to explore at their own pace, the Freedom of the Lake ticket grants unlimited boat hopping for 24 hours. For visitors short on time, the scenic Islands Cruise (45 mins) offers a brief tour of the central part of Windermere, complete with fascinating commentary. These cruises operate all year round, every day except Christmas Day.

During the summer months, Bowness Pier is home to the Cross Lake Shuttle that offers a convenient way to reach the quiet western shore and our Walkers Ticket route. In the warm, summer evenings, the Evening Cruise to catch the sunset (75 mins) and Buffet Cruise – 2 ½ hour cruise, meal and music are the best way to relax and watch the su setting behind the Lake District Fells.

Disembarking at Bowness Pier, there's plenty to keep visitors entertained. The village boasts charming shops, cafes, and traditional pubs, perfect for browsing or a leisurely lunch.  Families will love the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, bringing the beloved author's characters to life.  Adventurers can hire rowing boats or motor-boats for a self-guided exploration of the lake.

Just a stone's throw from the pier, you'll find some great walks and viewpoints.  Take stroll along the waterfront promenade for panoramic lake vistas or take the 10 minute walk to National Trust Cockshott Point to see the beautiful Belle Isle and Belle Isle House. See the walks section of the Windermere Lake Cruise website for more ideas.

Bowness Pier is the perfect gateway to experiencing the beauty of Windermere and the surrounding Lake District.  Whether you choose a relaxing cruise, a spot of souvenir shopping, or an action-packed day on the water, there's something for everyone in this vibrant corner of England.

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Opening Times

Season (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025)

* *Please note, between January 9th and February 3rd, services between Bowness and Lakeside operate at weekends only, with normal scheduled services between Bowness and Lakeside resuming from February 4th 2023.

Guide Prices

We have a range of cruises to suit any itinerary or budget. Range of adult ticket prices listed.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • On-site light refreshments
  • Picnic site

Children

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children welcome

Groups

  • Facilities for educational visits
  • Facilities for groups

Languages

  • French signs/guides
  • German signs/guides
  • Italian signs/guides
  • Spanish signs/guides

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

  • Facilities for conferencing
  • Facilities for corporate hospitality

Parking

  • Parking with charge

Property Facilities

  • Dogs Accepted
  • Gift shop
  • Postbox
  • Public toilets
  • Smoking not allowed

Site Features

  • Regional Tourist Board Member
  • Welcome Host

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating:

4.6 of 5 stars
4594 reviews
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      1194
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      202
    • Poor
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      66

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      © Tripadvisor 2025

      Awards

      • Visit EnglandVistEngland VAQAS Gold VistEngland VAQAS Gold 2018
      • Cumbria AwardsMember of Cumbria Tourism Member of Cumbria Tourism 2016
      facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windermerelakecruises

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      Map & Directions

      Map Link

      Click here to view map

      Road Directions

      To Bowness and Ambleside, follow A591.

      Public Transport Directions

      Accessible by Public Transport: Windermere station is 1 mile away.

      What's Nearby

      1. St. Martin's Church, Bowness-on-Windermere
        St. Martin's Church, Bowness-on-Windermere

        Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church…

        0.15 miles away
      2. Search for Peter Rabbit in the gardens at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
        The Peter Rabbit Garden at The World of Beatrix Potter

        The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted…

        0.28 miles away
      3. Meet Peter Rabbit at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
        The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

        A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit…

        0.28 miles away
      1. Cockshot Point
        Cockshot Point

        A short walk from the centre of Bowness is Cockshot Point on the lake shore. It’s the…

        0.33 miles away
      2. The Heritage Boat Osprey at the Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
        Windermere Jetty Museum

        Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the…

        0.59 miles away
      3. View from a Jetty over Windermere with a Dramatic Sunset in the Lake District, Cumbria
        Windermere

        Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km)…

        0.98 miles away
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