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Islands Cruise & Windermere Jetty Museum

A circular cruise & museum visit in Bowness

Warning Image

This ticket ended on 4 April 2025 - Islands Cruise does not call into Windermere Jetty Museum during the peak season.
The information below is for reference only


During the peak season (5 April - 2 November 2025), the Red Cruise calls into Windermere Jetty Museum. Have you seen our combined Red Cruise and Windermere Jetty Museum ticket?

Join us for a 45-minute circular cruise around the central part of Lake Windermere with a fascinating commentary on the islands (meres) and many historic points of interest.

Split up the journey as we drop you off at Windermere Jetty Museum- a stunning museum on the lakeshore. After you've finished, we'll pick you up to continue the Islands Cruise back to Bowness.

Additional Information

Launch docking at Windermere Jetty Museum

Launch docking at Windermere Jetty Museum

Take in the islands of Windermere whilst enjoying a visit to Windermere Jetty Musuem

Photo Gallery of Islands Cruise

Additional Information

Service Status

green

Warning Image

Tuesday 22 April - MV Teal not in service and change to timetable

Due to essential maintenance, MV Teal will not be running today and will be replaced by MV Swift.
♿ Changes to Red Cruise online timetables and accessible vessels:

❌♿ Bowness to Ambleside > No 9:50, 11:30, 13:00, 14:50, 17:10.
❌♿ Ambleside to Bowness > No 10:35, 12:20, 13:50, 15:40, 17:50.
All other departures marked with a wheelchair on our online timetables are unaffected and are accessible.

Today's Service Status

🔴
RED CRUISE
Bowness → W'Mere Jetty Museum →Brockhole → Ambleside
Waterhead → Bowness

✔️
Services OK

🟡
YELLOW CRUISE
Bowness ↔ Lakeside

✔️
Services OK

🔵
ISLANDS CRUISE

Bowness → Bowness

✔️
Services OK
🟢
GREEN CRUISE
Ambleside → Wray Castle → Brockhole → Ambleside✔️
Services OK
🚶
WALKERS TICKET
Bowness → Brockhole → Wray Castle → Walk → Car Ferry→ Bowness✔️
Services OK
🚤
MOTOR BOAT HIRE

from Bowness
Bowness Beach / Bowness Dock ↻

✔️
Services OK from Beac
⚠️
Dock closed - move to Beach

🚤
MOTOR BOAT HIRE

from Waterhead
Waterhead (near Ambleside) ↻

✔️
Services OK

🚤
MOTOR BOAT HIRE

from Lakeside
Lakeside ↻✔️
Services OK
🚣
ROW BOAT HIRE
from Bowness
Bowness Beach / Bowness Dock ↻

✔️
Services OK

🚣
ROW BOAT HIRE
from Waterhead
Waterhead (near Ambleside) ↻

⚠️
Opens later in April


CROSS LAKES SHUTTLE


Bowness ↔ Ash Landing⚠️
Starts 24 May

FELL FOOT FERRY
Lakeside ↔ Fell Foot

⚠️
Starts 24 May

🕑
: We are now running to our peak season timetable.

Route Map

Load Map

Access and Facilities

Disabled Access

This cruise is operated by one of our modern launch vessels and will have limited access for wheelchair users. Wheelchair users are strongly advised to call us to confirm which vessel is operating on which service as not all of our vessels are suitable for wheelchair users, particularly in poor weather conditions. On board toilet facilities on all vessels can only be reached by means of the stairs, however there are adapted toilets at Lakeside, Bowness and Ambleside Piers.

Our most wheelchair-friendly vessels are ‘steamers’ (marked in black on the timetable) that can be accessed by a ramp from the pier to the main cabin which is under cover and is on the same level. These operate on our most popular routes - red cruise and yellow cruise.

Concessions for Disabled Customers

If a disabled adult in your group needs a carer, then the carer travels free. For more information about this scheme and to see all the terms and conditions, please read our company policy for disabled passengers.

On-Board Facilities

Toilets are available on all our ‘steamers’ and launches (check for disabled access) but not our traditional launches. Many of our vessels have licensed bars and/or tea bars. So whilst enjoying the marvellous panoramic views, why not treat yourself to a tipple of your choice.

Conditions of Carriage

Our services are provided in accordance with our Conditions of Carriage which can be found on our homepage under ‘About Us’.

No Smoking Policy

For the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew, Windermere Lake Cruises Ltd operates a no smoking policy on-board its vessels, piers and shore premises. This includes electronic cigarettes.

Dogs

All well behaved dogs are welcome on board and travel for free.

Upgrade this cruise

Did you know that you can make more of your cruise by upgrading it? Why not combine your cruise with a local attraction, or enjoy a full day on Windermere with the Freedom of the Lake.

Freedom of the Lake & Windermere Jetty (Museum)

Freedom of the Lake & Windermere Jetty (Museum)

Spend a day cruising & visit Windermere Jetty Museum (1 mins walk from pier) | ⚓ Unlimited boats + Museum visit 🕑 24 hours

Upgrade Book Now