Windermere Jetty – The boat museum on the Lake

Labelled as the Museum of Boats, Stem and Stories visitors can expect to become fully immersed into the world of motorboats, steam launches, sailing yachts and record breaking speed boats.

You can hear tales of workers and boat owners, their lives and adventures, and discover the fascinating developments in design and technology that drove boat-building in the Lake District.

Get up close with some beautiful vessels such as the SL Dolly – thought to be the oldest mechanically powered boat in the world. There is also Beatrix Potter’s tarn boat in which she used to sketch some of her drawings as well as the luxury Victorian steam launch Branksome.

The newly opened site has modern interactive galleries hosting a unique collection of water craft. And as the boat houses, exhibition halls and workshops are covered it means this is a truly all-weather museum. In the conservation workshop you can watch boat builder use traditional skills to renovate and restore vessels back to their former glory.

Lake Windermere itself plays a starring role in your tour and becomes part of the museum. On a clear day you can walk along the jetties and take in the spectacular views all up and down England’s largest lake.

You can also book a heritage boat trip on board the Osprey, one of their fully-restored Edwardian steam launches. You do not need to purchase museum admission to go on Osprey but be aware that places are limited.

Café

When it’s time for refreshments, we highly recommend a stop in the café. Here you can enjoy a range of freshly made meals and snacks. Many of the dishes use locally sourced ingredients with a contemporary twist.

The large glass windows in the café allow for spectacular views onto the lake. On warmer days the terrace is available for you to enjoy al fresco dining.

Shop

There is a lovely shop on site too. Take home a souvenir of your visit such as a model boat, a bottle of their own Branksome Blonde beer, a print or a postcard.

Directions

Located just 5 miles away from our Lake District holiday park, the journey from the us to the museum by car is very straight forward. Just head north along the lake side towards Bowness-on-Windermere. The museum is just past the town on the left. It also welcomes people arriving by bike or of course by boat!

The museum is open daily from 10am in the summer months. Admission is £7.50 for adults and £4.00 for children. There are also family ticket packages available.