Cross Lakes and Hill Top

Cross lakes
Rule
Bowness Ash Landing

Cruise + Hill Top

3hrs return (non-stop)
  • NOT AVAILABLE - This service only operates during our peak season and has now ended for 2026.
  • A great combined ticket that includes boat and Hill Top entry

Discover the easiest and most scenic way to visit Hill Top, the former home of Beatrix Potter.

This convenient ticket includes a return boat trip across Windermere, a countryside walk, and guaranteed entry to this much-loved National Trust property.

  • Travel from the heart of Bowness to the peaceful western shore and step into the world that inspired some of the most famous children’s stories ever written.
  • From Ash Landing, follow the off-road 1.5 mile trail up to Hill Top, making the whole journey easy and car-free.
  • It’s a relaxed and memorable way to experience one of the Lake District’s most iconic places.

Your ticket includes

Ash Landing shuttle

Return boat travel between Bowness and Ash Landing

(Operates every day)

A shuttle service from Bowness to Ash Landing offers a convenient way to access the western shore. Enjoy stunning views of woodlands, historic houses, and beautiful gardens along the way.

The journey takes about 20 minutes one-way.

🕓 We recommend departing Bowness on the 10:00, 10:55, 12:10, 13:10 to have enough time to walk to, and enjoy Hill Top.
🕓 Depart Hill Top by 15:30 to have time to walk and catch the 16:40 last boat back to Bowness.

Walking route image

An off-road path between Ash Landing and Hill Top

The scenic walking route between our pier and Hill Top is 90% off the road and signposted. It is 1.46 miles (2.35km) long, and slightly uphill. It takes most people about 1 hour to walk up to Hill Top and about 45 mins to walk back down to Ash Landing.

Hill Top farm house

Guaranteed entry into Hill Top - Beatrix Potter's former home

(Not open Fridays unless peak school holidays)

Step into the enchanting world of Beatrix Potter by visiting National Trust property Hill Top, her cherished home and the birthplace of her beloved stories.

Brimming with her favourite things, this historic cottage is where Beatrix found inspiration for her tales and nurtured her love for the Lake District. Find out more here on the National Trust website.

Cruise Map

Cross lakes hill top walk mobile

Departure Points

Start this cruise from any of these locations

Our Cross Lake and Hill Top explores some beautiful sites

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Your guide to what’s on and things to do in the Lake District

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.

Marina views

12 December 2026

Enjoy Breakfast with Santa 2026 at Marina View, Bowness-on-Windermere. A festive family event with breakfast, gifts, games and Christmas fun.

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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.

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Enjoy a full day out on Windermere
24 hours