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Lake District Cruises update Spring 2026

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Glenridding pier is still open for business! We know that getting to Ullswater might take a little longer at the moment, with the southern approach via Kirkstone Pass currently closed due to a landslip. But rest assured – Ullswater and Glenridding are open and as beautiful as ever! Visit our Contact & Find Us page for more information.

We promise the journey is well worth it – and with fewer crowds, it’s a perfect time to rediscover Ullswater.

Please note from Monday 2nd March, Pooley Bridge pier will reopen and we will be operating lake cruises on our yellow timetable. Tickets can be purchased online or in person on the day.

Book Tickets

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.

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: £1.50 each. Dogs must always be kept on a short lead and under close control. Dogs are not permitted on the seats inside the saloons or outside on the upper decks.
  • 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 - Open from Monday 2nd March

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

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 and tearoom
  • Please only access Howtown via Ullswater ‘Steamers’ boats – 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 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

Aira Force Waterfall - Closed until 2026

Connecting National Trust waterfall Aira Force and the Ullswater Way paths to both Glenridding and Pooley Bridge. Please note that our pier at Aira Force is currently not operational. Stagecoach 508 and hopper bus services call in at this pier.

  • 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

Plan Your Scenic Lake Cruise

Download Timetable
  • Yellow Timetable
  • Lilac Timetable
  • Red Timetable
  • Aira Force Waterfall Timetable - Please note that our pier at Aira Force is currently not operational
  • Green Timetable - Please note Glenridding departures only until the end of February 2026

Lake District Cruises for Winter/Spring Fares up to 1st March 2026 between Glenridding and Howtown and vice versa only. From Monday 2nd March, we will be operating the Yellow timetable between Pooley Bridge, Howtown and Glenridding piers.

Green Timetable Fares

Please note Pooley Bridge is closed from 3/11/2025 to 1/3/2026. During this time we will increasing our sailing options between Glenridding and Howtown piers.

Ticket Type 75 minute scenic cruiseOne way walker cruise
Adult£17.50£12.50
Child (3-17)£12.00£8.00
Child (under 3)FREEFREE
Family 2 Adult + 2 Child£51.50N/A
Dog £1£1

Yellow Timetable Fares from Monday 2nd March 2026

Ticket Type Round the lake from Glenridding or Pooley BridgeSingle from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge or vice versaReturn from Glenridding to Howtown or vice versaSingle from Glenridding to Howtown or vice versaReturn from Pooley Bridge to Howtown or vice versaSingle from Pooley Bridge to Howtown or vice versaCOMING SOON Date TBC Return from Glenridding to National Trust Aira Force or vice versaCOMING SOON Date TBC Single from Glenridding to National Trust Aira Force or vice versa
Adult£26.00£17.50£18.00£12.75£16.50£11.75£15.00 £10.00
Child (3-17)£16.00£11.75£12.50£8.25£11.50£8.00£10.00£6.50
Child (under 5)FREEFREEFREEFREEFREEFREEFREEFREE
Family 2 Adult + 2 Child£76.00N/A£54.75N/A£50.25N/A£48.50N/A
Dog£1.50£1.50£1.50£1.50£1.50£1.50--

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.

Find out more

Events

We have a variety of special event cruises throughout the year. Visit our events page or sign up to the newsletter for further details. 

Visit events page