Hire a self-drive boat on Windermere

Get out on the water by hiring a self-drive boat. Enjoy the freedom of exploring Windermere at your own pace, soaking up the breathtaking views and creating your own adventure on England’s largest lake.

• If you're an early riser, take advantage of our special Early Bird offer and start your adventure with the tranquility of the morning lake all to yourself.

📍 Bowness, Waterhead and Lakeside

Step into the magical World of Beatrix Potter

The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness brings the beloved tales of Peter Rabbit and friends to life with interactive exhibits and a family-friendly café.

It’s the perfect way to combine creativity and fun for the whole family!

📍 10 minutes walk from our Bowness pier.

Explore Fell Foot

All Summer

Why not combine your visit to Lakeside Pier with a trip to Fell Foot Park, a popular National Trust lakeside park with a picnic area and children’s adventure playground. Family-friendly park, perfect for paddle sports and canoeing.

⛴️ There is a regular boat service from Lakeside to Fell Foot.

Family Event: Leo the Lion @ Windermere Jetty museum

Sunday 3 August 2025

Join storyteller Faz Sha, illustrator Lizzie Finlay, and musician Arran Kent for a magical interactive performance.
Leo the Lion can’t sleep, his favourite star has vanished! Travel with Leo across Jungle Island and into space to find it, meeting animal friends and solving cosmic clues along the way.

A gentle, joyful adventure to spark little imaginations.

⛴️ The Red Cruise stops at Windermere jetty museum.

Explore Ambleside

Why not head to Waterhead, take a picnic and head to Borans park where you can paddle in the Lake. Or head over to Rothay park, just a 15 minute walk in to Ambelside, where there is a children’s adventure playground.

⛴️ The Red Cruise has direct boats to Ambleside throughout the day.

Summer of Play at Allan Bank

17th July - 2nd Sep

Head to Allan Bank for fun packed adventure. Outdoors, explore gardens and woodlands, perfect for mini-adventures. Join family games like croquet, bean bag throw, and hoopla on the lawns. Indoors, get creative with nature crafts, read from the bookshop, play board games, or enjoy the piano. Explore holiday watercolours and photos from the past, and try painting your own.

⛴️ Get there by taking the red cruise to Ambleside, then hop on the 555 stagecoach bus to Grasmere. See our Bus and boat ticket.

Bowness Glebe market

On every Sunday, this vibrant market is a must-visit. Browse local crafts, sample delicious treats, and discover unique finds, all just a short stroll from our piers. Soak up the friendly atmosphere and make it part of your day out in Bowness!

📍 Next to Bowness pier.

Unleash your creativity at The Rock Shop in Ambleside

A must-visit destination for kids and adults alike, The Rock Shop in Ambleside invites you to dive into the fascinating world of geology. Discover an incredible collection of fossils, dazzling gemstones, and engaging hands-on activities. But the excitement doesn’t stop there—venture into the thrilling gem pit, where you can dig for your own treasure, and step into the prehistoric world of the dinosaur den, packed with life-sized models and interactive exhibits. It’s the perfect blend of education and adventure on your Lake District journey.

📍 Approx 30 minutes walk from our Ambleside pier.

Zip World at Brockhole

Located at Brockhole on Windermere, Zip World offers a thrilling way to experience the forest from above! Test your balance and bravery as you navigate swinging bridges, zip lines, and aerial obstacles. For younger adventurers or those seeking a less challenging option, Zip World provides bouncy fun on giant trampolines suspended high in the trees. A great way to enjoy the outdoors as a family.

📍 Take the red cruise to Brockhole.

Take a scenic walk up Orrest Head

Enjoy a family-friendly adventure to Orrest Head, where little ones can meet the Gruffalo and his friends along the trail! This short yet rewarding walk offers spectacular views of Windermere and the surrounding fells. The trails are flat, making it pram friendly too!

📍 Approx 45 minutes walk from our Bowness pier.

Take a cruise and steam train journey

Hop aboard the Yellow Cruise with us, Windermere Lake Cruises and glide across the water to Lakeside. From there, enjoy a nostalgic journey on the Haverthwaite Steam Train, a perfect blend of heritage and stunning scenery.

📍 At our Lakeside pier.

Hawkshead agriculture show

19th Aug 2025 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Set in the Vale of Esthwaite, known for William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, our founder member, the show field is half a mile north of Hawkshead village.

Enjoy Hawkshead show all day: horse judging, sheep dog trials, local stalls and much more.

⛴️ Get there by taking the Ash Landing shuttle from Bowness to Ash Landing. Then take the mountain goat bus to Hawkshead. There is a 10 min walk form Hakwshead to the event.

Hill Top @ Hawkshead

Discover Beatrix Potter's world at Hill Top, the cottage that inspired her beloved stories and love for the Lake District.

Explore the charming garden, a delightful mix of flowers, herbs, fruit, and vegetables. Walk the garden path to the front door and see why Beatrix adored this place. Bought in 1905 with proceeds from "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," Hill Top and its surroundings inspired many of her books.

⛴️ Get there by taking the Ash Landing shuttle from Bowness to Ash Landing. Then take the mountain goat bus to Hawkshead (stops at Hill Top).

Ambleside sports

31st July 2025 from 10:00am

Experience traditional Lakeland sports, including fell racing, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, hound trails, and children's races. Enjoy numerous local stalls as well!

⛴️ Get there by taking the red cruise to Waterhead, then hop on the stagecoach bus to Rydal road bus stop. See our Bus and boat ticket. It's then a few minutes walk from the bus stop to the show ground.