Ullswater "Steamers" is an award winning, environmentally accredited Lake District attraction that has been giving visitors a memorable experience for over 150 years.

This heritage cruise is a match made in heaven for couples longing for a relaxing cruise but are also seeking a little adventure.

After taking in the view of the impressive Helvellyn Mountain, towering above the clear waters and the tumbling green hills, you can stop off at the various points to explore the vast and dramatic landscapes in walks that are suitable for all ages and abilities. Choose from a range of walks including the Glenridding to Howtown walk and the Hallin Fell circular walk and then just hop back onto the boat to complete your cruise or go to the next walking hot spot and admire all that the Lake District has to offer! More details of the various walks will be given to you on arrival. 

Fact for the day:

William Wordsworth first visited Ullswater at the age of 18 in 1778. One of his most famous poems, “The Daffodils” was inspired after a walk with his sister Dorothy in 1802. To this day these wild flowers, otherwise known as Lenten lilies, can be found in abundance on the lake shore in the spring

“A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze”.

When you book, you will be emailed an e-Voucher. You must print this voucher and bring it with you to redeem for your ticket at Glenridding Pier only. 

You must pre book your tour at least 72 hours in advance by calling the Steamer. Details will be on your e-Voucher.

Your voucher is valid for 6 months from purchase date. Your ticket is valid for all day scheduled services from Glenridding Pier only.

All cruises are subject to sailing status and operations on the day. Sailing is subject to weather conditions on the day therefore please check the weather report before booking your experience.

This experience is for two or four adults only, if you require additional guests please enquire at time of booking your experience.

If you have access needs, please advise at time of booking.

Tickets include one 75cl of Prosecco per couple – for the full experience of course!

Operating times

Cruises operate all year round except 24-25 December

Cruise times vary from 20 minutes to 120 minutes depending on how often you get off the cruise to explore.

The other stops to explore are Pooley Bridge, Aira Force and Howtown. 

Cruise times vary so please check the timetable before visiting. Details can be found on your e-Voucher.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

On board facilities

• Fully licensed bars
• Indoor saloons and outside open/covered deck space onboard
• Selection of speciality teas, coffees and light refreshments  on all vessels
• Toilets on all vessels
• Accessible toilets onboard Lady Wakefield
• Bikes are permitted onboard except Lady Dorothy, small charge applies and subject to deck space available
• Dogs are welcome onboard. A small fee will apply upon visiting

Facilities at the Piers 

• Fully licensed bars onboard all vessels & Glenridding Pier House
• Selection of speciality teas, coffees and light refreshments at Pooley Bridge, Glenridding Pier House
• Landscape and things to do interpretation panels at the main Piers
• Bike Racks outside main Piers at Pooley Bridge and Glenridding
• Free Wi-fi at Glenridding and Pooley Bridge Pier Houses
• There is a public slipway by Glenridding Pier House
• Outdoor picnic areas at Pooley Bridge, Glenridding and Aira Force
• Indoor seating areas at Pooley Bridge, Glenridding and Aira Force
• Gift shops at main Pier Houses and Ullswater ‘Steamer’ extended gift shop in Pooley Bridge village opposite the Fish monument in the village square
• Piers are within easy walking distance to the villages of Glenridding, Pooley Bridge and National Trust Aira Force attraction. There is a National Trust tearoom at the Aira Force attraction
• Accessible toilets at main Pier Houses and onboard Lady Wakefield
• There are no facilities at Howtown or Aira Force Pier. Facilities at Aira Force are a five minute walk from the Pier at National Trust Aira Force attraction

Audio guides 

For full commentary, you can download the Ullswater "Steamers" app for free on Apple and Android stores.

How to get there

You can only redeem your voucher at Glenridding Pier.

By Car to Glenridding Pier (Southern end of Ullswater)

From Keswick: A66, A5091 to Aira Force, turn right onto Lake Road, Glenridding is 2 miles away.

From the South: Only 8 miles from Ambleside via Kirkstone Pass to Glenridding and 12 miles from Bowness/Windermere (SatNav CA11 0US). Parking in Steamers Car Park or in the Village by Tourist Information Centre.

Car parking

• Electric Car charge point at Glenridding
• Pay and display parking at Glenridding, Pooley Bridge and Aira Force. There are limited disabled bays at Glenridding and Aira Force. There is a drop off point outside Pooley Bridge Pier House. Parking is in the village approx 400m away (five minutes). There is no parking at Howtown

By Train

• First TransPennine Express and/or Virgin Trains, run direct train services to Penrith from London Euston, Birmingham, Manchester and Manchester Airport, Preston, Lancaster, Oxenholme, Carlisle, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Other services run trains from Newcastle to Penrith via Carlisle

• Public bus stops at Glenridding, Pooley Bridge and Aira Force. Nearest mainline train station in Penrith, approximately six miles from Pooley Bridge