2024 Lilac Timetable and Aira Force Shuttle

We are currently running the Lilac timetable around the lake between Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge piers and the Aira Force shuttle between Glenridding and Aira Force pier. This page will help you plan your visit to Ullswater 'Steamers' this summer. Pick your cruise type, a sailing time, and let's explore. Every pier connects with the Ullswater Way walking routes around the lake. Take a look at our walking pages here and find your Ullswater adventure. We look forward to welcoming you on board soon. Remember to take a look at our gift experiences and private charter options too.

Great value this summer when you purchase joint tickets with our sister attraction Ravenglass and Eskdale railway. Further details below.

Are you a regular visitor to the Ullswater Valley? Why not make use of the return of our Season Tickets, providing a variety of great value options to help you enjoy the 'Steamers' on a regular basis.

All cruise tickets can be purchased online or on the day at the pier houses. 

Whilst visiting Ullswater ‘Steamers'

Ticket information
  • Tickets can be booked online or on the day at one of our piers. 
  • 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. 
  • 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.
  • Our NEW and added-value season tickets are back in time for the 2024 season! Take a look at our options here.
Facilities
  • 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.
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. (We have limited space for bikes and paddleboards. This is allocated at the skipper's discretion due to capacity.)
  • 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.
  • AIRA FORCE CAR PARKING: The car park at Aira Force gets extremely busy. Please click here for more information.
Stops Map
Stops Map Direction
  • Pooley
    Bridge Pier CA10 2NN

  • Howtown Pier

  • Glenridding
    Pier CA11 0US

  • Aira Force
    Waterfall Shuttle
    (Seasonal)

    Aira Force
    Waterfall

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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 10 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 Veg Patch Life Store in the centre of Pooley Bridge to pick up some gifts or momentoes
  • Car parking available in the village - just a five minute walk from Pooley Bridge pier

Howtown Pier

The start of the famous lakeshore walk to Glenridding and gateway to the valley of Martindale, home to one of the oldest wild red deer herds 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 and Tearoom
  • Please only access Howtown by Ullswater 'Steamers' boats as there is no car parking

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 cafes 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

Aira Force Waterfall

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

Timetable

  • Yellow Timetable
  • Lilac Timetable
  • Red Timetable
  • Green Timetable
  • Aira Force Shuttle

Ullswater 'Steamers' fares for lake cruises between Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge piers and for the Aira Force shuttle between Glenridding and Aira Force pier.

Autumn Lilac Timetable to 26th October 2024 Autumn Lilac Timetable to 26th October 2024

Lilac and Red Timetable Fares

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
Ticket Type Adult Child (3-17) Child (under 3) Family 2 Adult + 2 Child Upgrade Add-on for Aira Force - available on full lake return cruises between Glenridding and Pooley Bridge.
RETURN TRIP FROM GLENRIDDING OR POOLEY BRIDGE £24.00 £14.50 FREE £69.75 TBC
ONE WAY TRIP GLENRIDDING TO POOLEY BRIDGE OR VICE VERSA £15.00 £10.00 FREE N/A N/A
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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
Ticket Type Adult Child (3-17) Child (under 3) Family- 2 Adult + 2 Child
Return Trip Glenridding to Howtown or Pooley Bridge to Howtown £15.00 £10.00 FREE £45.00
One Way Trip Glenridding to Howtown or Pooley Bridge to Howtown £10.00 £7.00 FREE N/A
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Aira Force Shuttle Fares

Aira Force Timetable 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
Ticket Type Adult Child (3-17) Child (under 3) 2 Adult + 2 Child
Open Return £13.00 £9.00 FREE £39.50
One Way £9.00 £6.00 FREE N/A
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Joint Ticket with the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

We're delighted to announce the return of our joint ticket with our sister attraction The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. Enjoy savings on days out at two of the Lake District's finest heritage attractions, with boat trips on heritage vessels and steam engines through some of England's most beautiful and dramatic countryside.

Simply select the 'Joint Attraction Ticket' option under 'Travellers' when purchasing a ticket with the railway and present your railway ticket at one of our Piers! Please purchase dog tickets on the day. Online offer only. Please note payment is taken in full at the time of booking on the Railway website. Please bring your ticket to Ullswater Steamers Glenridding or Pooley Bridge pier houses to exchange for a boat trip ticket. These trips do not have to be taken in the same day. Only the Railway part of this ticket is a fixed date and time. 

A steam train reflected on the estuary at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

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.

Dog Season Tickets

Enjoy a year of adventure with your furry friend with our NEW Dog Rover Season Ticket! For just £20, enjoy 12 months of pawsome adventures onboard the boats that connect famous walkies. Each lucky pup receives a dog season ticket and a stylish bandana on their first visit.  Plus, £2 from every ticket goes to support Eden Animal Rescue and Oaktree Animal Charities. Give your dog the gift of fun and help animals in need with our Dog Rover Season Ticket!

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.

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.