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Ullswater Steamers

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Ullswater Steamers offers one of the most delightful ways to experience Ullswater and the surrounding fells. Five historic boats travel between Glenridding , Howtown, and Pooley Bridge . The oldest, the Lady of the Lake, was built in 1877 and is believed to be the oldest working passenger vessel in the world.

Services run all year round with 9 departures from Glenridding every day between April and the first week of September. Throughout the rest of the year services are reduced but still operate daily. The only days when there are no sailings are Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Timetables are available from the official Ullswater Steamers website.

Special cruises also operate throughout the year. On the RSPB Red Deer Rut participants board one of the boats at Glenridding and sail to Howtown. From here, they take a minibus to Martindale to see the oldest herd of wild red deer in England.

Many choose to catch the boat from Glenridding to Howtown and then walk back on the path that follows the lake’s shoreline. The gentle 7-mile walk was Alfred Wainwright’s favourite lakeside walk.

Various types of ticket are available. The most flexible is the Round the Lake Pass, allowing passengers to hop on and off the boats at any point on the journey. They currently cost £12.70 for adults and £6.35 for children. Single and return tickets between Glenridding and Pooley Bridge and Glenridding/Pooley Bridge and Howtown are also available. Visit the official website for a full schedule of fares.

Light refreshments and toilet facilities are available at the pier houses at Pooley Bridge and Glenridding. There are also licensed bars and toilets on all boats.

To reach the Glenridding pier from Windermere simply follow the A592. The entrance for the pier and park is found immediately before entering the village and is clearly signposted.

To get to the pier at Pooley Bridge continue along the A592, passing Ullswater on the right. Just before the end of the lake, take the B5320 to Pooley Bridge. The pier is on the right, about 1/3 mile from the centre of the village. However there is no parking here. Continue along the road to the Dunmallard car park, just before the bridge into Pooley Bridge. It’s around 350 yards from the pier.

Map showing location of Ullswater Steamers.

Address and postcode Pier House Glenridding Cumbria United Kingdom CA11 0US

Visit Ullswater Steamers Website

Reviews and Additional Information

Ullswater Steamers are set to open a new pier at Aira Force in spring 2015.

If you’re lucky you may see a Peregrine Falcon here.

Ullswater is definately the most beautiful of all the Lakes. I really recommend this trip.

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Map of Ullswater

Map of Ullswater. Includes accommodation and places to visit.

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Related Content

Ullswater is one of the prettiest lakes in the Lake District.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’

Operating one of the largest heritage vessel fleets in the world, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ have been sailing on the lake for over 160 years, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the beautiful Ullswater valley from the water.

The fleet sails a serpentine course for eight miles and offer a range of cruises from 20 minutes to over 2 hours. The four piers connect the famous Ullswater Way walking route which circumnavigates the lake, including must-see visitor attraction, National Trust waterfall Aira Force.

Facilities on board include indoor and outdoor seating, light refreshments, and toilets. There are pier houses at both Glenridding and Pooley Bridge offering free Wi-Fi, hot drinks and light refreshments, plus gift shops.

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Ullswater Steamers On England’s Most Beautiful Lake

Place Description

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is an award-winning environmentally accredited Lake District attraction, celebrating over 160 years of operating cruises on England’s most beautiful lake.

Operating one of the largest heritage vessel fleets in the world, 363 days a year, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ sail a serpentine course for eight miles through expansive vistas of Lakeland’s iconic fells, including Helvellyn. Visitors have the opportunity to experience this magical landscape from the water and cruise to some of the most picturesque walking routes in the Lake District.

Facilities onboard include indoor saloons and outside open/covered decks, fully licensed bars, and toilets. At the main pier house in Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, you’ll find light refreshments, free Wi-Fi, picnic areas, gift shops, and toilets.

The ‘Steamers’ offer varying timetable connections between Glenridding, Howtown, Pooley Bridge, and between Glenridding and National Trust Aira Force Pier. Cruise times vary from 20 – 120 minutes. Dogs welcome throughout for £1.

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Ullswater 'Steamers'

Special offer.

Don't miss this great offer from Ullswater 'Steamers'

10% ONLINE OFFER DISCOUNT ON FULL FARE ADULT AND RETURN CRUISE TICKETS

This offer is valid for online purchases only. Please enter offer code LDHA2223 . Valid for full lake return adult and child tickets. Cannot be exchanged for cash or used with any other offer. Please note you may be asked to show your valid LDHA card whilst visiting the attraction to validate offer entry.

Visitors must show their LDHA Discount Card, available from your hotel reception team. Ask for an LDHA discount card at your hotel reception. Visit Ullswater Steamers website and enter your offer code as displayed on the LDHA website and app. This offer may be subject to availability and our terms and conditions. Please visit the website for opening times. Closed Christmas Eve & Day.

Ullswater ‘Steamers is an award winning sustainably accredited heritage attraction offering lake cruises on England’s most beautiful lake since 1859. The ‘Steamers’ operate one of the oldest working passenger fleets in the world. Ullswater has three distinct dog legs as it winds its way through the surrounding mountains, with the mighty Helvellyn range dominating the Southern reaches. Easily accessible from central lakes and just ten minutes from the M6, J.40. Cruises operate all year round (except Christmas Eve and Day) providing the perfect opportunity to combine a cruise with some of the most famous walking routes around the ‘Ullswater Way’, a 20 mile footpath that circumnavigates the lake intercepted by four piers. Each section of the walk offers spectacular views around the lakeshore. Excellent facilities at the main pier houses including light refreshments, gifts and free Wi-Fi. Dogs are welcome for £1 throughout the attraction. On-board facilities include covered and open outside deck space, warm cosy interior saloons and licensed bars.

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Ullswater Website

Ullswater Steamers

An award winning environmental accredited Lake District attraction celebrating over 160 years of operating cruises on England’s most beautiful lake.

Often referred to as the most beautiful of the Lake District lakes, Ullswater welcomes visitors with its charm and spectacular scenery. With towering Lakeland fells that are reflected in the tranquil waters of the lake, it’s popular with those in search of both adventure and relaxation.

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ operates one of the largest heritage vessel fleets in the world, which includes M.Y Lady of the Lake, believed to be the oldest working passenger vessel in the world.

Offering visitors an opportunity to experience this magical and treasured landscape, the fleet sails a serpentine course for eight miles through expansive vistas of Lakeland’s highest mountains, including the iconic Helvellyn which crowns Ullswater at the south-western end of the valley.

All vessels have outside open/covered deck areas, indoor saloons, toilet facilities, and fully licensed bars serving light refreshments.

Facilities are available at the main pier houses, Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, plus at National Trust waterfall Aira Force.

The ‘Steamers’ operate 363 days a year with varying timetable connections between Glenridding, Howtown, Pooley Bridge, and between Glenridding and National Trust Aira Force Pier. Cruise times vary from 20 – 120 minutes. Dogs welcome throughout for £1.

Why not discover the magic, history, and tranquillity of Ullswater aboard an Ullswater ‘Steamer’.

Glenridding - Howtown - Pooley Bridge

Special Cruises Throughout the Year

• Post author By The Lake District

Ullswater, the Lake District’s second largest lake, is famous for its fleet of steamers offering lake cruises with various stops along the shore.

The lake is also a popular spot for sailing, with regular competitions, and boat rental is available.

Three glaciers formed its distinctive “Z” shape, and the majestic Helvellyn hills surrounded it.

The best way to access Ullswater is via the A592 , which runs from outside Penrith to Glenridding along the lake’s northwest shore.

With its crystal clear waters, rolling hills, and range of outdoor activities, it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your visit to Ullswater.

At Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, numerous amenities are available, such as stores, cafes, and public restrooms.

Those taking the trail from Howtown to Glenridding will be delighted to come across the Lowther Tea Room , a converted barn with a cafe and self-catering accommodation located away from any roads ( Grid Ref NY 418 193 ).

On the opposite end of the lake, the National Trust operates a cafe and toilets at the Aira Force waterfall (Grid Ref NY 401 200 ).

Things to do at Ullswater:

Despite this, the area offers an array of stunning trails suitable for walkers of all levels of experience, from novices to experts.

One recommended route, ideal for families with young children and beginners, is the circular walk to Aira Force (starting point Grid Ref NY 401 200 ).

This walk is characterized by its gentle slopes, breathtaking waterfall, and exciting attractions such as a tree trunk filled with coins and the National Trust’s shop and café.

Another option is a 7-mile walk from Howtown to Glenridding, which features a well-maintained path along the lake shore.

You can take a steamer from Glenridding to Howtown and then enjoy a leisurely walk back.

Finally, Glenridding is the starting point for those attempting to conquer the peak of Helvellyn and its challenging ridge, Striding Edge.

Again, this route is not appropriate for inexperienced walkers.

• Take a boat tour: Explore Ullswater by boat and take the stunning scenery from a new perspective. Boats can be hired from one of the many boat hire companies located around the lake.
• Go fishing: Ullswater is a popular spot for fishing, with various species, including trout and perch, to be found in its clear waters.
• Visit the Ullswater Steamers: Take a ride on the Ullswater Steamers, which offer a range of tours around the lake, including scenic trips, wildlife-watching trips, and historical tours.

Where to eat:

• The Sharrow Bay Hotel:  This elegant hotel serves a range of delicious dishes made using locally sourced ingredients.
• The White Lion Inn:  This charming pub serves a range of classic pub grub, including hearty pies, sandwiches, and soups.
• The Glenridding Hotel:  This cosy café serves a range of light bites, including sandwiches, soups, and cakes.

Where to stay:

• The Ullswater Youth Hostel: This comfortable hostel offers a range of affordable accommodation options, including dormitory rooms and private rooms.
• The Ullswater Campsite: This budget-friendly option offers comfortable camping facilities and is just a short walk from the lake.
• The Ullswater Hotel: This charming hotel offers comfortable and stylish guest rooms and is just a short walk from the lake.

Parking options are available at Pooley Bridge on the north shore and Glenridding on the south coast of the lake.

Additionally, parking spots along the A592 road provide direct access to the lake.

A single-track road also starts from Pooley Bridge and runs along the southeast edge of the lake to Martindale, offering several parking spots including at Hause Farm Church (Grid Ref NY 434 184 ).

However, it is recommended to only drive up to this point as the road narrows to a farm track with limited passing opportunities.

In conclusion, Ullswater is a truly stunning destination, offering visitors the chance to escape city life and immerse themselves in nature.

Its range of activities, delicious dining options, and comfortable accommodation makes it the perfect place to spend a few days exploring the Lake District.

So why not plan your trip today and discover all this beautiful lake has to offer?

The vintage Lake District cruise that's one of the best in the country with tickets from just £13

Head to Ullswater to hop on board one of these iconic vessels

• 16:48, 6 APR 2023
• Updated 16:14, 4 MAY 2023

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The Ullswater steamers are unmistakable. Their green hulls, wooden captain's deck and canvas covering the passengers area are a familiar sight in the Lake District and synonymous for Ullswater. Thousands of visitors a year hop on board the 168-year old boats to soak in the beauty of the region from the water,

There are two main routes on the diesel-powered vessels to choose from, and you can travel from Glenridding Pier to Pooley Bridge via Howtown Pier on the round the lake cruise or jump on the Aira Force Waterfall Shuttle. With the latter, passengers can hop off and look on in wonder at the majestic waterfall deep in Gowbarrow Park.

A ride on a steamer is a must for any visitor to the Lakes, with the vintage boats part of the fabric of the beloved National Park. So it probably won't come as a surprise to see the they have been named as one of the seven-best boat trips in the country by The Times.

READ MORE: Lake District holiday homes combined into one 'family unit'

Other trips on the shortlist include the U ber Boat by Thames Clippers in London, W averley Paddle Steamer in Glasgow and Anglesey's speedy Rib Ride. Other more quirky and alternative boat cruises are included too, such as the sailing trawler in Brixham, Devon and the seal spotting boats in Norfolk.

Did you know?

The 'cink' at Howtown is the result of a volcanic upheaval, approximately 450 million years ago, casing a fault in the rocks

According to the publication "boat journeys are hardwired into our island psyche and offer a perspective of scenery that no walker can hope to see in the same way." Not sure about you, but that sounds like they're talking directly about the Ullswater Streamers, to us.

Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District at 7.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide. It is surrounded by a stunning valley, offering up a varied terrain, making the cruises an ideal way to explore and admire the landscapes and views.

The area is in the shadows of Helvellyn. Meanwhile Pooley Bridge is a a perfect alternative to the tourism hot spots in Cumbria and it joins Bassenthwaite in the top 10 of places to visit on a budget this Easter.

The cruises are highly-rated on online customer reviews sites, with 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor, 4.7 on Facebook and 4.6 on Google. You can book your trip on an Ullswater Steamer, here

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Boat rides & cruises in moscow.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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