Explore Windermere
Choose your boat:
Choose your boat:
Windermere Lake Cruises is set to play a key role in welcoming a surge of visitors to the Lake District this summer, following the launch of a new integrated ticket that allows seamless travel by train, bus and boat across Cumbria.
With increasing numbers of tourists choosing UK staycations and the Lake District remaining one of the country’s most popular destinations, the Cumbria Travel Pass offers a flexible and convenient way for visitors to explore the region without relying on a car.
The ticket allows unlimited travel on participating services, including selected Windermere Lake Cruises sailings, alongside rail routes operated by Northern, TransPennine Express and Avanti, as well as Stagecoach bus services. Passengers can hop on and off at multiple locations, creating their own itineraries and experiencing the very best of Cumbria.
Operating from key piers at Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside, Windermere Lake Cruises provides a unique vantage point of England’s largest lake, connecting visitors with towns, walking routes and attractions around Windermere.
A spokesperson for Windermere Lake Cruises said:
“We’re delighted to be part of the Cumbria Travel Pass, which makes it easier than ever for visitors to experience the Lake District in a joined-up and sustainable way.
“Exploring Lake Windermere by boat offers a truly memorable perspective of the landscape, and this initiative helps more people incorporate time on the water into their journeys around Cumbria.”
The Cumbria Travel Pass is available now, priced at £40 for one day and £99 for three days, with discounts for children and Railcard holders. It replaces several existing Ranger tickets, simplifying travel across the region.
Passengers travelling on the Lakes Line between Oxenholme and Windermere can easily connect to Windermere Lake Cruises via Bowness Pier, either on foot or by bus, making it simple to combine rail and lake travel in a single trip.
Alex Hornby, Commercial and Customer Director at Northern, said:
“We’re excited to launch this new travel pass. It gives customers real flexibility and peace of mind as they switch between providers, travelling by train, bus and boat – and saves money for those who would usually buy separate tickets for each.
“It’s ideal for anyone looking to travel across this beautiful part of the world, as they can hop on and off at any stop."
Sue Clarke, Marketing Manager at Cumbria Tourism, commented:
“This is such great news for our visitors and residents, making it even easier for them to explore our stunning county car free.
"Cumbria’s Destination Management Plan sets an ambition for Cumbria to be a leading sustainable and accessible destination, and joining our rail, bus and boat travel together in this way helps make planning simpler.
“So whether people are looking to discover Cumbria’s coast, lakes, towns, villages or landscapes, this new pass opens up more opportunities to explore the county in a sustainable way, while supporting local businesses, spreading visitor spend and encouraging people to go beyond the best known locations.”
Darren Higgins, Commercial Director at TransPennine Express, said:
“We’re pleased to be part of this new travel pass, which makes it easier than ever for customers to explore Cumbria and the Lake District using public transport.
“By bringing together rail, bus and boat travel in one simple ticket, it gives people the flexibility to plan their journeys with confidence and enjoy everything the region has to offer without relying on the car.
“As more people look to travel more sustainably, initiatives like this play an important role in helping customers make greener choices while discovering some of the most beautiful parts of the North.”
Windermere Lake Cruises welcomes over a million passengers each year and remains at the heart of the Lake District visitor experience, offering a sustainable and memorable way to explore the area’s natural beauty from the water.
