Explore Windermere
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Views and nostalgia all in a day
Prices are return fares
Valid from: Saturday 28th March 2026
Valid until: Sunday 1st November 2026
Explore the best of Lakeland scenery on board traditional 'steamers', launches, and a nostalgic steam train.
This ticket is great value and gives you access to all of our scheduled of sailings (includes blue (Islands), red, yellow and green cruises) for a period of 24 hours and includes a return trip on the historic Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway. The railway is a minutes' walk from our Lakeside Pier and is a perfect way to explore the stunning Levens Valley at the south of Windermere.
Important Information
The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway offers a relaxed and scenic way to explore a quieter corner of the Lake District. Steam locomotives pull 1950s style carriages along a short heritage line through the peaceful Leven Valley, arriving at Lakeside Station, just a 2 minute stroll from our Lakeside Pier, where you can step straight onto a Windermere Lake Cruise.
It’s an easy and enjoyable day out for all ages, with the option to combine two classic Lake District experiences in one trip.
Planning your visit:
Children under 3 travel for free.
Dogs are welcome at the station and can ride the train for free.
Only a 2 minute walk from our Lakeside Pier, ideal to combine with a lake cruise!
Find out more:
For train times and more information, visit the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway website.
Explore our full gallery for more stunning images.
Birds eye view of Windermere
Traditional launches at Waterhead
One of our traditional launches on Windermere
Traditional launch
Explore our full gallery for more stunning images.
After arriving at Lakeside by steam train we boarded our connecting boat to take a cruise on Lake Windermere to Bowness. The boat was very crowded but we still managed to get a seat outside. The views from the boat were magnificent and we very much enjoyed our leisurely cruise up Lake Windermere. There was a commentary but, sadly, we couldn't hear it over the background noise. Fortunately the boat back later was far less crowded so we didn't miss out and we are glad we didn't as it was very interesting. The staff were very friendly and helpful which alway adds to the overall experience. The boat is dog friendly throughout and our 2 dogs enjoyed the journey as well although they slept through most of it 😀 ~ MDHogmeister. TripAdvisor.
We started our 40 min journey in Bowness , getting on the lake cruise ship Swan , A real pleasure to get on The journey up part of the lake took 40 mins and there was comentery telling you of interesting places as we glided down Windermere. At the other end the steam train was there to meet us and take us down the 3.5 mile line. We did the reverse journey the hole journey took around 3.5 hours Well worth the money . All the trips are Dog friendly A must do if your in the area. ~ Ian. TripAdvisor.
After arriving at Lakeside by steam train we boarded our connecting boat to take a cruise on Lake Windermere to Bowness. The boat was very crowded but we still managed to get a seat outside. The views from the boat were magnificent and we very much enjoyed our leisurely cruise up Lake Windermere. There was a commentary but, sadly, we couldn't hear it over the background noise. Fortunately the boat back later was far less crowded so we didn't miss out and we are glad we didn't as it was very interesting. The staff were very friendly and helpful which alway adds to the overall experience. The boat is dog friendly throughout and our 2 dogs enjoyed the journey as well although they slept through most of it 😀 ~ MDHogmeister. TripAdvisor.
We started our 40 min journey in Bowness , getting on the lake cruise ship Swan , A real pleasure to get on The journey up part of the lake took 40 mins and there was comentery telling you of interesting places as we glided down Windermere. At the other end the steam train was there to meet us and take us down the 3.5 mile line. We did the reverse journey the hole journey took around 3.5 hours Well worth the money . All the trips are Dog friendly A must do if your in the area. ~ Ian. TripAdvisor.
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| Depart {* selectedPier.depPier *} | Arrive | Destination | Arrive {* selectedPier.arrPier *} | Vessel |
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| {* row.depTime *} | {* row.arrTime *} | {* row.arrPier *} |
From a full day of adventure on Windermere to exploring exciting events on and off the water, see how you can make the most of your Lake District adventure.
30 July 2026
Set against the breathtaking Lake District landscape, Ambleside Sports brings together a vibrant celebration of athletic talent and community spirit.
Make the most of your time on Windermere by upgrading your cruise. Combine your trip with a visit to a local attraction, or enjoy unlimited travel all day with Freedom of the Lake.
