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Freedom of the Lake, Steam Train & Aquarium

Explore the lake and picturesque Levens Valley via boat and train with a visit to the Lakes Aquarium.

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COVID19: THIS TICKET IS CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING

To maintain social-distancing and keep everyone on board safe, we've had to change our cruises with:
✔️ Social-distancing ✔️ Ticketed seating ✔️ More space to enjoy the views ✔️ Enhanced cleaning ✔️ Limited timetables

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO SEE WHICH CRUISES ARE CURRENTLY RUNNING

⚠ The information below is for reference only. Please keep checking back to find out when we are re-opening fully.

This discounted ticket combines a day's worth of boat travel on Windermere with a visit to two top attractions just minutes from Lakeside Pier. It's a great day out for the whole family and combines stunning views from the water, and a fascinating insight into the heritage and wildlife of the local area.

You should allow yourself at least 6 hours to make the most of this combined ticket.

Your ticket includes:

  • Unlimited travel on board any of our boats for 24 hours including the Red Cruise, Green Cruise, Blue (Islands) Cruise and the Yellow Cruise to Lakeside Pier thats convenient for the Aquarium and Motor Museum. This ticket is the most economical way of visiting these attractions by boat if travelling from our Ambleside (Waterhead) PIer.
  • A visit to the fascinating Lakes Aquarium to discover incredible creatures from otters and diving ducks to piranha and pike. There's events on every day including 'meet the creature' sessions. Find out more on their website.
  • A return ticket on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway offering stunning views of the Leven Valley from its historic carriages. Haverthwaite Station has a visitor's centre, gift shop and playground. Lakeside station is a one minute walk from the pier. Find out more on their website.
  • Please note that the train journey can only be taken on the day that the tickets are redeemed. Only the boat travel is valid for the full 24 hours.

How to buy:

  • Book your cruise/combined ticket by entering a date below and following the payment instructions
  • You'll be sent an email voucher after purchase via our safe and secure website
  • Print off the email voucher and bring it to with you on the day to exchange it for your tickets

Standard Ticket Prices (valid from Saturday 4th April 2020 until Sunday 1st November 2020)

  • Prices below are return fares
Adults Children Families
£30.90£16.60£87.70

Additional Information

This ticket is available all year round, but there are some restrictions on travel during some parts of the year:

  • The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway operates only during the peak summer season
  • The yellow cruise to Lakeside Pier, Aquarium & Lakeside Railway Station operates weekends only in January.
  • The Lakes Aquarium charges entry for 3 and 4 year olds.
  • Buy online & get over £40 worth of discount vouchers to use at local businesses.
A full day out to explore the lake and the best of Lakeland heritage.

A full day out to explore the lake and the best of Lakeland heritage.

Enjoy a full day on Windermere and enjoy some great attractions at the south of the lake.

View Photo Gallery and Video

Additional Information

Download timetable (PDF) Service Status Route Map Access & Facilities

Download timetable (PDF)

Summer 2020 Full Timetable/Information (4 April 2020 - 1 November 2020)

File Size: 3.111 MB

Handy 1 Page Summer Timetable (4 April 2020 - 1 November 2020)

File Size: 435.823 kB

Lake Spotter's Guide - information on the main things to look out for around the lake

File Size: 1.112 MB

Service Status

green

✔️ Scenic cruises

Red Cruise (Bowness ↔ Ambleside), Yellow Cruise (Bowness ↔ Lakeside) & Islands Cruise (Bowness ↺)

⚠️ We're doing things differently to keep everyone safe. More information >

✔️ Self-drive boat hire (Socially-distanced, of course)

Book your boat now for 1 or 2 hours from Bowness (Beach/Dock) or Ambleside (Waterhead).

Boats can be hired from Bowness & Ambleside for dates up to 31 August as part of a trial. Online bookings only and if popular, more dates and more piers will be added.
⚠️ We're doing things differently to keep everyone safe. More information >

✔️ On-shore cafes

Boatman's Cafe in Bowness and The Pier Cafe Bar (Waterhead) are now open.
Special arrangements will be in place so that customers and staff can safely keep social-distance.

Route Map

Load Map

Access & Facilities

Disabled Access

Our most wheelchair-friendly vessels are ‘steamers’ (marked in black on the timetable) that can be accessed by a ramp from the pier to the main cabin which is under cover and is on the same level. Our other vessels have limited access for wheelchairs but sometimes can be accommodated on board. Please call us to discuss your access requirements. Our 'steamers' operate on our red cruises and yellow cruises. We're sorry, but other cruises operated by our smaller, traditional vessels are not accessible for wheelchair users.

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.