Useful websites for Windermere Lake Cruises' customers
Useful Links
Local Attractions
Lakeland Motor Museum
Lakeland Motor museum is a great place to visit with the whole family, whatever the weather. Tickets that combine a lake cruise and museum entry are available to buy online.
Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
Climb aboard the wonderful Lakeside and Haverthwaite steam train that weaves its way through the Lakeland countryside. The railway terminates in Lakeside right next to our pier. Joint tickets are available to buy online in summer season.
National Trust - Wray Castle
Wray Castle; mock-Gothic castle sitting on the shores of Lake Windermere with turrets, towers and informal grounds. Accessible via our Green Cruise or Walker's Ticket, please note that our tickets do not include entry to castle.
Lakes Aquarium
Situated at Lakeside, Lakes aquarium is very convenient for our Yellow Cruise and our Fell Foot Ferry.
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Explore the wonderful World of Beatrix Potter attraction where the Beatrix Potter's tales are brought to life. Conveniently located 5 minutes walk from our Bowness Pier, where cruises set off for Ambleside, Brockhole and Lakeside.
National Trust - Fell Foot
Fell Foot on the southern shores of Windermere is a great family day out with playgrounds and picnic areas. The Fell Foot Ferry conveniently links the parkland to our Lakeside Pier.
National Trust - Hill Top
Visit Beatrix Potter's 17th-century farmhouse overlooking Windermere to gain a fascinating insight into the author's life. Take our seasonal Bowness to Ash landing service with a link to Mountain Goat bus to get to this attraction.
Holker Hall and Gardens
Holker Hall and gardens is a local stately home and gardens. Our group package called Victorian Days includes a visit to this attraction.
Zip World, Brockhole
Zip World at Brockhole offers an action-packed adventure in the heart of the Lake District. Tackle thrilling high ropes courses, bounce on giant trampolines, and navigate walkways, slides, and tunnels—all suspended in ancient woodland near Brockhole Pier. A perfect day out for adrenaline seekers of all ages!
Travel and Transport
Cumbria Tourism - Go Lakes
Official tourism website from Cumbria Tourism with a huge range of events, attractions and accommodation information.
Stagecoach
Information about Stagecoach and the bus services they provide around the Lake District National Park.
Northern Rail
Rail information and timetables from Windermere Railway Station (20 minutes walk or 5 minutes bus ride from our Bowness Pier)
Lake District On Board
Independent travel guide describing all bus, boat and train services in The Lake District.
Great Britain Enthusiasts / Groot-Brittannië Liefhebbers
Top quality guide to The Lake District and the UK for English and Dutch-speaking travellers.
Hotels and Guesthouses
Lakeside Hotel & Spa
Lakeside Hotel & Spa is a luxury 4-star hotel on the shores of Windermere and 2 minutes walk from our Lakeside Pier.
Hillthwaite Hotel
Hillthwaite Hotel is a stylish and comfortable hotel with fine dining and breathtaking views over the lake.
English Lakes Hotels
English Lakes Hotels are a group of individually styled Lake District and Lancashire 4 star hotels including Low Wood Bay on the Windermere lake-shore & The Wild Boar near Bowness.
Cedar Manor Hotel & Restaurant
Cedar Manor is an award winning hotel and restaurant in Windermere village (the hotel is a 20 minute downhill walk from Bowness Pier or a short bus or taxi ride).
Cumbria Grand Hotel
The Cumbria Grand Hotel, built in 1880, is located 15 minutes from the M6 and is only a short drive from our piers at Lakeside and Bowness.
South Lakes Hotels
South Lakes Hotels – Discover the stunning landscapes, charming villages, and serene lakes of the western Lake District. Stay at the centrally located Newby Bridge Hotel or the Cuckoo Brow Inn, perfect bases for exploring the fells, lakes, and historic towns beyond Windermere.
Whitewater Hotel
The Whitewater Hotel is situated at the south of the Lake Windermere, this hotel is convenient for our Lakeside pier and Lakeland Motor Museum.
Holiday cottages
Herdwick Cottages
Herdwick Cottages offers a fantastic selection of self-catering holiday cottages and lodges, perfect for exploring the Lake District.
Lakeland Hideaways
Lakeland Hideaways provides a wide range of quality holiday cottages set in stunning Lakeland locations.
The Lakeland Cottage Company
The Lakeland Cottage Company features a hand-picked collection of 90 luxury Lake District cottages and self-catering retreats.
Lakelovers
Lakelovers offers an extensive portfolio of charming self-catering holiday cottages across the Lake District.
Coppermines & Lakes Cottages
Coppermines & Lakes Cottages showcases unique self-catering accommodation in the heart of the central and southern Lake District.
Original Cottages
Original Cottages is a local, family-run business offering a beautiful selection of high-quality Lake District holiday cottages.
Holidaycottages.co.uk
Holidaycottages.co.uk presents a variety of hand-picked holiday cottages in the Lake District and beyond.
Lakeland Holiday Park (Official Haven Site)
Lakeland Holiday Park is set in a scenic Lake District location, just 35 minutes from our Lakeside Pier on Windermere, offering a fantastic family-friendly retreat.
Sykes Cottages
Sykes Cottages features a carefully curated selection of hand-picked properties around Windermere, the Lake District, and beyond.
Hot Tub Holidays
Hot Tub Holidays specializes in log cabin breaks and hot tub accommodation, perfect for a relaxing stay in and around Windermere.
Sally's Cottages
Sally’s Cottages is an independent holiday cottage letting agency with a variety of properties located across the Lake District, including near Windermere.
Canine Cottages
Canine Cottages offers a collection of dog-friendly properties, ensuring you and your four-legged friends can enjoy the beauty of Windermere and the wider Lake District.
Campsites.co.uk
Campsites.co.uk is a great resource for finding campsites near our piers, with over 10 listed nearby for those who prefer an outdoor adventure.
Fallbarrow Park
Fallbarrow Park enjoys a prime location in the heart of Bowness village, just a 10-minute walk from Bowness Pier, making it a perfect lakeside getaway.
White Cross Bay Holiday Park
White Cross Bay Holiday Park sits on the shores of Windermere, halfway between Bowness and Ambleside, with Brockhole Pier just a 10-minute walk away.
Limefitt Holiday Park
Limefitt Holiday Park is nestled in the scenic countryside, just a 10-minute drive from our Ambleside (Waterhead) Pier, making it an excellent base for exploring the Lake District.
Other useful information
Nurture Lakeland
Nurture Lakeland is an organisation dedicated to protecting Cumbria’s natural environment
through responsible tourism. As a proud member, Windermere Lake Cruises
supports their efforts in sustainable travel.
Ambleside Online
Ambleside Online is a valuable community resource featuring an events calendar, local news, and helpful links for visitors and residents alike.
Lake District Drives
Lake District Drives is an independent guide to some of the most scenic drives in the Lake District, along with must-visit attractions along the way.
Lake District China Forum
Lake District China Forum is a great site in Chinese providing local information on places to see, stay and visit whilst on holiday in the Lake District.一个超实用的中文信息提供网站,里面包括了在湖区的一切吃住行的攻略.
Kosuicchihou
A great site in Japanese providing local information on places to see, stay and visit whilst on holiday in the Lake District.湖水地方で休日にしながらを参照してください滞在し、訪問する場所のローカルな情報を提供する日本におけるすばらしいサイト。