Book Tickets
Book your Ullswater 'Steamer' tickets to join us on the lake for an unforgettable boat trip in the Lake District. Plan a trip and get that date in your diary.
Explore the Lake District by boat
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is an award-winning and environmentally accredited Lake District attraction that has been providing cruises on beautiful Ullswater lake for over 160 years! We provide an all-year-round service, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
We operate one of the largest heritage boat fleets in the world, offering visitors an unforgettable experience with great facilities. Our boats' indoor saloons and covered outdoor seating make us an all-weather attraction, delighting those looking for things to do in the Lake District, even on a rainy day. Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District National Park, we offer those on board the chance to experience the stunning scenery of the Ullswater Valley from a truly unique perspective.
Visitors can't fail to be impressed by the scale and beauty of their surroundings. Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District at 7.5 miles (12km) long, 0.5 miles (0.8km) wide, and a maximum of approximately 205ft (62m) deep. The surrounding valley boasts rich biodiversity of wildlife and striking physical features due to glacial erosion and turbulent geological activity. During a volcanic upheaval, approximately 450 million years ago, faults in the rocks allowed movement giving the lake its characteristic kink at Howtown. The valley is crowned by Helvellyn, one of England’s highest mountains at 3,117ft high.
Our History
Ullswater 'Steamers' has a fascinating history with several claims to fame. The original purpose of the ‘Steamers’, once known as ‘Ullswater Steam Navigation Company’, was not only carrying passengers, but also Royal Mail provisions, slate from nearby mines and lead from the Greenside mine. During WW2, the boats even ferried soldiers down to Glenridding for training at the Ullswater Hotel.
M.Y. Lady of the Lake is believed to be the oldest working passenger vessel in the world and M.Y. Raven was directly inspired by leading tour operator Thomas Cooke. You can find out more about our story below.
Our 'Steamers'
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ currently has five heritage boats in regular service, varying in age and size. This is one of the most comprehensive collections of heritage vessels in Europe.You can find out more about our Lake District fleet below.
Our Cruises, Timetable and Fares
Our ‘Steamers’ runs a serpentine course for eight miles through expansive vistas of the Lake District’s highest mountains. Four different piers allow for a variety of cruise routes to take place. You can hop on board at:
- Pooley Bridge pier
- Howtown pier
- Aira Force pier
- Glenridding pier
Our Lake District boat cruises run 363 days a year across a variety of timetables. Take a look at our timetable and fares page to plan your next visit to Ullswater.
Events
Our special events are a must-do this year, with special celebrations and experiences to make your visit to the Lakes one to remember!
Gift Experiences
Treat yourself or a loved one to one of our Lake District gift experiences. Make your boat trip extra-special or buy a voucher as a gift, perfect for any occasion!
