Your Day Out With Ullswater ‘Steamers’
Use this page to help you plan your visit to Ullswater 'Steamers'. Pick your cruise type, a sailing time, and let's explore. Remember to take a look at our gift experiences and private charter options too.
Facilities on board Ullswater ‘Steamers’ boats include an open deck, sheltered upper deck seating areas, indoor downstairs saloons, licensed bars, and toilets. Our pier houses also have excellent facilities, including free Wi-Fi and a 11kW EV charging point at Glenridding pier. Please note facilities may vary on individual boats so please check our facilities page. If you require wheelchair access, please call us in advance of your visit. More details can be found on our accessibility page.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online or on the day at the pier houses, subject to availability. Please note online tickets close 12 hours before departure time.
Whilst visiting Ullswater ‘Steamers’ :
- We recommend booking tickets online in advance of your journey to secure your preferred journey times.
- Every ticket counts and helps to look after our heritage fleet of boats and footpath repairs around the Ullswater Way.
- If buying full lake return tickets, please select Pooley Bridge or Glenridding ( from) and to half way point where the option of a single or return ticket will be available. Tickets are open ended with no fixed return time.
- The fresh air and mountain views are FREE for every passenger to enjoy so get the cameras at the ready and bring the bird book ! Autumn and Winter offer some iconic crisp, clear views of the valley and look out for red deer on the tops.
- Our four piers link to spectacular walking routes connecting you to each destination point around the Ullswater Way.
- Explore the magic and mystery that surrounds the National Trust Aira Force waterfalls and red squirrel trails.
- Scan the QR codes around the Ullswater Way and explore the virtual art gallery here , its FREE
Please note:
- Dogs welcome on-board for £1.
- The car park at Aira Force gets extremely busy. Please click here for more information.
- We have limited space for bikes and paddleboards. This is allocated at the skipper's discretion due to capacity.
- Open 363 days in the year.
Ullswater 'Steamers' Timetables
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Fares
Read through our selection of fares below to find the right cruise for you. Tickets are available to pre-book online and at our pier houses on the day.
Spring/Summer Lilac and Red Timetable Fares 24th March - 8th September 2024
| Ticket Type | RETURN TRIP FROM GLENRIDDING OR POOLEY BRIDGE | ONE WAY TRIP GLENRIDDING TO POOLEY BRIDGE OR VICE VERSA |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £24.00 | £15.00 |
| Child (3-17) | £14.50 | £10.00 |
| Child (under 3) | FREE | FREE |
| Family 2 Adult + 2 Child | £69.75 | N/A |
| Upgrade Add-on for Aira Force - available on full lake return cruises between Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. | TBC | N/A |
Howtown Walkers Fares 1st February 2024 - 31st January 2025
Take a cruise to Howtown pier, perfect for those who wish to explore the valley on foot . The Ullswater Way footpath links Pooley Bridge and Glenridding piers. The lakeshore walk between Howtown and Glenridding is one of the most spectacular walking routes in the UK. The cruise to Howtown takes 35 minutes from Glenridding pier and 25 minutes from Pooley Bridge pier. Visit our walking pages for detailed information about walks around the Ullswater Way.
| Ticket Type | Return Trip Glenridding to Howtown or Pooley Bridge to Howtown | One Way Trip Glenridding to Howtown or Pooley Bridge to Howtown |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £15.00 | £10.00 |
| Child (3-17) | £10.00 | £7.00 |
| Child (under 3) | FREE | FREE |
| Family- 2 Adult + 2 Child | £45.00 | N/A |
Aira Force Shuttle Fares
Make the most of our Aira Force shuttle service, connecting Glenridding to the beautiful Aira Force waterfall. Enjoy a 20-minute cruise from Glenridding and explore one of the most iconic landmarks in the Ullswater Valley.
| Ticket Type | Open Return | One Way |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £13.00 | £9.00 |
| Child (3-17) | £9.00 | £6.00 |
| Child (under 3) | FREE | FREE |
| 2 Adult + 2 Child | £39.50 | N/A |
Optional Extras
DOGS: £1 each.
PADDLEBOARD TRANSPORT: £4.00 each. Subject to capacity on board. Cannot be pre-booked.
BIKE TRANSPORT: £3.00 each. Subject to capacity on board. Cannot be pre-booked.
CAR PARKING: Car parking for Glenridding pier car park is pay & display with a machine near the pier house which accepts coins and contactless cards.
Private Charters
Our boats are available to hire from one hour for private charters. Ullswater 'Steamers' offer a range of private charter and cruise options for weddings, celebrations and corporate events.
Contact our friendly team for a show round.
Season Tickets
Our NEW and added-value season tickets are back in time for the 2024 season! Enjoy sailing on England’s most beautiful lake all year round. £5 from every season ticket sale is donated to Lake District Foundation to help repair and maintain footpaths around the Ullswater Way.
Take a look at our different season ticket options below.
Gift Experience - Cruise for two with a bottle of Prosecco
Enjoy a full return cruise on our scheduled services for two adults with a bottle of Prosecco. Cruise must be taken from Glenridding.
Price of this cruise is £65.00
Events - Gin Cruises, Birkett Trophy Race Cruise, Fish Supper Cruises
We have a variety of special event cruises throughout the year. Visit our events page to find out more about this year's event calendar.
