Yellow Cruise, Aquarium & Steam Train

A day's worth of fun at the south of Lake Windermere

COVID19: THIS CRUISE 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

This discounted ticket combines a beautiful half lake cruise 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 4 hours to make the most of this combined ticket. Your ticket includes:

A return Yellow Cruise from Bowness to Lakeside along the southern half of England's largest lake offering stunning views of woodlands, historic houses and beautiful gardens. A commentary is provided in either direction and the journey can be broken with a visit to Bowness village - home of numerous shops, pubs and restaurants. (Cruise takes 40 minutes one-way, a circular non-stop takes 90 minutes)
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.
A visit to the fascinating Lakes Aquarium to discover incredible creatures from otters and diving ducks to pirahna and pike. There's events on every day including 'meet the creature' sessions. Find out more on their website.

Additional Information

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.

More info

Download timetable (PDF) Service Status View map Access and 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

✔️ Passenger services between Ambleside (Waterhead), Bowness & Lakeside

Red Route (Bowness ↔ Ambleside Waterhead)
Yellow Route (Bowness ↔ Lakeside)
Full Lake Route (Ambleside Waterhead ↔ Bowness ↔ Lakeside)
Yellow Route & Steam Train (Bowness ↔ Lakeside ↔ Haverthwaite)

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

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

Boats available to hire for 1 or 2 hours from Bowness Beach or Waterhead (Ambleside) plus Bowness Dock at weekends. Online Booking only

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

🎫 Book with confidence - if we cannot open due to COVID-19, you will get a full refund.

🕑 Timetables can be downloaded from our timetable library

View map

Load Map

Access and facilities

Disabled Access

Wheelchair users are strongly advised to call us to confirm which vessel is operating on which service as not all of our vessels are suitable for wheelchair users, particularly in poor weather conditions. On board toilet facilities on all vessels can only be reached by means of the stairs, however there are adapted toilets at Lakeside, Bowness and Ambleside Piers.

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.

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.

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.

Dogs

All well behaved dogs are welcome on board and travel for free.

Bikes

Bikes are welcome on board our larger vessels if space is available. Each bike will cost £1 per journey pier to pier payable on the day of travel.

Upgrade your cruise

Did you know that you can make more of your cruise by upgrading it? Why not combine your cruise with a local attraction, or enjoy a full day on Windermere with a Freedom of the Lake ticket, allowing you unlimited travel for 24 hours.

Freedom of the Lake, Steam Train & Aquarium

Enjoy a full day on Windermere with a trip to some great attractions at the south of the lake.

Upgrade