Freedom of the lake
Rule
All Piers All Piers

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
  • On-board facilities

Standard Ticket Prices

Adults £35.00
Children £17.50
Families £95.50

Prices are return fares

Valid from: Saturday 28th March 2026

Valid until: Sunday 1st November 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 → Windermere Jetty Museum →Brockhole → Ambleside (Waterhead) → Bowness
  • Yellow Cruise | Half of the lake: Bowness ↔ Lakeside
  • Islands (Blue) Cruise | Bowness →  Bowness
  • Green Cruise | Ambleside (Waterhead) →Wray →Brockhole → Ambleside (Waterhead)
  • Cross Lake Shuttle | Bowness ↔ Ash Landing
  • Walkers Ticket | Circular route by boat and footpath
  • Fell Foot Ferry | Lakeside ↔ Fell Foot

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.

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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Select your Cruise ticket below

Select your departure & sail date

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Your ticket is valid on any departure on the day.

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Select your ticket & quantity

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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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Please be aware that groups of 20 or more qualify for our group rate. Call us or visit Groups + Schools for more details on how to book.

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Depart {* selectedPier.depPier *}ArriveDestinationArrive {* selectedPier.arrPier *}Vessel
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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, 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.

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25 September 2026

AmbleFest 2026 – 25 to 27 September 2026

Cumbrian Halloween Crafting at Windermere Jetty Museum

24 October 2026

Get creative this Halloween at Windermere Jetty Museum with a fun, family-friendly crafting activity

Bird box crafts

30 October 2026

Get creative this half term at the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction.

Animals Windermere jetty-credit-Paul-Blakemore

31 October 2026

Join Buzzard, Rabbit and Porpoise for a wild interactive adventure at Windermere Jetty Museum.

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5 November 2026

Bonfire night and local firework displays around Lake Windermere!

Tinsel train

5 December 2026

Experience the magical Tinsel Train 2026 in the Lake District, featuring festive family fun, Christmas characters and a visit from Father Christmas.

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.

Sunday lunch Windermere

Discover 5 of the best Sunday lunches around Windermere, from cosy pubs and traditional roasts to family-friendly restaurants in the Lake District.

Lake District pubs with a view

What could be better than a cruise across England's largest lake followed by a drink with a view?

Bus boat

One ticket, more freedom to explore Our Bus and Boat ticket is a simple, great‑value way to enjoy Lake Windermere and the surrounding area while keeping…

Wray pier

Discover the best Lake District gardens to visit by boat, featuring historic estates, lakeside walks, and scenic Windermere viewsExploring the Lake District by boat is one of the most scenic ways to experience the region, and some of its most beautiful gardens are…

Parks

Best children’s play parks near our piersIf you’re planning family adventures around Windermere this Easter, combining a cruise with a visit to a nearby play park is a brilliant way to keep children entertained. Here’s your fully fact‑checked guide to the…

Cosy pubs

Traditional cosy pubs near our Bowness and Ambleside piers are perfect for rounding off a winter cruise.

Instagrammable places

Five picture perfect places for your camera roll Winter brings a completely different energy to the Lake District. The light is gentler, the scenery feels more peaceful and the whole place takes on a calm, wintry glow. It is a great time to get outside, wander at your…

Walking

Why not ditch the car and explore the local area by boat and boot? There's hundreds of beautiful walks near to Windermere and the lake shore that are within easy reach of our piers and cruises. Whether you’re after a gentle woodland stroll, a ramble…

Views

Combine your cruise on Windermere with a variety of local attractions, making a great day out for all the family.

Current Timetable

All Timetables

Helpful Guides

Network Map and public transport links

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 £270.00
Rule
12 months of unlimited travel on all of our routes