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Current Service Status: amber

Buffet Cruise

A great night out every Saturday in June, July & August

Warning Image

Buffet Cruises are no longer running.

Sorry, but the Buffet Cruise ended on 31 August 2024. This cruise will be back in June 2025 and the information below is for reference only.

Enjoy a freshly prepared buffet, live music and a unique viewing point for some of the Lake District's most beautiful scenery

The Buffet Cruise takes place on historic steamer 'MV Swan' or 'MV Teal'.

Join us for an unforgettable evening with our premier cruise package:

  • 🛳️ FULL LAKE CRUISE: In 2½ hours, you'll see all of Windermere. Sit back, relax, and watch the sun setting behind the Lake District Fells.
  • 🎵 LIVE MUSIC: Each week, a different band or singer will play a selection of popular tunes. Let them serenade you from the top deck of our historic 'steamer.'
  • 🥗 BUFFET MEAL: Enjoy a quality two-course cold buffet provided by local legends, The Olde Mill. Tea and coffee is provided and special dietary requirements can be catered for.
  • 🍷 BAR: A full bar is open throughout the cruise serving draught ales and lagers, wine, spirits and soft drinks. Pre-order wine from our extensive list to have it ready upon your arrival.

A couple enjoying the views across Lake Windermere and the sunset behind the Lake District Fells

🚢 The Buffet Cruise takes place on our historic 'steamer' MV Swan or MV Teal. Both have inner and outer decks plus seating outdoors that is under cover if needed.


When we sail

  • Saturdays - from Saturday 1 June to Saturday 31 August 2024, departs 7pm from Bowness Pier 1

Sample of The Olde Mill buffet (subject to change at caterers discretion)

  • Home-roasted ham, poached chicken breast with fresh herbs, vegetable tart, roasted red peppers & tomatoes with mozzarella, pine nuts and pesto, toasted seed slaw, seasonal salad with vinegarette dressing, new potato salad with chives & spring onions, assorted bread basket & butter
  • Fresh berry pavlova, chocolate pot, raspberry posset
  • Tea and coffee
  • Special dietary requirements can be catered for - simply enter details in the checkout section when booking

A selection of dishes from the buffet served on board

Ticket prices

Tickets must be booked in advance and can be bought online (enter date below) or by calling 015394 43360. Please note booking closes at noon on the day of the cruise, so we can prepare the boat and catering for the night's entertainment.

All prices include the full lake cruise, live band, 2-course buffet and tea & coffee.

  • Adults £46.95
  • Child (aged 5-15) £28.00
  • Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) £135.00

Steamer MV Swan or Teal on the Summer Evening Buffet Cruise

Pricing information

Photos of the live music and dancefloor on the Summer Evening Buffet Cruise on Lake Windermere

Additional Information

  • The cruise returns to Bowness Pier at 9:30pm
  • Well-behaved dogs are allowed on board but please be aware that the journey lasts 2½ hours and there are no toilet facilities for dogs
  • The bar on board accepts cash, cards and contactless payments
  • Meet the bands and singers that will be on board each Saturday
A night out to remember

A night out to remember

A relaxed atmosphere, great music and delicious food can be enjoyed alongside stunning views on this cruise.

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Service Status

amber

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🍃 WINDY WEATHER - Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 December (page updated -21/12/25 1pm)

Strong winds are forecast for this weekend. As a precaution, we have suspended all cruise and self-drive bookings.
Winds are getting stronger this afternoon, so services are closing earlier today - see details below.

Please keep checking back as weather conditions can change.

Today's Service Status

🔴 RED CRUISE Bowness → Brockhole → Ambleside Waterhead → Bowness

⚠️ Services OK this morning
Last boat Bowness → Ambleside at 14:15
Last boat Ambleside → Bowness at 14:30

🟡 YELLOW CRUISEBowness ↔ Lakeside

⚠️ Services OK this morning
Last boat Bowness → Lakeside at 14:00
Last boat Lakeside → Bowness at 13:05

🔵 ISLANDS CRUISE

Bowness → W'Mere Jetty Museum → Bowness

✔️ Services OK
Last departure is 14:00
🚤 MOTOR BOAT HIRE
Bowness Beach only

⚠️ Just turn up today. 1 hour bookings only.
Last hire is 13:00 →
14:00

🕑: We are now running to our off-peak season timetable (autumn/winter/spring).

Route Map

Load Map

Access & Facilities

♿ Disabled Access

The Summer Evening Buffet Cruise is hosted on board our historic 'steamers' MV Swan or MV Teal.

  • Step-free access from pier to indoor/outdoor seating.
  • Toilets down steep steps.
  • On sunny nights, the band play on the upper outer decks that can only be accessed by stairs.

Please visit our Accessibility section for more information.


☕ On-Board Facilities

  • 'Steamers' Swan/Teal/Tern -