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A great day out for the whole family at the southern tip of Windermere
Prices are return fares
Valid from: Monday 3rd November 2025
Valid until: Friday 27th March 2026
This great-value combined ticket includes a scenic half-lake cruise on Windermere, a visit to the Lakes Aquarium right next to Lakeside Pier, and entry to the Lakeland Motor Museum, which is just a 15-minute drive away. It’s a flexible and family-friendly way to enjoy some of the best attractions at the southern end of the lake.
The experience begins with a return Yellow Cruise between Bowness and Lakeside, taking in the peaceful southern half of England’s longest lake. Enjoy views of ancient woodlands, grand houses and manicured gardens from the water, with onboard commentary bringing the sights to life. You can also pause your journey to explore the shops, pubs and cafés in Bowness village. The cruise takes around 40 minutes each way, or 90 minutes for a full, non-stop round trip.
Once at Lakeside Pier, step into the underwater world of the Lakes Aquarium, home to creatures from both local lakes and distant rivers. Meet otters, piranhas, diving ducks and more, with daily talks and hands-on activities to engage all ages.
Your ticket also includes entry to the Lakeland Motor Museum, where more than 30,000 exhibits tell the story of motoring history. Discover vintage vehicles, the Campbell Bluebird exhibition, Isle of Man TT displays and local heritage collections. With a riverside café and family-friendly features, it’s a must-visit for anyone with a love of speed, stories and classic design.
We recommend allowing at least 4 hours to enjoy the cruise and aquarium experience at a relaxed pace.
Please note: The Lakeland Motor Museum is 2 miles from Lakeside Pier. You will need your own transport to get there. While your cruise and aquarium visit must take place on the same day, your motor museum entry remains valid for up to five days after your boat trip, giving you the freedom to visit at a time that suits you.
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.
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:
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.
Explore our full gallery for more stunning images.
Stunning Lakeland views form inner and outer decks
Bowness Bay
Lakes aquarium
Steamers depart from Bowness on Yellow Cruise
Explore our full gallery for more stunning images.
We booked the Yellow Cruise and Aquarium combination ticket with Windermere Lake Cruises and had such a lovely time. The scenery was stunning, and the boat trip was calm, comfortable, and very enjoyable. There was plenty of seating, clean toilets, and a small bar with drinks and snacks on board.The staff were friendly and helpful throughout, making the experience even more pleasant. Although the otters weren’t available at the aquarium, it was still a great visit and a fantastic attraction overall. The combination ticket was a fantastic deal, and we would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Windermere! ~ ScenicExplorer. TripAdvisor.
We booked the cruise return to arrive at the Aquarium. £27pp which, is a total bargain. The boat ride was just stunning, the staff, all very friendly, and the boat itself was calm and full of happy tourists loving the gorgeous views. The on board cafe has a great selection for the short journey, and we couldn't have been happier with our trip. Would 100% book again, maybe once the bairn is older enough to enjoy it more. ~ Gary. Google Review.
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.
We purchased an all day ticket with combined motor museum which offers excellent value for money. We spent a whole day travelling across the lake to Bowness and Ambleside. The cruises are very well organised with lots of staff to help make sure you get on the right boat. Excellent facilities on board. The only minor thing was that we didn't realise on the boats last trip of the day the bar closes within minutes of departure - luckily the kind staff still served me which was greatly appreciated. I would definitely recommend this and would do it again. ~ Justine A. TripAdvisor.
We booked the Yellow Cruise and Aquarium combination ticket with Windermere Lake Cruises and had such a lovely time. The scenery was stunning, and the boat trip was calm, comfortable, and very enjoyable. There was plenty of seating, clean toilets, and a small bar with drinks and snacks on board.The staff were friendly and helpful throughout, making the experience even more pleasant. Although the otters weren’t available at the aquarium, it was still a great visit and a fantastic attraction overall. The combination ticket was a fantastic deal, and we would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Windermere! ~ ScenicExplorer. TripAdvisor.
We booked the cruise return to arrive at the Aquarium. £27pp which, is a total bargain. The boat ride was just stunning, the staff, all very friendly, and the boat itself was calm and full of happy tourists loving the gorgeous views. The on board cafe has a great selection for the short journey, and we couldn't have been happier with our trip. Would 100% book again, maybe once the bairn is older enough to enjoy it more. ~ Gary. Google Review.
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.
We purchased an all day ticket with combined motor museum which offers excellent value for money. We spent a whole day travelling across the lake to Bowness and Ambleside. The cruises are very well organised with lots of staff to help make sure you get on the right boat. Excellent facilities on board. The only minor thing was that we didn't realise on the boats last trip of the day the bar closes within minutes of departure - luckily the kind staff still served me which was greatly appreciated. I would definitely recommend this and would do it again. ~ Justine A. TripAdvisor.
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Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
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.
