Freedom of the Lake, Steam Train & Motor Museum

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Cruise + Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, Lakeland Motor Museum

Heritage, history and scenery

7+ hrs return (non-stop)
  • CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE
  • This service operates only during our peak season and will return on 28 March 2026.
  • Your ticket is valid on any departure on the day
  • Buy tickets online or at pier ticket offices on the day
  • On-board facilities

Explore our Lakeland heritage on historic 'steamers', railways and at the motor museum

Enjoy the ultimate day out with this flexible, great-value ticket that combines 24 hours of unlimited boat travel on Windermere with a journey on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway and entry to the Lakeland Motor Museum.

With stunning lake views, nostalgic steam travel and a deep dive into the region’s proud road, rail and motoring heritage, it’s the perfect experience for families, enthusiasts and anyone looking to see more of the Lake District at their own pace.

We recommend allowing at least 7 hours to make the most of your day and explore the full length of Windermere and both attractions.

Please note: There is no public transport or safe walking route between Lakeside Pier and the Lakeland Motor Museum. To make visiting easier, your museum ticket is valid for five days after your cruise, so you can explore the museum at your convenience.

More information:

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

Your ticket includes

Lakeside & Haverthwaite steam train

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway offers a relaxed and scenic way to explore a quieter corner of the Lake District. Steam locomotives pull 1950s style carriages along a short heritage line through the peaceful Leven Valley, arriving at Lakeside Station, just a 2 minute stroll from our Lakeside Pier, where you can step straight onto a Windermere Lake Cruise.

It’s an easy and enjoyable day out for all ages, with the option to combine two classic Lake District experiences in one trip.

Planning your visit:

  • Children under 3 travel for free.

  • Dogs are welcome at the station and can ride the train for free.

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

Find out more:

For train times and more information, visit the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway website.

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 summer mobile map

Departure Points

Start this cruise from any of these locations

Our Freedom Cruise explores some beautiful sites

Explore our full gallery for more stunning images.

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We got the freedom of the lake with steam train tour which allowed us to do the yellow and red cruises and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite steam railway. We could also have fitted in the islands cruise on this ticket but we went for a walk around Ambleside instead. We did the Islands cruise separately. The boats for the red and yellow cruises offer indoor and outdoor seating, a bar and a cafe. The commentary is very good and it is a really peaceful way to see the lake.The boat for the islands cruise is smaller but still offer indoor and outdoor seating and refreshments. The boat can get in closer to the islands than the other cruises and offers some lovely views. ~ Sam3314. TripAdvisor.

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Took boat from Bowness to lakeside, sitting in the open top deck. Very relaxing with beautiful scenery. Once there we caught the steam train to Haverthwaite. Quick coffee at the ornate station, then return journey to Bowness. Bliss. ~ NorW2014. TripAdvisor.

Book Your Cruise

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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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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, the carer travels for 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

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

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