Freedom of the lake
Rule
Bowness Ambleside (Waterhead) Lakeside Brockhole Windermere Jetty Museum

Cruise

Enjoy a full day out on Windermere

24 hours return (non-stop)
  • Your ticket is valid on any departure on the day
  • Buy tickets online or at pier ticket offices on the day
  • Indoor and Outdoor Seating
  • Well-behaved dogs travel for free
  • Well behaved dogs travel for free

Standard Ticket Prices

Adults £25.50
Children £12.75
Families £70.00

Prices are return fares

Valid from: Monday 3rd November 2025

Valid until: Friday 27th March 2026

Explore Windermere to the full with 'The Freedom of the Lake'

Discover the best way to see England’s longest lake with our Freedom of the Lake® ticket. This flexible pass gives you unlimited travel on all scheduled sailings, letting you explore the full length of Lake Windermere at your own pace.

Valid for 24 hours from purchase (or when you exchange your online e-voucher at our piers), it’s the best value way to enjoy a full day on the water.

More information:

Your ticket is valid on all of the following cruises:

  • Full length of Windermere | Lakeside ↔ Ambleside (Waterhead) – combining Red & Yellow Cruises
  • Red Cruise | Half of the lake: Bowness → Brockhole → Ambleside (Waterhead) → Bowness
  • Yellow Cruise | Half of the lake: Bowness ↔ Lakeside
  • Islands (Blue) Cruise | Bowness → Windermere Jetty Museum → Bowness

Cruise Map

Freedom winter map mobile

Departure Points

Start this cruise from any of these locations

Our Freedom winter route explores some beautiful sites

Explore our full gallery for more stunning images.

star star star star star

Great way to visit all parts of the lakes, members of staff on the boats and on land were very friendly and approachable, the guide talk on the boats were very informative.We brought the freedom ticket and it was great to use to get around. ~ Lisa. TripAdvisor.

star star star star star

Hi visited Windermere bowness went on the self drive boats really really enjoyed it then we went on a few boats with a freedom of the lake ticket really enjoyed really friendly staff lovely day out I will definitely be back good day out for families and couples would recommend. ~ Jason. Facebook.

star star star star star

As a disabled individual, I think this is the best thing to do in the Lake District. I purchased a Freedom of the Lake ticket which allows me to see the entire lake all in 1 day from the comfort of the vessel, and explore it's shore too. I had a wonderful day out. The commentary aboard the boats is interesting. The crew and staff were all very friendly and helpful. ~ Gareth. TripAdvisor.

star star star star star

Happened to find lakeside by mistake and parked up and spoke to the kiosk here who suggested I do the freedom return. Wow what a lovely day I’ve had. The boats were clean, prompt and comfortable and the staff were so friendly and helpful. ~Nikki. Google Reviews.

Book Your Cruise

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Your ticket is valid on any departure on the day.

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  • Child prices are valid for children aged 5-15 years. Children under 5 travel free
  • Family tickets are valid for 2 adults and up to 3 children

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{* row.depTime *}{* row.arrTime *}{* row.arrPier *}

Ticket usage

  • Times normally operated by our 'steamers' Swan, Teal or Tern or MV Swift may sometimes be substituted for a smaller vessel for operational reasons. Prices and timetable information are subject to change without notice.
  • Your ticket’s valid all day – hop on and off, and catch a later cruise back
  • If an adult needs a carer, carer travels free
  • Bikes are welcome on our 'steamer' services
  • No vaping or smoking

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Santa breakfast

13 December 2025

Enjoy a festive morning filled with fun, games, and a hearty breakfast with Santa himself.

Silver Sailors

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.

Hayes

24 December 2025

Santa’s band of elves will be there to welcome you and your child into their workshop where you’ll be whisked away on a magical, festive journey.

Santa The Swan

24 December 2025

From every weekend from 14th November experience the joy of meeting Santa in his charming Grotto.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Silver Sailors

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.

Current Timetable

All Timetables

Helpful Guides

Fancy an upgrade?

Explore more!

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.

Annual pass
All Piers All Piers
Book
from £260.00
Rule
12 months of unlimited travel on all of our routes