Windermere Jetty Museum
Explore a stunning collection of heritage boats and enjoy modern architecture on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful lake
Windermere Jetty Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful lake
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a stunning collection of heritage boats and enjoy modern architecture on the shores of Lake Windermere.
"An excellent museum with unbeatable setting and top-quality displays, highly recommended!"
🎯 Year-Long Ticket Value
Your ticket lasts a whole year! Perfect for return visits to enjoy the lake and museum again.
☕ Cafe with a View
The cafe offers great lake views and good cake. Parking fee may be redeemed with lunch purchase.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Heritage Boat Collection
Museum Galleries
Marvel at a stunning collection of steamboats, yachts, and early motor launches, many built locally.
Lakeshore Cafe Views
Cafe
Enjoy a coffee or cake with breathtaking views of Lake Windermere from the modern cafe.
Interactive STEAM Play Space
Blue Space
Kids can build, explore, and invent in this fun, hands-on play area focused on science and technology.
Heritage Boat Trips
Lake Windermere
Experience the lake aboard a historic steamboat for a truly memorable journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Serene Experience
Tickets & Year-Long Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Year-Long Ticket Value
Your ticket lasts a whole year! Perfect for return visits to enjoy the lake and museum again.
☕ Cafe with a View
The cafe offers great lake views and good cake. Parking fee may be redeemed with lunch purchase.
🛥️ Book Boat Trips Early
Heritage boat trips are popular and can sell out. Book ahead to secure your spot!
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
Kids will love the interactive Blue Space play area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Year-Long Ticket Value
Your ticket lasts a whole year! Perfect for return visits to enjoy the lake and museum again.
☕ Cafe with a View
The cafe offers great lake views and good cake. Parking fee may be redeemed with lunch purchase.
🛥️ Book Boat Trips Early
Heritage boat trips are popular and can sell out. Book ahead to secure your spot!
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
Kids will love the interactive Blue Space play area.
🚗 Parking Fees
Be aware of parking fees, especially during peak summer. They might be redeemed with cafe purchases.
📸 Dress-Up Fun
Try on vintage clothes for fun photos inside the museum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Windermere Jetty Museum for its stunning lakeside location, impressive collection of heritage boats, and modern, well-designed architecture. The year-long ticket validity and the pleasant cafe with lake views are frequently highlighted as excellent value and enjoyable features. Some visitors note that parking fees can be high during peak season and that the cafe's menu might be limited at certain times.
"Neither my wife nor I are especially interested in boats, but what an excellent museum! We'd seen articles and items about it, and thought we really ought to visit it, and we're very glad we did. The setting of course is unbeatable, especially in glorious weather, but the way the museum is laid out, the information panels, the consistent graphics and design - all top quality. And the cafe is really good as well. We didn't do a boat trip (lack of time, and we'd not long since done Derwent Water), but I suspect we'll do that next time we visit (given that the tickets are valid for a year). Hats off to Lakeland Arts - and after lunch we headed off to their other venue, Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House, and that was superb as well."
Mike Campbell
"Lovely place. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. We hadn't booked anything in advance, walked in and was 5 minutes before the next sailing. We managed to get on it and we were the only 2 on the boat other than the staff. The staff on the boat Asher and Paul were fabulous making it a really special time.
The cafe was lovely for a cup if tea and a slice of cake to warm back up with afterwards.
We didn't get chance to look around the museum as it was close to closing time, however the ticket price was very reasonable with them saying the ticket lasts for a year too.
I would very highly recommend!"
Caroline Hawkins
"Nice museum experience, it’s small but well made.
The boats are well taken care of, there’s a couple floating in their garage that are quite cute.
They have one steam boat that you can book an experience with that’s £475.
Inside the museum there are clothes from the old era (I think the 1930’s) that you can try out and take pictures, for men and women.
There’s a playground for kids so expect to see families."
Javier
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is easily accessible by car, with a large car park available. It's also a short walk from Bowness-on-Windermere, which is reachable by bus. For those arriving by train, Windermere station is a few miles away, and local buses or taxis can complete the journey.
Yes, there is a large car park at the museum. Be aware that parking fees apply, especially during peak season, though they may be redeemable against cafe purchases.
Yes, Bowness-on-Windermere is served by local buses, and Windermere train station is a short taxi or bus ride away.
Absolutely! The museum is located directly on the lakeshore and is a stop for Windermere Lake Cruises, making it a perfect destination for a boat trip.
Many visitors enjoy exploring Windermere by boat, with options like Windermere Lake Cruises offering scenic tours. Walking and cycling are also popular ways to see the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission tickets are reasonably priced and offer excellent value as they are valid for a full year, allowing for repeat visits. Check the official website for current pricing.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for heritage boat trips, as they can fill up quickly.
Yes, a fantastic perk is that your admission ticket is valid for 12 months from your visit date, encouraging return trips.
Opening times can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Windermere Jetty Museum website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours before your visit.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or families is usually available on the museum's website. Group bookings might also be eligible for special rates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases a collection of historic boats, offers interactive exhibits, a children's play area (Blue Space), and runs heritage boat trips on the lake. The modern architecture and cafe are also highlights. +1
Yes, you can take heritage boat trips on Lake Windermere from the museum. These trips offer a unique perspective of the surroundings and are a popular activity. 
Absolutely! The museum features an interactive STEAM play space called Blue Space, and the boat exhibits can be fascinating for children.
The museum boasts striking modern architecture designed to withstand the elements, offering beautiful views of the lake. It has been recognized for its design.
The museum hosts various events throughout the year, including outdoor cinema experiences and workshops. Check their schedule for upcoming events.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a lovely cafe located on the lakeshore, offering refreshments, cakes, and light meals with excellent views of Windermere. +1
The cafe typically offers a selection of cakes, hot drinks, and a limited lunch menu. Breakfast is usually served until late morning.
While the cafe focuses more on lighter bites and cakes, you can get a meal, though the menu might be limited, especially outside of peak lunch hours.
Information on specific dietary options is best obtained directly from the cafe staff or by checking their current menu.
Prices are generally in line with tourist attractions. Redeeming parking fees with a purchase can help offset costs.
📸 📸 Photography
The museum's modern architecture, the historic boats, and the stunning lake views offer numerous photo opportunities. The cafe also provides great vantage points.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the museum, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
The lakeside location makes it a potentially beautiful spot for sunset photos, especially during the golden hour, offering lovely light over the water.
The cafe area and the outdoor spaces around the museum offer excellent viewpoints of the lake and the boats.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm equivalent, would be useful for capturing both the boats and the wider lake scenery. A wide-angle lens can be great for the architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The collection of historic boats can also spark imagination, and the museum offers a chance to try on vintage clothing for memorable photos. Consider booking a heritage boat trip for an exciting adventure on the lake. The museum's cafe provides a convenient spot for snacks and meals, and the year-long ticket validity means you can easily return for another visit if the kids particularly enjoyed it. Remember to check for any specific family events or activities happening during your visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Exploring the museum's exhibits and enjoying the lake views from the grounds are free activities once you've paid for entry. Combining a visit with a scenic walk in the surrounding area, like the Orrest Head Circular route, offers more free or low-cost enjoyment of the Lake District.
❤️ Couples & Day-Trippers
A heritage boat trip provides a charming experience, especially during the golden hour for romantic sunset views. The museum's modern architecture also offers a sophisticated backdrop. With tickets valid for a year, it's an ideal spot for a memorable day out that you can easily revisit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Windermere Jetty Museum
The design cleverly integrates the museum with its lakeside setting, offering expansive views of Lake Windermere from various points, including the popular cafe. This thoughtful design ensures that visitors can appreciate both the maritime heritage within and the stunning environment outside. The building's ability to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing makes it a destination in its own right.
Architects like Carmody Groarke were instrumental in creating a space that is both a repository for historical artifacts and a contemporary cultural hub. The use of materials that age gracefully and blend with the surroundings further enhances its appeal, making it a landmark that respects its location while embracing modern design principles.
Exploring Lake Windermere by Boat
+1Several types of boats are available, from classic steamboats to more modern launches, each offering a distinct experience. The museum's collection includes many of the types of vessels you might see on the lake, providing a fascinating context for your journey. Booking these trips in advance is highly recommended, as they are a popular way to enjoy the lake and can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Beyond the museum's own offerings, Windermere Lake Cruises operate a comprehensive network of services on the lake, with the jetty being a key stop. This means you can easily combine a visit to the museum with a longer cruise, hopping on and off at various points around the lake to explore other villages and attractions.
Beatrix Potter's Connection to the Lake District
Potter was not only an author but also a conservationist who purchased large tracts of land in the Lake District, which she later bequeathed to the National Trust. Her former homes, such as Hill Top in Sawrey, are now popular visitor attractions, offering a glimpse into her life and the inspiration behind her stories.
Although the Jetty Museum doesn't directly feature Beatrix Potter exhibits, its location in Bowness-on-Windermere places it within easy reach of other Potter-related sites. Visitors interested in her legacy can easily combine a trip to the museum with visits to attractions like The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction or her preserved homes, making for a well-rounded Lake District experience.
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