Explore Windermere
Choose your boat:
Choose your boat:
Explore the western shore
Leave the car behind and hop aboard our Cross Lakes Shuttle, a scenic 20-minute boat ride from the heart of Bowness village to the peaceful western shore of Windermere, where new adventures await.
Step off at Ash Landing (near the National Trust's Ash Landing car park), your gateway to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, Hawkshead, and other hidden gems via the Mountain Goat 525 bus – perfectly timed with our arrivals and departures.
While the cruise takes just 20 minutes each way, we recommend allowing at least 4 hours to enjoy the full experience, including the boat journey, bus connection and time to explore Hill Top and Hawkshead. Prefer a more relaxed outing? Allow around 3 hours to enjoy the cruise, take in the views from Claife Viewing Station and unwind at Joey’s Café on the quiet western shore.
Our service connects with the 525 Mountain Goat bus service at Ash Landing Car Park (100 metres walk from our pier). The bus connects with our boat arrivals and departures and gives you easy access to Hill Top, Hawkshead and all the villages in-between. From our ticket offices, you can buy combined boat & bus tickets from Bowness to Hill Top and Hawkshead.
Beatrix Potter's 17th-century farmhouse is a time-capsule of her life. Explore the famous author's former home, inspirational garden, second-hand bookshop, cafe & more.
Catch the convenient bus to Hill Top or walk the 1.6miles (2.5km) on the gravel path. Bus/boat customers get priority access to the attraction (open Saturday to Thursdays).
Our walker’s ticket includes boat travel and a scenic 5 mile walk along Windermere’s western shore. The Bowness to Ash Landing service provides one of the boats you’ll need to enjoy this great circular walk.
| Bowness Pier 3 → Ash Landing Departures (20 mins duration) | Ash Landing → Bowness Pier 3 Departures (20 mins duration) |
| 09:50 | 10:10 |
| 10:35 | 11:00 |
| 11:25 | 11:50 |
| 12:15 | 12:40 |
| 13:50 | 14:15 |
| 14:40 | 15:05 |
| 15:30 | 15:55 |
| 16:20 | 16:40 |
Sorry, this ticket cannot be booked online, simply purchase your ticket from Bowness Pier on day of travel (customers can also board at Ash Landing and pay on board).
| Adult Return | Child (5-15) Return | Family (2 ad + 3 ch) Return |
| £8:40 | £5.00 | £24.00 |
| Adult Single | Child (5-15) Single | Family (2 ad + 3 ch) Single |
| £5.00 | £3.00 | £14.40 |
Explore our full gallery for more stunning images.
Cross Lake Shuttle from above at Bowness Pier
National Trust property Hill Top
Ash Landing pier
Claife Courtyard and cafe are 10 minute's walk from our Ash Landing jetty
Explore our full gallery for more stunning images.
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.
21 November 2025
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
28 November 2025
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
5 December 2025
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
12 December 2025
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
13 December 2025
Enjoy a festive morning filled with fun, games, and a hearty breakfast with Santa himself.
19 December 2025
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
26 December 2025
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
2 January 2026
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
9 January 2026
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
16 January 2026
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
23 January 2026
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
30 January 2026
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
6 February 2026
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
13 February 2026
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
20 February 2026
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
27 February 2026
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
6 March 2026
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
13 March 2026
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
20 March 2026
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
27 March 2026
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
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.
