Explore Windermere
Choose your boat:
Choose your boat:
Cruise and a nostalgic train ride
This scenic experience combines our Yellow Cruise on Lake Windermere with a journey on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite heritage railway.
Your cruise travels between Bowness and Lakeside Pier (at the southern end of the lake), with stunning views of the surrounding fells, ancient woodlands and grand houses along the way. It’s a peaceful and picturesque way to see the Lake District from the water.
Once you arrive at Lakeside Pier, it’s just a short walk to the station where you can board a beautifully restored steam train. The railway winds through the scenic Leven Valley to Haverthwaite Station.
At Haverthwaite Station, there’s plenty to discover. Sip tea and enjoy homemade cake in the station café, explore the Engine Shed, shop for souvenirs, or follow the woodland trail. Children will love the outdoor play area and dog owners will be pleased to know that four-legged friends are welcome on board — dogs even travel free!
*You can start from Haverthwaite Station - just book an e-ticket from Lakeside and show at the station. You'll just need to scan at Lakeside before crossing over to the awaiting boat. Please arrive early at Haverthwaite to ensure enough time for car parking.
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.
Explore our full gallery for more stunning images.
Lakeside
Swift
The Teal, The Swan and Tern at Lakeside
Mv swift 2
Explore our full gallery for more stunning images.
Bought tickets for lake cruise and steam train ride. Some may think it a little pricey but we thought it was worth every penny and had a great day.Travelled on The Turn and The Teal, both boats were clean, informative commentary, well stocked cafe and clean toilets.Our tickets entitled us to travel all day on the lake and the steam train at the southern end of the lake, where there was a very good cafe for lunch.Would highly recommend it. ~ AN. TripAdvisor
We started our 40 min journey in Bowness , getting on the lake cruise ship Swan , A real pleasure to get on The journey up part of the lake took 40 mins and there was comentery telling you of interesting places as we glided down Windermere. At the other end the steam train was there to meet us and take us down the 3.5 mile line. We did the reverse journey the hole journey took around 3.5 hours Well worth the money . All the trips are Dog friendly A must do if your in the area. ~ Ian C. TripAdvisor.
We did the cruise and steam train trip combined whilst on holiday in the area. Great value for money to do the 2 together. Excellent staff in the ticket office, at the quayside, on the boat and the train and at the railway station. All very friendly and helpful. A very enjoyable (and relaxing) family day out. We would highly recommend this for ages 0-100+! ~ angelawA6201UJ. TripAdvisor.
Just got back from a David Smith Travel day trip to Bowness including a cruise on Windermere and a steam train ride. Everyone throughly enjoyed themselves and commented on the service received. As the organiser I've got to say how professional Windermere lake cruises are from the booking to the service received on boarding. Already looking at our next trip. ~ david s. TripAdvisor
Bought tickets for lake cruise and steam train ride. Some may think it a little pricey but we thought it was worth every penny and had a great day.Travelled on The Turn and The Teal, both boats were clean, informative commentary, well stocked cafe and clean toilets.Our tickets entitled us to travel all day on the lake and the steam train at the southern end of the lake, where there was a very good cafe for lunch.Would highly recommend it. ~ AN. TripAdvisor
We started our 40 min journey in Bowness , getting on the lake cruise ship Swan , A real pleasure to get on The journey up part of the lake took 40 mins and there was comentery telling you of interesting places as we glided down Windermere. At the other end the steam train was there to meet us and take us down the 3.5 mile line. We did the reverse journey the hole journey took around 3.5 hours Well worth the money . All the trips are Dog friendly A must do if your in the area. ~ Ian C. TripAdvisor.
We did the cruise and steam train trip combined whilst on holiday in the area. Great value for money to do the 2 together. Excellent staff in the ticket office, at the quayside, on the boat and the train and at the railway station. All very friendly and helpful. A very enjoyable (and relaxing) family day out. We would highly recommend this for ages 0-100+! ~ angelawA6201UJ. TripAdvisor.
Just got back from a David Smith Travel day trip to Bowness including a cruise on Windermere and a steam train ride. Everyone throughly enjoyed themselves and commented on the service received. As the organiser I've got to say how professional Windermere lake cruises are from the booking to the service received on boarding. Already looking at our next trip. ~ david s. TripAdvisor
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.
12 December 2025
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
13 December 2025
Enjoy a festive morning filled with fun, games, and a hearty breakfast with Santa himself.
19 December 2025
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
24 December 2025
From every weekend from 14th November experience the joy of meeting Santa in his charming Grotto.
26 December 2025
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.