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Buffet Cruise

Live music with a freshly prepared buffet

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No Buffet Cruises in 2021.

We're sorry but we couldn't do Summer Evening Buffet Cruises in 2021 due to COVID. Back in June 2022.

It was impossible to provide the full evening experience within the social distancing guidelines.

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

  • 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, 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.

When we sail

  • Saturdays - from 6 June to 29 August 2020, departs 7pm from Bowness Pier 1
  • Wednesdays - from 1 July to 26 August 2020, departs 7pm from Bowness Pier 1


Sample of buffet served (may be subject to change at caterers discretion)

  • Home-roasted ham; Chicken breast marinated and poached in white wine, garlic and mixed herbs; Pasta with flaked Salmon, juicy prawns and Marie Rose sauce; Homemade vegetarian quiche; New potato salad with spring onions and chives, Crunchy red and white cabbage coleslaw; Tomato and red onion salad with a basil dressing; Summer leaves with vinaigrette, Greek Salad with feta and olives, fresh bread rolls and butter

  • Lemon posset; Fresh fruit Pavlova; Caramel banoffee pot

  • Tea and coffee
  • Special dietary requirements can be catered for - simply call us when making your booking.

Preview of the food available and a couple on board

Ticket prices

Tickets must be booked in advance and can be bought online (enter date below) or by calling 015394 43360. All prices include the full lake cruise, live band, 2-course buffet and tea & coffee.

  • Adults £34.95
  • Child (aged 5-15) £20
  • Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) £90

Steamer MV Swan or Teal on the Summer Evening Buffet Cruise

Pricing information

  • There is a discount of £2 per person for groups of 12 adults or more and the organiser can sail completely free of charge (call us to make a group booking).
  • You are advised to book these cruises early as they tend to get booked up quite quickly.
  • Local Resident Card holders (LA or CA postcodes) can get 20% discount up until Wednesday 22 July inclusive - please call to book your tickets.
  • Please note only one special offer listed above can be used within a booking (i.e 20% local discount OR Group discount).
  • 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 bar 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.
  • Bar on board now 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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PDF Timetable Service Status Route Map Access & Facilities

PDF Timetable

A4 2020 Buffet Cruise Poster

File Size: 602.246 kB

Service Status

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Service Status

🔴 RED CRUISE Bowness ↔ Ambleside Waterhead✔️ Services OK
🟡 YELLOW CRUISE
Bowness ↔ Lakeside

✔️ Services OK

🟤 YELLOW SERVICE & STEAM TRAIN
Haverthwaite ↔ Lakeside ↔ Bowness
✔️ Services OK
🔵 ISLANDS CRUISE

Bowness ↻

✔️ Services OK
🚤 SELF-DRIVE BOAT HIRE from Bowness
Bowness Beach / Bowness Dock ↻
✔️ Services OK
🚤 SELF-DRIVE BOAT HIRE from WaterheadWaterhead (near Ambleside) ↻
✔️ Services OK
🟢 GREEN CRUISEAmbleside → Wray Castle → Brockhole → Ambleside
✔️ Services OK
🚶 WALKERS TICKETBowness → Brockhole → Wray Castle → Walk ↻
✔️ Services OK

⚪ CROSS LAKES SHUTTLE

Bowness ↔ Ferry House❌ Not in service (Covid-19)
⚫ FELL FOOT FERRYLakeside ↔ Fell Foot
❌ Not in service (Covid-19)


Route Map

Load Map

Access & Facilities

Disabled Access

This cruise is operated by one of our ‘steamers’ and offers wheelchair access.The boats can be accessed by a ramp from the pier to the main cabin which is under cover and is on the same level. Unfortunately the toilets are down a number of steps but we do have toilets on Bowness Pier. If you have any specific access requirements or questions, then please call us to discuss.

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.