Windermere Lake Cruises, Waterhead

About

Experience the very best of England's Lake District with a journey aboard a renowned Windermere cruise from Ambleside (Waterhead) Pier. Windermere Lake Cruises is the most popular attraction in Cumbria and constantly one of England top five ‘paid for’ attractions.

GETTING HERE

Our northernmost pier at Ambleside (Waterhead) is set in a beautiful location with arguably the best views of the Lake District Fells from the water. Our pier is located half a mile (0.8km) from Ambleside village centre and is an easy flat walk, or there are regular buses from the village to right outside the pier (stop: Waterhead Inn for Pier).

If you’re driving to us, we have a small car park on site (postcode LA22 0EY), but this tends to fill up quickly on sunny days. Alternatively, over the road and 5 minute’s walk away are 200 spaces in a council pay-and-display car park run by the council (postcode LA22 0EP).

ENJOY A SCENIC CRUISE

From Ambleside (Waterhead) you can board our fleet of historic vessels – ‘steamers’ and traditional launches plus a compliment of modern vessels that operate all year round, every day except Christmas Day. Step back in time on board one of our Victorian fleet including the iconic 1891-built MV Tern and sister ‘steamers’ MV Swan & MV Teal. With elegant saloons, charming promenade decks and indoor and outdoor seating it’s the finest way to sit back, relax and unwind and enjoy the ever-changing scenery passing by.

All our modern launches and ‘steamers’ have toilets on board with warm inner cabins, outer decks, cafes, and bars to make your cruise as comfortable as possible, plus there’s a brief commentary on board that will point out key points on interest on route.

From Ambleside (Waterhead) you can choose from the following cruises:

Red Cruise – our most popular cruise connects Ambleside with the bustling village of Bowness, half-way down Lake Windermere. It operates all-year-round and it takes 35 minutes to reach Bowness. As with all our cruises on Windermere, your ticket allows you to hop off, explore and catch a later boat back.

Green Cruise – this seasonal service (April – October) connects Wray Castle on the western shore, Brockhole – The Lake Dsitrict Visitor Centre and Ambleside. Disembark at Wray Castle to explore the grounds and family-friendly attraction or start our Walkers Ticket – a circular route by boat and footpath that lets you experience the quieter side of England’s Largest lake.

Alternatively, or additionally, disembark at Brockhole for great family activities such as crazy golf, play areas, archery, lake swimming and beautiful walks through the grounds. Brockhole is also home to the Lake District Visitor Centre with a café, displays and information about the stunning National Park. For the adrenaline junkies in the party, then why not bounce, swing or zipline through the trees as Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets are also on site.

HIRE A SELF-DRIVE BOAT

During the peak springtime/summer months, you can hire electric motor boats and rowing boats for one or two hours. The Waterhead Hire Point is just 5 minutes walk from our main pier and you can get up close to Windermere in your very own boat. Suitable for up to 6 persons on board it’s a great way to experience the majesty of Windermere and dogs, children and picnics are welcome on board.
 

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