At ten-and-a-half miles long, Windermere isn't just the longest lake in the Lake District, it's the longest lake in England. That's a lot to explore. So why not enjoy a cruise on Lake Windemere aboard one of Windermere Lake Cruises' historic steamers? The perfect way to spend a day soaking up the stunning scenery.
Windermere Lake Cruises' Piers
The main Windermere Lake Cruises' piers are in Bowness - the ideal starting point for your day on the lake, as it's just a short walk from our Windermere Cottages - Ambleside (Waterhead) and Lakeside, which lies at the southern end of the lake.
There are also a number of smaller piers dotted around the lake, including Windermere Jetty (Museum), Brockhole and Wray Castle. All of which means you have the flexibility to plan a day for you and your family to truly remember.
The Cruises
No matter where you start your journey, be it Bowness, Ambleside, or Lakeside Pier, you'll be treated to stunning views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the many wooded islands.
Many of the cruises visit popular local attractions which are conveniently close to the piers, so choose a combined ticket, save money and enjoy a great day out.
There are four cruises which run all year, and an additional four options which are added for the summer months, including a stunning evening cruise timed perfectly to catch the sunset over the Lakeland Fells.
Red Cruise
This beautiful round trip from Bowness can be taken as a 75-minute non-landing cruise, calling at Windermere Jetty, Brockhole and Ambleside before returning to Bowness. natively, you may board at one of these other piers and return on a later boat from Bowness. The ticket does allow you to get off at each stop and catch a later boat back.
As with many of the cruises, there is a fascinating commentary on the history, attractions and points of interest around Windermere.
Yellow Cruise
The Yellow Cruise is a stunning cruise along the southern half of Lake Windermere to Lakeside. It can be taken as a 90-minute return cruise, or you can get off at Lakeside and get a later boat back.
If you have children, the Lakeside Aquarium is a real treat, as is the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway, both of which can be accessed from Lakeside.
Or maybe enjoy an afternoon tea in the Lakeside Hotel. So many options!
Islands (Blue) Cruise
This 45-minute circular cruise from Bowness offers fantastic views of the many islands, wooded shorelines and bays on the lake, as well as unrivalled views of the Lakeland Fells.
Freedom of the Lake
The Freedom of the Lake pass means you can enjoy a full day out on Lake Windermere, hopping off at the various piers as you choose, allowing you to take in some of the fabulous attractions the Lake District has to offer.
The ticket is valid for twenty-four hours from the time of purchase and can be used on the Red Cruise, Yellow Cruise, Islands (Blue) Cruise and the Green Cruise (see below).
Green Cruise
The first of Windermere Lake Cruises' summer options is the Green Cruise, a chance for you to enjoy a cruise on a traditional wooden launch and allowing you to hop off at any stop and visit some great family attractions.
The Green Cruise is a beautiful cruise around the northern end of Windermere, starting at either Ambleside, Wray Castle or Brockhole.
Walker's Ticket (using Windermere Car Ferry)
The Walker's Ticket is a stunning circular route of Windermere by boat, combining two boat cruises and the car ferry, as well as a four mile walk along the quiet western shore between Wray Castle and car ferry at Ferry House.
Evening Cruise
This one and a quarter hour cruise means you can hopefully catch a sunset over Windermere - and what a glorious sight it is. This relaxing cruise takes place during the summer months with the starting times varying according to the time of year, so that they coincide with the sun setting.
Buffet Cruise
The final cruise is the Buffet Cruise. Enjoy a freshly prepared buffet, a relaxed atmosphere and a unique viewing point for some of the Lake District's finest scenery.
There's also a resident band - �Trickle Charge' - who will be playing a selection of Latin rhythms, mainstream jazz and tasteful pop as you cruise the entire length of Windermere.
Cruises take place on Saturday evenings from 2 July to 27 August and start from Bowness Pier.
There's no doubt that the best way to explore this ten-and-a-half-mile stretch of water is to enjoy a cruise on Lake Windermere, a chance to see the Lakeland Fells and the surrounding villages, towns and attractions from the water, as well as the abundant wildlife.
A Windermere Lake Cruise is the most popular choice for visitors to the Lake District, and it's easy to see why.
If you would like to take a cruise on Lake Windermere and would like some more information, please do get in touch.
