Windermere Red Cruise: Sail Between Bowness and Ambleside

4.365854 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.365854 out of 5 stars
41 reviews
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Windermere Red Cruise: Sail Between Bowness and Ambleside
4.365854 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.365854 out of 5 stars
41 reviews

Explore Windermere, England's largest natural lake, on the Red Cruise. Enjoy a scenic half-lake journey connecting Bowness, Ambleside, and Brockhole. Relax on a circular cruise, or hop off to explore each stop.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Duration 70 minutes
Check availability to see starting times
Driver
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

S
Stuart –

We loved the experience and couldn’t be more grateful.

W
Wayne – United Kingdom

being out on the water , short ferry journey rather than a cruise

Select participants and date

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Bowness Pier

  • Timeline stop icon

    Lake Windermere

    Boat cruise, Sightseeing, Scenic views on the way, Hop-on Hop-off stop

  • Arrive back at:

    Bowness Pier

Main sites passed

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the northern half of Lake Windermere on this scenic cruise
  • Sit in all weather, either indoors or outdoors
  • Hop off to explore each stop and catch a later boat back
  • Every vessel has heated, inner cabins, outer viewing decks, toilets and cafe
  • Cruise includes a fascinating commentary on the sights you'll see from onboard

Full description

Step aboard and enjoy a cruise on England’s largest natural lake, Windermere.

Relax and enjoy the stunning Windermere scenery from on board the red cruise and find out more about the beautiful landscape, the lake’s fascinating history and its nature and wildlife.

Combine a cruise on traditional steamer ships and modern launches with walks, visitor attractions and picturesque Lakeland villages between Ambleside and Bowness.

All boats are well-equipped for any weather with heated inner cabins, outdoor seating on a viewing deck, toilets and bar/café serving hot and cold drinks and refreshments.

This popular all-year round cruise (sailing 364 days) connects Bowness, Brockhole, Lake District Visitor Centre and Ambleside. This cruise is often considered the most scenic and offers stunning views across the Lakeland fells. This ticket allows you to break up the journey and disembark at each stop, explore the local area and then return on a later sailing.

Cruises depart frequently from Bowness, Brockhole or Ambleside.

Includes

  • Return cruise ticket
  • On-board commentary
  • Drinks and snacks (available to purchase on-board)

Meeting point

You can join the cruise at Bowness Pier, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3HQ or Ambleside (Waterhead) Pier, Lake Road, Waterhead LA22 0EY

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Important information

Know before you go

  • The red cruise can be taken from Bowness Pier or Ambleside Pier (Waterhead). Both steamers and launches operate this service, please check our timetable for details. Launch services only will call in at Brockhole.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 41 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.2/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Value for money
    4.3/5
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S
Stuart – May 18, 2025 – Verified booking
We loved the experience and couldn’t be more grateful.
W
Wayne – United KingdomMay 2, 2025 – Verified booking
being out on the water , short ferry journey rather than a cruise
K
Kasorn – ThailandMarch 11, 2020 – Verified booking
Very professional service,good commentary. Good on board drinks available.

Product ID: 177891

Activity provider:Windermere Lake Cruises

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