Cruising the Lakes: A Different Perspective
The roads are packed, but you can go for a cruise in the Lakes and avoid the traffic. Take to the water, and a boat ride will take all the stress out of your journey. It’s also a totally different way to see the surrounding landscape; views from the water are spectacularly different from the view of the hills from the shores. But don’t take our word for it. Head to the boat landings and see for yourself.
Windermere Lake Cruises
Windermere Lake Cruises is, understandably, the most popular tourist attraction in the Lake District. This is England’s biggest lake, after all, and this company can take passengers for cruises around the lake, across the lake, for single or return journeys, and you can even take your bike on some of the boats.
The bigger steamers have on-board catering and disabled access, and there are smaller boats you can hire for a private adventure.
The cruisers can be seen from many places along the lake-shore, and there are cruises to and from Waterhead, Bowness and Lakeside at the foot of the lake. You can go from place to place, or have a round trip, with a range of tickets to suit all needs. There’s also the smaller “green” cruise between Waterhead, Wray Castle and Brockhole. The newest vessel is MV Swift with three decks and room for 300 passengers. The other giants of the lake are the Swan, the Teal and the Tern, and there’s a number of smaller craft for cruises.
Self drive motor-boat hire is very busy this summer and online advance booking is essential. You can go from Bowness beach or Waterhead near Ambleside. No boating experience is necessary as the staff provide full safety instructions, a sailing guide to the lake and buoyancy aids for everyone on board. If you get into trouble at any time, the safety boat will come to your rescue. These boats can be hired for 1 or 2 hours. There are also small electric boats and rowing boats for hire.
Ullswater Steamers
If we were forced to name our favourite Lake, it would be hard to ignore Ullswater. Its serpentine shape and stunning position with high ranges of fells on either side make this lake an artist’s dream location, and a great place for dreamers, too. The Ullswater steamers provide the best way to see the lake itself, and the best view of the surrounding mountains, including lofty Helvellyn (3117ft/950m). They have been operating for more than 150 years with one of the largest heritage vessel fleets in the world.
The steamers operate an all year service with varying timetable connections between Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge Piers and between Glenridding and the National Trust Aira Force Pier. Cruise times vary from 20 – 120 minutes.
Onboard there are open and covered deck seating areas, licensed bars and toilets. Cruise times vary from 20 – 120 minutes. Private cruises are also available to book now. Space is limited; passengers are advised to pre-book to guarantee chosen date and time of travel. In fact, it’s wise to book in advance for all the cruises.
Coniston Steam Yacht Gondola
If you want to go back in time, head to Coniston and the historic steam yacht Gondola. It’s a re-built Victorian vessel that offers an experience that takes you back to a more leisurely era, riding in style in the opulent saloons or relaxing in the sun on the open deck.
We love Coniston for its connections with Donald Campbell, the hero of the Lake District who died here attempting the world water speed record. And for the stories of Arthur Ransome in the Swallows and Amazons series which are set on the lake itself, and on the fell territory all around.
The “Wild Cat Island” of the stories (actually Peel Island) lies at the foot of the lake, while the majestically named mountain, The Old Man of Coniston (which the children in the books rename Kanchenchunga) can be seen at its best from the water. There are south lake, north lake and full lake cruises, and it’s wise to book in advance.
Derwentwater and Keswick Launch Company
On Derwentwater the Keswick Launch Company offers the best way to see the fabulous hills of the northern Lake District. Derwentwater, which is three miles long, can be cruised in a 50 minute round boat trip from Keswick. But you can also use the boats as a water-bus service, disembarking at one of the eight jetties en-route and walk back via well-marked paths to famous landmarks such as Ashness Bridge, Lodore Falls, Grange in Borrowdale, Brandelhow and Lingholm, the holiday home of Beatrix Potter.
Not all the jetties are in service so do check the website daily to find out which are open. A couple are waiting to be repaired after storm damage.
The cruises sail past four islands, now owned by the National Trust and each with its own special history: Derwent Island, Lord’s Island, Rampsholme and St Herbert’s Island. The launches have open and covered decks and operate on a regular timetable throughout the year. Rowing boats and motor cruisers are also available for hire so you can explore the lake at your own pace.
Faeryland at Grasmere
For the smallest, and quirkiest of all boating experiences, make a visit to the magical Faeryland at Grasmere. It’s a tiny bay on the north shore of the lake, a five-minute walk from the village centre, which has a handful of pretty rowing boats for hire, so it's a DIY experience rather than a cruise. There’s a tea garden, with a vast range of teas on offer (try their Faery blend) and a basic menu of scones and cakes. And there are fairies galore in the garden if you go looking for them.
Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories
Finally we come ashore to the Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories. This has been described as “the most beautiful boat shed in the UK” but it’s actually a fabulous family-friendly destination. The whole place is a celebration of Windermere’s importance in the Lake District, one of the world’s most important collections of boats related to a single location. There’s working steamers, a conservation workshop, exhibitions, regular events and, of course, a Lakeside café. See the website to plan your whole day there.