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. It is the heart of the region, a shimmering ribbon of blue that stretches over ten miles through the fells. 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 convenience is hard to beat—you can spend the morning tackling the treetop nets or exploring the gardens, then simply wander down to the private jetty when the boat signal sounds. 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 iconic 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. We found that downloading the timetable to our phones saved us a lot of guesswork while we were grabbing a quick pre-boarding ice cream.
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 polished brass plaque and anecdotes about the royal visit. There’s something uniquely special about gliding across Windermere in such a historic vessel, surrounded by the same deep green fells and craggy peaks that have enchanted visitors for generations. Our daughter was fascinated by the history, running her hand along the wood-paneled walls and imagining royal guests sipping tea in the very same seats we were occupying.
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 that make you wonder what it’s like to wake up to that view every morning. 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. We spent most of the time pointing out birds and trying to count the various sailboats dotting the horizon.
There’s a small café onboard too — handy for a hot tea to warm up our hands or a packet of crisps for the kid when she got the post-adventure hunger. The smell of fresh coffee mixing with the crisp, clean lake air was the perfect sensory memory of the morning.
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. The movement of the boat was hypnotic, and for a moment, we all just sat in silence, watching the ripples spread out from the wake.
My partner noted that seeing the lake from the water completely changes your perspective on the scale of the mountains. From the shore, they are imposing; from the water, they seem to wrap around you like a protective blanket. Our daughter especially loved the “islands” we passed, inventing stories about what kind of creatures might live in the dense, overgrown patches of forest on the small, uninhabited islets.
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 a generous dollop of cream or custard. The smell of cinnamon and baked pastry wafting out onto the street is almost impossible to walk past, even if you’ve already had lunch. We sat in a cozy corner, sharing a slice and debriefing on the day, agreeing that the boat trip was the highlight of our visit to the area.
Quick Facts: Planning Your Windermere Cruise
- Timing: The “Red Cruise” from Ambleside to Bowness is the most popular, taking about 30 minutes each way.
- Cost: Family tickets are available and offer significant savings compared to individual adult/child prices. Check the Windermere Lake Cruises website for the latest “Freedom of the Lake” passes.
- Access: The jetties are generally accessible, but check ahead if you have specific mobility requirements as some older vessels have steps.
- What to bring: Even if the forecast says sun, the wind on the water is significantly colder. Bring a windbreaker or a fleece for everyone.
- Parking: Parking in Ambleside can be busy. We recommend using the public transport links or arriving at the car park before 10:00 AM to ensure a space.
- Pets: Most of the boats are dog-friendly, which is great if you’re traveling with a furry friend!
Final Thoughts
There is a timeless quality to cruising on Windermere that captures the spirit of the Lake District perfectly. It isn’t about rushing to the next attraction; it’s about acknowledging the beauty of the landscape and taking the time to breathe it all in. Whether you choose the full lake loop or just a quick trip between towns, the water offers a perspective you simply can’t get from the road. We left the jetty with tired legs but full hearts, already planning our next return to these beautiful shores. If you are heading this way, don’t miss the chance to see the fells from the deck of a boat—it’s a memory your family will hold onto for years to come.
✅ 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.
