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Current Service Status: amber
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Yellow Cruise, Aquarium & Steam Train

A day's worth of fun at the south of Lake Windermere

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This service is not running at the moment.

This service only operates during our peak season (April-October) and will return in April 2025.
Please see other cruises that are operating today instead.

The information below is for reference only.


This discounted ticket combines a beautiful half lake cruise on Windermere with a visit to two top attractions within walking distance of Lakeside Pier. It's a great day out for the whole family and combines stunning views from the water, and a fascinating insight into the heritage and wildlife of the local area. You should allow yourself at least 4 hours to make the most of this combined ticket. Your ticket includes:

  • A return Yellow Cruise from Bowness to Lakeside along the southern half of England's largest lake offering stunning views of woodlands, historic houses and beautiful gardens. A commentary is provided in either direction and the journey can be broken with a visit to Bowness village - home of numerous shops, pubs and restaurants. (Cruise takes 40 minutes one-way, a circular non-stop takes 90 minutes)
  • A return ticket on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway offering stunning views of the Leven Valley from its historic carriages. Haverthwaite Station has a visitor's centre, gift shop and playground. Lakeside station is a one minute walk from the pier. Find out more on their website.
  • A visit to the fascinating Lakes Aquarium to discover incredible creatures from otters and diving ducks to pirahna and pike. There's events on every day including 'meet the creature' sessions. Find out more on their website.

Additional Information

  • The Lakes Aquarium charges entry for 3 and 4 year olds.
Cruise to Lakeside Pier and enjoy two top attractions at the southern tip of Windermere.

Cruise to Lakeside Pier and enjoy two top attractions at the southern tip of Windermere.

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Service Status

amber

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🍃 WINDY WEATHER - Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 December (page updated -21/12/25 9:40am)

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
🚤 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).

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Access and facilities

♿ Disabled Access

Four different types of vessels operate this services with varying accessibility.

  • ♿ MV Swift - (marked with a green wheelchair icon on our timetables): our most accessible vessel - step-free access from pier to indoor/outdoor seating & accessible toilet
  • ♿ 'Steamers' MV Swan/Teal - (marked with black wheelchair icon on our timetables) - step-free access from pier to indoor/outdoor seating. Toilets down steep steps.

Please visit our Accessibility section for more information.

Wheelchair users are strongly advised to call us to confirm which vessel is operating on which service, particularly in poor weather conditions. As on rare occasions, the vessels operating each route can change.


Upgrade your 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 a Freedom of the Lake ticket, allowing you unlimited travel for 24 hours.