Buffet Cruise

Live music with a freshly prepared buffet

The Summer Evening Buffet Cruise has now ended for 2019.

It will return in June 2020. The prices and format are currently being confirmed, but you should be able to book in early 2020. The information below is for reference only.

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 1 June to 24 August 2019, departs 7pm from Bowness Pier 1
Wednesdays - from 3 July to 28 August 2019, departs 7pm from Bowness Pier 1

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

Roast Cumbrian ham, Cheese and onion flan, Marinated chicken fillet, Spanish rice salad, Summer leaves, Spiced potato salad, Tossed summer salad, Tomato pasta salad, Cherry tomatoes, Beetroot salad, Classic coleslaw, Country bread basket, Mayonnaise and dressings
Chocolate fudge cake with cream, Lattice apple pie with cream
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 £32.95
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 17 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 relaxed atmosphere, great music and delicious food can be enjoyed alongside stunning views on this cruise.

Timetable

Sails Saturday nights 1 June - 24 August 2019 and Wednesday nights 3 July - 28 August 2019

We're sorry, this cruise isn't sailing today. Please contact the booking office for more information.

PDF Timetable Service Status Route Map Access & Facilities

PDF Timetable

Summer 2019 Full Timetable/Information (6 April - 31 October)

File Size: 1.273 MB

Buffet Cruise Poster

File Size: 382.06 kB

Service Status

green

All our services are operating as normal

Red Cruise (Bowness → Brockhole → Ambleside → Bowness)
Yellow Cruise (Bowness ↔ Lakeside)
Islands Cruise (Bowness ↺)
All routes or full circuit of the lake on Freedom of the Lake ticket

No car parking at Lakeside Pier from Tuesday 10 to Wednesday 11 December inclusive.

Our new vessel MV Swift is currently being assembled, maneuvered and launched at Lakeside Pier. Because of this, there are no car parking spaces available during this time. We're sorry for the inconvenience this may cause.

Want to watch the 'soft-launch' of the new vessel on Wednesday 11 December? Here's how!

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.