Choose your boat:
Where to park near Bowness Pier
Postcode: LA23 3HQ
Once you have reached the pier follow signs for car parking.
There are 6 car parks within 15 mins walk.
Where to park near Ambleside Pier (Waterhead)
Postcode: LA22 0EY
There are 5 car parks close by to Ambleside pier.
Our customers' car park has 21 spaces and costs ÂŁ6.00 to park all day. In addition, there are 200 spaces in a public pay and display car park close to the pier.
Where to park near Lakeside Pier
Postcode: LA12 8AS
There are 300 spaces within just a few metres of our pier and offer up to 10 hours parking for just ÂŁ5.00.
Please note that passengers wishing to include steam train from Haverthwaite should note that there are an additional 150 spaces at Haverthwaite station.
Travel to Windermere Railway Station via Oxenholme - Lake District (on the main line between London and Glasgow). Bowness Pier is a 25 minute walk away or you can catch a regular bus/taxi service from outside Windermere station.
Travel by Stagecoach Bus to BOWNESS PIER (LIVE DEPARTURES) on the following services:
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Travel by Stagecoach Bus to AMBLESIDE PIER (Waterhead) & BROCKHOLE PIER (LIVE DEPARTURES) on the following services:
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Travel by Stagecoach Bus to LAKESIDE PIER (alight at Swan at Newby Bridge (LIVE DEPARTURES) stop & walk the 1 mile) on the following services:

Car drivers - Save time, money and hassle by using our park and sail option at our Ambleside and Lakeside Piers.
During busy periods, the roads around Windermere can get congested and car parking can be a premium. Why not leave the car behind, save money and reduce your carbon footprint by exploring Windermere by boat? Our Ambleside Pier has a small car park and costs ÂŁ6.00 all day (other public pay and display car parks are nearby). Our Lakeside car park has 300 spaces and costs ÂŁ6.00 all day.
Many customers find parking at Lakeside extremely convenient, as it is also the home to the Lakes Aquarium and a boarding point for the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway. The Lakeside site is also convenient for the brief ferry trip to Fell Foot gardens, picnic area and adventure playground. This service runs in the summer every half hour from 11am to 5pm.

Make the most of your day on Windermere with a mix of adventures, attractions and exciting events happening around the lake. Whether you’re travelling by boat to iconic lake‑shore destinations or looking for something memorable to experience with the whole family, there’s plenty waiting to be discovered.
We’ve put together a handy guide to the very best of what’s on near our main piers at Bowness, Waterhead, and Lakeside. From top attractions and local walks to great places to eat, drink, and enjoy seasonal events, everything is just a short stroll from your Windermere Lake Cruise.
Make the most of your visit and soak up the very best of the Lake District right from the water’s edge.