Windermere Lake Cruises

Windermere is long and narrow, about ten and a half miles long and never more than a mile wide, so while you can always see across to the opposite shore, the views along the lakeside are variable – which is nice to appreciate from the bow of a boat, camera in hand.

For some reason, probably their original association with British Rail, the large ferry type boats on Windermere are called steamers, though they’re motor powered. The various passenger boats generally call at Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside and will take you up and down the lake and around the islands, depending on how much you enjoy cruising and whether you want to get from A to B or if the pleasure is in the journey. The more fancy cruises will fit you out with a meal and/ or entertainment as well.

There’s a speed limit of 10 knots on all powered craft on the lake, so if you fancy opening up your speedboat or power boat on the lake you might be better off trying to get some speed the old fashioned way – with wind power. If you’re after more than a leisurely afternoon on the water, you should probably get in touch with the Royal Windermere Yacht Club or the Windermere Cruising Association who organise the competitive sailing.