Overview
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Our company have been operating lake cruises on Ullswater in the heart of the Lake District National Park since 1859 offering visitors an opportunity to experience this treasured landscape from a different perspective. Excellent facilities at the main pier houses. Toilets and licensed bars onboard, with seating outside on the upper decks and inside the lower deck saloons. Cruise through iconic mountain and countryside panoramas. Starting at Glenridding Pier at 9:45, it is a one-hour cruise to Pooley Bridge Pier. Get off at Pooley Bridge and walk into the village (10-15minute walk) with a selection of tea rooms, pubs and independent shops, pick up a souvenir before returning to the pier for your cruise back Glenridding at 15:15.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
DISCLAIMER: There is no guide but there is a captain and crew on the boat if there are any questions.
What To Expect
Ullswater Lake
Enjoy a two-hour cruise on England's most beautiful lake in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake District National National Park. Iconic Lakeland scenery, cultural site, wildlife spotting.
Options
Ullswater Lake District Return Cruise from Glenridding Pier
Glenridding pier departure
Duration: 2 hours: 2 hours total cruise time, 1 hour each way with time to explore Pooley Bridge village before your return cruise journey.
What‘s Included
Depart from Glenridding at 9:45
Outdoor and indoor seating onboard
You can spend time in Pooley Bridge and enjoy a walk/refreshments before the return cruise at 15:15.
Please ensure you arrive in good time for the return cruise.
Toilet facilities onboard
Total cruise time is 2 hours (1 hour each way)
Food & drink
Car parking charges £12 full day
Bike charge £3.00
Paddle board £4.00
Dog £1.50
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
48 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Simply stunning
AGWarwick,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was our first time on Ullswater, having previously done Windermere, Coniston and Derwent Water, and I think it is the most beautiful and unspoilt of them all. The steamer staff were helpful and friendly, with the steamer easily accessible. My husband is wearing a medical boot at the moment, and had no problems. On the return trip we ventured downstairs, and everywhere was clean including the toilets. We loved it!
Fabulous day out
Louise H,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic boat trip on Ullswater, taking the steamer from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge; amazing Autumnal colours and Smokey hills. Lucky we wrapped up warm and had a great lunch The Crown at Pooley Bridge. All in all, a fabulous day out.
Lovely trip
julschof,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Had a lovely cruise sat outside on the boat. It was a lovely day so the scenery was amazing. It could have been improved with a commentary though as we didn't know what we were passing.
Wedding Anniversary boat trip
Dreamer64902557917,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic bost trip .weather was dry .so was able to sit out side.last year unfortunately weather was bad so was inside the boat.a lovelly relaxing 2 hours return trip to Glenridding. Would highly recommend it. Scenery is outstanding.
Great relaxing trip
G5404EVkeving,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a great way to see some of the lake district, get a return ticket and off you go. It is relaxing and peaceful. You can get drinks on the boat which take 1 hour from end to end and once at the other end there is a fantastic little village waiting for you to explore. Highly recommend.
Trip on Ulswater steam boats.......views amazing!
C6642MKbarbaraa,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Had a problem downloading our joint ticket, the lady didn't hesitate, checked my email then issued us complimentary tickets. Trip was a wonderful way to view the water and its surroundings. Only complaint would be that when the boat arrived at Glenridding, those doing the round trip were allowed to stay on. However, when we got to Pooley Bridge (doing the round trip) we had to get off and join the end of the long queue waiting to board. Not good as my husband struggles to stand for long! Couldn't understand the difference? However, the trip was worth doing.
Rammed on like Sardines
andreamB5960LO,Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Round trip we were packed on like sardines then waited for at least 15 mins to get to Howtown landing Then let more people on. Traveled on to Pooley Bridge only to be told we had to leave the boat and go and stand at the end of the queue for another 30 minutes.Then a bus trip of people then get priority so they then get on the boat first.Which non of us could understand why as we had all paid They continued to pile the people on we were so crammed on we were sitting on the corner of seat which was so uncomfortable not a pleasant experience people were standing which was not my idea of a pleasant boat trip . Very disappointed surely we should have been advised of this when we booked the tickets which is not hard to do.
Nice trip for the day
dianepb,Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very nice trip on the lake. Agree the seats aren’t that comfortable but the views are outstanding. Pooley bridge is quieter than expected so we caught the next boat back after lunch. I imagine in peak times the boat will be very full.
This is a not a ‘steamer’ boat. The historical experience lessened as all boats are converted to diesel.
bron2020indiA,Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Disappointed to find out on boarding that all the ‘steamer’ boats have been converted to diesel. For a largely elderly group many were not able to find seating. And today’s ride does have 2 levels but lower level has very small windows so many people didn’t want to use the seating. No staff checking that everyone safe and secure, and it meant people who had seats felt compelled to stand to give to all those looking unsteady on their seat. Beautiful scenery. Just not the historical experience we had expected.
Reasonable but no commentary
tjwwilliams01,Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Reasonable ship but absolutely no commentary compared to an excellent commentary given on the Gondola Coniston water .
Related Experiences
Operated by Ullswater Steamers