A Magical, Unforgetable Lake District Experience
An unforgettable Lake District experience
Welcome to Ullswater ‘Steamers’, The Lake District Scenic lake cruises on Ullswater for over 160 years - tickets available on the day or in advance online
An unforgettable Lake District experience An award-winning environmentally accredited attraction on England’s most beautiful lake, Ullswater
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Welcome on board - let's plan your journey!

Welcome to Ullswater ‘Steamers’, the Lake District

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ celebrates over 160 years of operating scenic cruises in the Lake District on one of England’s most beautiful lakes, Ullswater. Boasting one of the largest heritage boat fleets in the world, we offer visitors an unforgettable experience 363 days a year. 

At the top of many people's lists of unmissable things to do in the Lake District are the boat trips available on several lakes including Ullswater, Coniston and Windermere. Lake cruises on Ullswater are our speciality, helping visitors to experience iconic mountain views from a truly unique perspective.

The cruises from Ullswater ‘Steamers’ connect to some of the most famous and iconic walks in the Lake District National Park, with views of Wordsworth's daffodils on the west shore in spring.

Two walkers watch on as an Ullswater Steamer cruises by on Ullswater Lake

Pooley Bridge Pier

The pretty Lakeland village of Pooley Bridge was once an important fishing trading area with its origins dating back to the 16th century.

  • Just ten minutes from the M6
  • Lots of great places to eat and drink in Pooley Bridge
  • Within walking distance of Dalemain Mansion and Lowther Castle
  • Visit our Tourist Information Centre shop in the village to pick up some mementoes
  • Car parking available in the village – just a five minute walk from Pooley Bridge pier

Book Tickets From Pooley Bridge

Pooley Bridge Pier

Howtown Pier

The start of the famous lakeshore walk to Glenridding and gateway to the Valley of Martindale, home to the only wild red deer herd in the UK.

  • A quiet, relaxing area around the pier, perfect for a picnic – but please remember to take home your rubbish
  • Great access to lots of lovely walking routes suitable for all levels of walker
  • Home of the Howtown Hotel
  • Please only access Howtown via Ullswater ‘Steamers’ boats - no car parking

Book Tickets From Howtown

Howtown Pier

Glenridding Pier

A former mining village and gateway to Helvellyn, England’s third-highest mountain.

  • Car parking available at Glenridding pier house
  • Visit the shops in Glenridding village and excellent cafés for refreshments
  • Inn on the Lake is just 5 minutes away from the pier – perfect for an afternoon tea
  • Explore the area on foot or by bicycle from Glenridding pier

Book Tickets From Glenridding

Glenridding Pier

Aira Force Pier

Connecting National Trust waterfall Aira Force and the Ullswater Way paths to both Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. 

  • Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels
  • See Wordsworth’s famous daffodils at Glencoyne Bay
  • Grab a snack at the kiosk - they make delicious scones
  • Pick from many walking routes around the Aira Force waterfall
  • The waterfall is known as Aira Beck and is a 65 foot drop

Book Tickets From Aira Force

Aira Force Pier
Ullswater Map Outline

Pooley Bridge Pier

Howtown Pier

Glenridding Pier

Aira Force Waterfall

Steamer Map
  • Pooley Bridge Pier
  • Howtown Pier
  • Glenridding Pier
  • Aira Force Waterfall

Pooley Bridge Pier

The pretty Lakeland village of Pooley Bridge was once an important fishing trading area with its origins dating back to the 16th century.

  • Just ten minutes from the M6
  • Lots of great places to eat and drink in Pooley Bridge
  • Within walking distance of Dalemain Mansion and Lowther Castle
  • Visit our Tourist Information Centre shop in the village to pick up some mementoes
  • Car parking available in the village – just a five minute walk from Pooley Bridge pier
Pooley Bridge Pier

Book Tickets From Pooley Bridge

Howtown Pier

The start of the famous lakeshore walk to Glenridding and gateway to the Valley of Martindale, home to the only wild red deer herd in the UK.

  • A quiet, relaxing area around the pier, perfect for a picnic – but please remember to take home your rubbish
  • Great access to lots of lovely walking routes suitable for all levels of walker
  • Home of the Howtown Hotel
  • Please only access Howtown via Ullswater ‘Steamers’ boats - no car parking
Howtown Pier

Book Tickets From Howtown

Glenridding Pier

A former mining village and gateway to Helvellyn, England’s third-highest mountain.

  • Car parking available at Glenridding pier house
  • Visit the shops in Glenridding village and excellent cafés for refreshments
  • Inn on the Lake is just 5 minutes away from the pier – perfect for an afternoon tea
  • Explore the area on foot or by bicycle from Glenridding pier
Glenridding Pier

Book Tickets From Glenridding

Aira Force Pier

Connecting National Trust waterfall Aira Force and the Ullswater Way paths to both Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. 

  • Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels
  • See Wordsworth’s famous daffodils at Glencoyne Bay
  • Grab a snack at the kiosk - they make delicious scones
  • Pick from many walking routes around the Aira Force waterfall
  • The waterfall is known as Aira Beck and is a 65 foot drop
Aira Force Pier

Book Tickets From Aira Force

Things to do around Ullswater - walking routes

Ullswater 'Steamers' not only provide scenic lake cruises but also ferry visitors across the lake to connect with famous walking routes. We help people to enjoy and access some of the most popular walks in the Lake District, including the Ullswater Way. 

The Ullswater Way is a 20-mile circular route which opened in 2016 connecting all four piers by boat and boot. It can be walked and cruised in sections from any starting point and in either direction, allowing you to explore the lake's wonderful setting. 

Walkers can take advantage of our excellent facilities on board including both open and covered upper deck seating areas, downstairs saloons, licensed bars, and toilets. There are also facilities located at the pier houses, including free Wi-Fi.

Our 'Steamers'

Vessel: M.Y. Lady of the Lake

Built By: Seath & Co. of Rutherglen, Glasgow

Launched: 1877

Vessel: M.Y. Raven

Built By: Seath & Co. of Rutherglen, Glasgow

Launched: 1889

Vessel: M.V. Western Belle

Built By: Millbrook Steamboat & Trading Co.Ltd

Launched: 2011

Vessel: M.V. Lady Dorothy

Launched: 2001

Vessel: M.V. Lady Wakefield

Built By: River Dart Steamboat Co. Ltd

Launched: 2007

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