Lake District Adventures Part 3: Cruising Lake Windermere – A Royal Ride and Sweet Return to Ambleside
A trip to the Lake District wouldn’t be complete without spending time on its most famous body of water — Lake Windermere. In this part of our adventure, we set sail on a scenic Lake Windermere cruise, looping around the lake from Brockhole and making a royal discovery along the way.
Setting Sail from Brockhole – The Gateway to Windermere
We kicked off our day at Brockhole on Windermere, which is not just a brilliant family attraction (as you may have read in Part 1) but also a fantastic departure point for boat cruises on Windermere. The on-site jetty allows you to hop on one of the Windermere Lake Cruises, and from there you can explore several lakeside towns, including Bowness, Ambleside, and Lakeside.
If you’re planning a cruise, check the boat schedules ahead of time — especially if you want to catch the steam-powered vessels or do the full loop around the lake. Some of the classic steamers are more limited in service or have specific departure times, particularly outside the summer high season.
A Serene Cruise with a Royal Twist
We were lucky enough to board a boat that once carried Her Majesty the Queen, and the onboard staff proudly pointed it out with a plaque and stories of the royal visit. There’s something uniquely special about gliding across Windermere in such a historic vessel, surrounded by the same lake and fells that have enchanted visitors for generations.
The cruise itself is calm and picturesque, perfect for families, couples, and anyone who just wants to relax and enjoy the views. You pass wooded shorelines, private jetties, little islands, and a series of impressive lakefront properties. If the weather is kind, sitting on the open upper deck with the breeze in your hair is one of the most peaceful things to do in the Lake District.
There’s a small café onboard too — handy for tea or a snack as you sail.
Looping the Lake and Ending with Apple Pie
We opted for the circular route that gave us a complete view of Lake Windermere, stopping off at Bowness and Lakeside before returning toward Ambleside. If you time it right, the full cruise is a leisurely 75–90 minute loop, with options to hop off and explore or just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Back in Ambleside, we couldn’t resist a second visit to the now-beloved Apple Pie Café and Bakery — because, let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as too much apple pie, especially when it’s warm, flaky, and served with cream or custard.
Ambleside itself is a wonderful place to end the day, with cosy charm, plenty of outdoor gear shops, and independent cafés to explore.
✅ Top Tips for Your Windermere Cruise:
- Book early if you want the steam boat or have a specific route in mind.
- Arrive 15–20 mins before departure to get the best seats (upper deck for views).
- Layer up – even in summer, the wind on the lake can be chilly.
- Consider a family ticket if travelling with kids – often better value.
