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No visit to The Lake District, Cumbria, would be complete without a visit to England’s largest lake, Windermere; And what better way to experience it than from onboard a world-famous Windermere Lake Cruises ‘steamer’? With more than 1.6 million passenger journeys made each year, Windermere Lake Cruises was named England’s fourth most popular “paid-for” attraction by VisitEngland in 2018. With origins dating back to the Victorian era, the fleet of boats includes ‘steamers’ with saloons, promenade decks, teashops and licensed bars.
Passengers can enjoy four different scenic routes, taking in the famous towns of Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside, as well as Lakeside and other stops including Wray Castle and Brockhole – the Lake District Visitors Centre.
Wray Castle, a National Trust property, is a fascinating building with hints of its 'grand' past and plenty of signs of its varied history, great fun for children and perfect for a wet day in the Lakes. There’s dressing up, castle building, as well as an outdoor adventure play area with den building, rope swings and scramble boards.
Why get there by boat, with Windermere Lakes Cruises?
With services operating from Bowness every day apart from Christmas Day, passengers can choose from specific routes or enjoy a 24 Hour Freedom of the Lake ticket on any route they choose – as often as they like!
You can also disembark at Wray Castle and enjoy a four mile stroll along the quiet western shore before boarding another boat at Ferry House and sail back to your starting position, completing a circular journey, by purchasing a walkers’ ticket. Other attractions near our stop-off points along the lake include the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, Lakeland Motor Museum, The Lakes Aquarium and The World of Beatrix Potter.
Parking facilities for cars and coaches are provided at or near our main pier, on Glebe Road, Bowness.
Private charter cruises can be pre-booked, and other activities include afternoon tea and lunch cruises and jazz/buffet cruises. Group, charter and education brochures are available on request.
Printed information is available in Bengali, Gujurati, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, German and French.
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Season (1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023) |
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* Daylight hours
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL