Freedom of the Lake, Motor Museum & Aquarium

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Bowness Ambleside (Waterhead) Lakeside Brockhole Windermere Jetty Museum

Cruise + Lakes Aquarium, Lakeland Motor Museum

Perfect for families

6+ hrs 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
  • The Lakes Aquarium is a 2 minute walk from the pier
  • Your visit to the motor museum doesn't have to take place on the same day. Present your cruise ticket at the museum within 5 days of your cruise to enjoy both attractions

Standard Ticket Prices

Adults £41.25
Children £23.25
Families £115.50

Prices are return fares

Valid from: Monday 3rd November 2025

Valid until: Friday 27th March 2026

Explore the lake, motoring heritage and the natural world in one easy ticket

Make the most of your time in the Lake District with a flexible combined ticket that includes 24 hours of unlimited travel on Windermere and entry to two top attractions at the southern end of the lake: the Lakeland Motor Museum and the Lakes Aquarium.

This great-value option gives you the freedom to hop on and off any of our scheduled cruises between Ambleside, Bowness, Lakeside and more. Soak up spectacular lake and mountain views, discover lakeside villages, and explore award-winning attractions, either on the same day or over multiple days.

To make the most of this ticket, we recommend allowing at least 6 hours to explore the lake and attractions at a relaxed pace.


Please note: The Lakeland Motor Museum is 2 miles from Lakeside Pier, and we do not recommend walking there due to the lack of pavements and fast-moving traffic. That’s why your museum entry remains valid for up to five days after your cruise, giving you the flexibility to visit another day by car or other means.

More information:

This Freedom of the Lake ticket is valid for 24 hours of unlimited travel on all of our cruises, including:

* Weekends only in January

Your ticket includes

Lakes aquarium facebook 05

Lakes Aquarium

The Lakes Aquarium is home to hundreds of amazing creatures, showcasing both local wildlife from the Lake District and exotic species from around the world.

Just a short stroll from our Lakeside Pier, the aquarium invites you to discover fascinating animals up close, from playful otters and curious monkeys to frogs, lizards, snakes, tortoises, ducks, and a dazzling variety of fish.

Planning your visit:

  • Entry charges apply to all visitors aged 3 and above

  • Only a 2 minute walk from our Lakeside Pier, ideal to combine with a lake cruise!

Find out more:
Visit the Lakes Aquarium for opening times, ticket prices, and further details.

Lakeland Motor Museum

Lakeland Motor Museum

Enhance your Windermere cruise experience with a visit to the fascinating Lakeland Motor Museum, home to over 30,000 exhibits, including classic cars, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles and an impressive array of motoring memorabilia.

Planning your visit:

  • Children under 5 are free to enter
  • Dog friendly
  • Free parking

Please note: The Lakeland Motor Museum is 2 miles away from the pier at Lakeside. Walking is not advised due to the busy road. This ticket allows the customer to enjoy a cruise on the lake, then visit the Motor Museum separately. The Motor Museum entrance is valid for up to 5 days after purchase.

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.

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Went on the boat for a trip down Windermere and to the Lakeside aquarium. Sitting on the top it was a little cold but we got to see everything we had a lovely cup of tea and the aquarium was brilliant. It has changed since a few years ago as they now have snakes and frogs to see but it was a lovely day out coming back we sat, in the inside cabin and it was nice and comfortable again with another cup of tea and really enjoyed the views. Had a brilliant time. Will definitely come again. ~ Piston Broke28. TripAdvisor.

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The freedom of the lake tickets are absolutely amazing! We always do this at least twice each week we stay at Windermere. Really good value for money, and if you do all the routes you are easily busy the whole day. See you again next year. 1000% recommend these guys, always friendly, fantastic day out. ~ Laura-lizzie. TripAdvisor.

Book Your Cruise

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  • Child prices are valid for children aged 5-15 years. Children under 5 travel free
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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.
  • You will require your own transport to travel between Lakeside Pier and Lakeland Motor Museum
  • No smoking or vaping

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

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.

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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
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from £260.00
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12 months of unlimited travel on all of our routes