Dalemain Marmalade Festival

February Half Term 11th - 19th

Join in our Marmalade quiz and meet Paddington at the Dalemain Country House Annual Marmalade Festival. Click here to find out more about the Dalemain Marmalade Festival (The festival itself is on the weekend of the 25th and 26th February at Dalemain Mansion and Gardens).

Photography Competition 2012

Launch: 6th April. Closing date: 31st October

£1 per photo entry fee with all proceeds to go to The World Owl Trust based at Muncaster Castle - well worth a visit. Grab those boots and send us your pictures,  This year's theme is "Flights of Fancy". Three categories: under 12; 12 years to 18; and over 18.  Great prizes. Visit our website to view previous winner galleries. Closing date 31st October.  Download your entry form now.

Mother's Day

Sunday 18th March

Treat your mum to a cream tea and a cruise. A round the lake trip on board the 'Steamers' and a cream tea at Dalemain Mansion.  Gift vouchers available online at £15 per head - valid for three months. Book online.

Easter Holidays

31st March - 15th April

Eggtastic fun with Sammy the Squirrel.  Hidden prizes on board each vessel every day.  Look out for the launch of the Steamers's Kids' Club.

Tweets & Bleats

21st & 22nd April

Join us on board one of our boats with the RSPB on hand to show you the multitude of birds and other wild animals that can be seen.  We'll show you the daffodils that inspired Wordsworth's famous poem.  Come with us to a traditional lakeland farm to witness the hard work that carries on at lambing time. Book online.

The Diamond Jubilee Brass Band and Bunting Evening Cruise

Tuesday 5th June

Bring a picnic and dress to impress. Lots of union jack bunting and The Penrith Town Band to stir your spirit.  Say Hip Hip with us onboard and enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly to toast her majesty's Diamond Jubilee. 

£12.50 per person. Departs Glenridding 7pm for a two hour cruise. Book online.

The Pirates arghh Back

6th June & 22nd August

Join the scurvy dogs on board the pirate ship Western Belle for two hours of swashbuckling mayhem.  Fun and games on board and water cannons for repelling boarders.

Casts off from Glenridding. Two sailings per day (11am and 2:30pm). £11 per pirate (includes 50% off Pirate Pete discount voucher and a bag of "treasure").  Book online.

Statesman Rail - "The Fellsman"

Wednesday 6th June then every Wednesday from 4th July to the 29th August

Wednesday 6th June then every Wednesday from 4th July to  the 29th August. The Fellsman Steam excursion on the Settle Carlisle Railway with an optional trip from Appleby station to Glenridding onboard Cumbria Classic Coaches for a one hour cruise on one of our heritage vessels. Please check the Statesman Rail website for booking details.

Father's Day

Sunday 17th June

Don't forget dad! Why not treat him to a gift voucher for a cruise on Ullswater followed by a lunch at the Queen's Head Tirril - Choose from either a hearty cumberland sausage or one of their superb homemade pies. Gift vouchers available online at £20 per head. Book online.

The Ceilidh Cruise

Saturday 23rd June

Join us for an evening's entertainment with The Eden Valley Ceilidh Band.  Dance the night away or just soak up the atmosphere aboard the MY Raven.  Profits raised from ticket sales will be donated to the Help for Heroes charity. 

Departs from Pooley Bridge for a change this year (7.00pm) for a two hour cruise.  £12.50 per person. Book online.

Cumbrian Fish Supper

Every Wednesday from 27th June to 22nd August

The extremely popular Cumbrian Fish Suppers are back. Book early to avoid disappointment - these cruises sell out quickly.  Join us aboard Lady Wakefield for a freshly cooked fish and chip supper from local supplier The Hired Lad.  A two hour cruise on the most beautiful lake in England is  further enhanced with some of the best guitar music around fromthe popular, singer/songwriter Pete Lashley. 

£16.50 per person (£13.50 children under 13).  Depart Pooley Bridge 7pm. Book online.

RSPB Skylarks

Saturday 30th June & Sunday 1st July

Join us for something just a little bit different; enjoy a lake cruise with the RSPB team from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge, then transfer to Roehead by minibus for an RSPB escorted walk onto Askham Fell and Heughscar Hill to listen to the "Sound of Summer", the beautiful distinctive call of the native skylarks. A fabulous opportunity to hear this special song and also spot some of our othe unique moorland birds.

£11 RSPB members £13 non members. Children half price.

Depart Glenridding 10:30 return to Glenridding at 3:50.

Moderate fitness required. Bring suitable clothing.

50th Anniversary of the Birkett Cup.

Saturday 7th July

Think Henley; think Regatta; and watch the famous Birkett Cup from  one of our oldest ladies - the MY Raven. You'll be in the thick of the action.  Pimms and strawberries available to pre order or purchase on board. 

Departs Pooley Bridge 12:30 arrives back at 3:30.  Costs £20 per adult £10 per child. Book online.

Commentary Cruise with a National Park Ranger

Tuesdays: 19th June; 3rd July; 17th July; 24th July; 31st July; 7th August; 14th August; 21st August.

Where did the fairies go? How was the valley formed? Do you know what a pele tower is?  Want to know more, join us for our evening commentary cruise with a Lake District National Park Ranger on hand to give you an insight into our heritage. Booking is advisable but not essential.

Departs Glenridding 6:45 for a one and a half hour trip. Adults £10 children £5. Dogs are welcome on our commentary cruises. Book online.

Walks With a Ranger

Various dates throughout the summer

The Lake District Natinal Park Rangers have got together and designed some superb guided walks in the area.  Many of them involve a trip on one of our 'Steamers'.  Bookings can be made through Glenridding Tourist Information Centre (017684 82414).  Check the Lake District National Park website for further details

Tying the Knot. Ullswater 'Steamers' 2nd annual Wedding Fair

Sunday 9th September

If you are thinking of tying the knot come and joins us at Glenridding for our second annual Wedding Fair.  See what can be done onboard our boats to make your special day even more special. Meet local suppliers to discuss your requirements.  We have venues, caterers, car and vehicle hire suppliers.  We have florists, dress makers, tailors, sailors and so much more for you to see.

Entry is free.  Open 12 until 4.

The Ullswater Outdoor Festival

22nd - 30th September

A packed program of events including talks and walks.  Check the Ullswater webite for details of events and how to book.

RSPB Red Deer Rut

11th, 12th, 13th & 14th October

Join us for a short cruise to Howtown followed by an escorted journey with the RSPB into Martindale to witness one of natures finest spectacles, the Red Deer Rut. Listen to the roar of the stags as they compete for attention from the “ladies”, it really is a very special experience and one of the finest days out anywhere. Profits to the RSPB. This is a very popular event and full days can be booked for nature clubs on request. Last year we raised over £1200 for RSPB Projects.

Departs Glenridding 10.30am returns 3.30pm, £14 non-RSPB members & £12 members, children (5 to 15 years) half price. Book online.

Special Notes - Wear suitable clothing; bring packed lunch, light refreshments available onboard & toilet facilities. Mini buses will meet at Howtown to collect passengers for a ten minute drive into Martindale. There is a ten minute walk with an initial moderate uphill climb, then a level path. There is a stream to cross so appropriate footwear is required.

Val Corbett Photography Workshop

17th & 19th October

Enjoy a day out with noted photographer Val Corbett.  Val will be onboard to critique and advise on your own photography skills, giving you tips on how to get the best out of your work. There will be excursions lead by Val into the surrounding landscape so moderate fitness is required, bring suitable clothing and packed lunch.

Departs Glenridding 11am returns 4.30pm. £26.50 per person. Book online.

Special Notes - Wear suitable clothing; bring packed lunch, light refreshments available onboard & toilet facilities. Moderate fitness required. Please bring some examples of your own work on the day - preferably on a memory stick.

Halloween Spooktacula

Wednesday 31st October

Spooktacular fun at Halloween – dare you board the Ghostly Galleon as she returns from the deep with her crew and magical wizard Stu-Di-Doo. A two hour cruise complete with magic show and balloon modelling so you can take home your own monster. Fun for all the family with prizes to be won for the best fancy dress but be warned this is Halloween and the Galleon must return to the deep before sundown. Join us if you dare.

Two departures from Glenridding 12:30 and 3:00pm, £11 per person includes spooky sweets goody bag, glasses of squishy squash for the young pumpkins and tea or coffee for the grown-ups. Book online.

The Ullswater Trail

November 4th

Sign up to the Ullswater Trail - The Grand Finale of a series of events organised by Lakeland Trails.  Your journey starts with a beautiful half hour cruise aboard the Ullswater Steamer "Raven", whilst being seranaded by singer/songwriter Pete Lashley, brings you to the start in the hamlet of Howtown. The course along well marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways follows the lake shore, giving panoramic views of Hellvelyn and the surrounding peaks. Much of the course passes through ancient woodland, which will be at it's autumnal best.

Spirit of Christmas with Dalemain

11th; 12th; 13th December

Enjoy a winter cruise on England’s most beautiful lake then make your way to the medieval hall at Dalemain Historic House where a two course Christmas Lunch awaits. Feel the Spirit of Christmas with this truly wonderful winter wonderland package.

Departs Pooley Bridge at 11am returns 12pm, £25 includes one hour cruise and a two course lunch at Dalemain. Lunch options include vegetarian choice. Transfer to Dalemain not included. Book online.

Santa Workshop

Sunday 16th December

A truly magic experience to meet Santa and pull a cracker with our very own Sammy Squirrel. Join in the fun with our Happy Elf and his musical bell orchestra before meeting Santa in his workshop.  This year we have managed to get hold of our very own Magic Tree made completely from renewable wood. Book online.