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Buffet Cruise

Live music with a freshly prepared buffet

Warning Image

STARTS AGAIN THIS SUMMER

This service only operates during our peak season and will start again in June 2024. The information below will be updated in Spring 2024.

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

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

  • Our resident band 'Trickle Charge' will be playing a selection of Latin rhythms, mainstream jazz and tasteful pop as you cruise the entire length of Windermere.
  • This popular two and a half hour cruise includes a quality two-course cold buffet - NEW menu for 2023, a fully licensed bar (includes draught ale and lager) and a dance floor later in the cruise.
  • This elegant cruise is a great way to spend a summer evening and are always extremely popular - make sure you book your place early to secure your place.

A couple enjoying the fresh buffet served on board

When we sail

  • Saturdays - from Saturday 3 June to Saturday 26 August 2023, departs 7pm from Bowness Pier 1

Sample of buffet served NEW for 2023 (may be 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 -some new for 2023.

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 £44.95
  • Child (aged 5-15) £27.00
  • Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) £130.00

Steamer MV Swan or Teal on the Summer Evening Buffet Cruise with the sun setting over Lake Windermere

Pricing information

  • You are advised to book these cruises early as they tend to get booked up quite quickly.
  • Please ring us on 015394 43360 to reserve your place or book online by selecting a cruise date below in the 'Book your cruise' section below.

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.
A summer evening cruise on England's finest lake

A summer evening cruise on England's finest lake

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

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Service Status

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Today's Service Status

🔴 RED CRUISE Bowness → W'Mere Jetty Museum →Brockhole → Ambleside Waterhead → Bowness
✔️ Services OK
🟡 YELLOW CRUISEBowness ↔ Lakeside

✔️ Services OK

🔵 ISLANDS CRUISE

Bowness → Bowness

✔️ Services OK
🚤 MOTOR BOAT HIRE from Bowness
Bowness Beach / Bowness Dock ↻

✔️ Beach OK
❌ Dock closed

🚤 MOTOR BOAT HIRE from WaterheadWaterhead (near Ambleside) ↻

✔️ Services OK

🟤 YELLOW CRUISE & STEAM TRAINHaverthwaite ↔ Lakeside ↔ Bowness✔️ Services OK
🟢 GREEN CRUISEAmbleside → Wray Castle → Brockhole → Ambleside✔️ Services OK
🚶 WALKERS TICKETBowness → Brockhole → Wray Castle → Walk ↻❌ Keep checking back
🚣 ROW BOAT HIRE from BownessBowness Beach / Bowness Dock ↻⚠️ Starts 29 March
🚣 ROW BOAT HIRE from WaterheadWaterhead (near Ambleside) ↻⚠️ Starts 29 April

CROSS LAKES SHUTTLE

Bowness ↔ Ferry House❌ Keep checking back
FELL FOOT FERRYLakeside ↔ Fell Foot
⚠️ Starts 25 May

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

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 -