“Queen of the Lake” adds royal flavour to weekend gathering on Windermere

Windermere Lake Cruises iconic wooden launch “Queen of the Lake” brought a touch of royal glamour to this weekend’s Wooden Boat Gathering on England’s longest Lake.

The vessel, which is over 70 years old, joined other wooden vessels at the special event hosted at the award-winning Windermere Jetty Museum.

Windermere Lake Cruises iconic wooden launch "Queen of the Lake" joins the Wooden Boat Gathering at Windermere Jetty Museum

Originally built for use as a pleasure craft on the River Thames in 1949 by Watercraft of Molesey, ‘Queen of the Lake’ has been a permanent resident of Windermere ever since. She has left Windermere only once – travelling back to London to represent Cumbria in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant for HRH The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Queen of the Lake’s Royal connections don’t stop there, however. Just two years prior to the Jubilee, Prince Charles sailed on her during one of his regular Royal visits to Windermere.

The 13 tonne vessel can carry a total of 84 passengers and is manned by a crew of two.

The Wooden Boat Gathering is organised by The Wooden Boat Trade Association and the theme for this year’s event is “Ensuring the future for boats made of wood.” The Wooden Boat Gathering takes place from Friday May 6 until Sunday May 8.

Travel by boat to Windermere Jetty Museum

• Windermere Jetty Museum has its own pier and we travel to it. Get there direct on the Red Cruise from Bowness, Ambleside (Waterhead), or Brockhole.
• Save money and bag a great day out with a Red Cruise & Windermere Jetty combined ticket - cheaper than buying separate boat & museum tickets.