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.
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
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
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
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
Pooley Bridge Pier
Howtown Pier
Glenridding Pier
Aira Force Waterfall
- 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
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
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
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
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
