If you ask me, Windermere Jetty Museum is one of the most underrated places to visit in the Lake District.
We’ve visited a few times as a family, most recently during the school holidays, and it’s one of those places I always come away from thinking more people should know about. There are beautiful historic boats, creative activities for children and some of the most incredible views across Windermere.
It’s a short walk from the centre of Bowness, but feels like a peaceful little escape from the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re looking for a rainy-day activity, a family day out or simply a café with a wonderful view, it’s well worth adding to your list.
What is Windermere Jetty Museum?
Windermere Jetty Museum tells the stories of the boats, people and traditions connected to Windermere. It sits right on the water’s edge and explores more than 200 years of boating on the lake.
The museum stands on the site of the former Windermere Steamboat Museum, which opened in 1977. Following a major redevelopment, it reopened as Windermere Jetty Museum in 2019.
Inside, you’ll find historic steam launches, sailing yachts, motorboats and speedboats. Even if you don’t know much about boats, there’s something special about seeing them up close and discovering the stories behind them.
The museum is beautiful too. The rooms are designed around the lakeside setting, with wonderful views across the water. It’s a lovely place to wander at your own pace.
See the boats in the Wet Dock
One of our favourite parts is the Wet Dock, where boats from the collection are kept afloat.
You can head outside and see them moored in the sheltered space, with Windermere and the fells beyond. It’s a lovely spot to pause and take in the view.
Is Windermere Jetty Museum good for children?
I’d say the museum is somewhere adults can really enjoy, but there’s plenty to keep children interested too.
The boats are fascinating to look at, and on our visits there have been things like trails, puzzles, maps and dressing up to help children explore the galleries.
The museum also puts on lovely creative activities, particularly during the school holidays. We’ve enjoyed LEGO activities and building projects in the past, and on our latest visit the children made fish masks.
Activities change throughout the year. Some are free, while others may need museum admission or an additional payment, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you visit.
Windermere Jetty Museum is also included in our guide to family activities in the Lake District, where we share more places we check for school holiday events and rainy-day ideas.
A lovely rainy-day activity near Bowness
Windermere Jetty Museum is a good one to have up your sleeve when the Lake District weather isn’t playing along.
You can explore the indoor galleries, then head to the café for lunch or a hot chocolate. If the rain clears, you’re right beside the lake for a little wander outside.
That said, I wouldn’t save it just for a rainy day. On a sunny afternoon, the lakeside setting is a reason to visit in itself.
The Lakeshore Café at Windermere Jetty Museum
I think the café at Windermere Jetty Museum has one of the best café views in the Lake District, if not the UK.
It’s right on the edge of Windermere, with an outdoor terrace looking across the water towards the fells. There’s seating inside too, so you can enjoy the view whatever the weather.
It’s a relaxing place to stop for lunch, coffee and cake, or a hot chocolate with the children. It feels a world away from the busier streets of Bowness, even though the town is only a short walk away.
You don’t need a museum ticket to visit the café, so you can pop in just for a drink or something to eat. There’s also a children’s menu, highchairs and baby-changing facilities.
Can you take a boat trip from Windermere Jetty Museum?
Yes. The museum offers trips on restored heritage boats, giving you a chance to get out onto Windermere and see the lake from a different perspective.
Regular trips are seasonal and depend on the weather and availability. Boat trips are priced separately from museum admission, and combined tickets may also be available. Check the Windermere Jetty Museum website for the latest information before you visit.
Parking at Windermere Jetty Museum
There’s a car park at the museum, which we’ve found really handy when visiting the museum or café. It’s also around a 12-minute walk from Bowness Pier, so you could combine your visit with a wander into town.
Our parking tip: Outside the peak summer holiday charging period, you can get up to four hours of complimentary parking when you spend £5 or more in the café or museum. Ask the team about validating your parking before you leave, and check the signs for the current rules.
The museum’s listed parking charges are:
- Up to two hours: £5
- Two to four hours: £7
- Until the end of the day: £12
Lakeland Arts members receive four hours of free parking throughout the year. The car park closes shortly after the museum, with closing times changing by season.
The complimentary parking offer is paused during the peak summer holidays, so check the latest parking information before you visit.
Windermere Jetty Museum prices and tickets
When I wrote this piece, museum admission is:
- Adults: £12
- Children aged 5 to 15: £6
- Children aged 4 and under: free
- Family ticket, one adult and up to three children: £20
- Family ticket, two adults and up to three children: £30
Lakeland Arts members can visit free of charge. Prices can change, so check the latest admission details before you go.
If you have a MyCumbria Card, check the current Windermere Jetty offer before booking, as discounts and terms may change.
Windermere Jetty Museum and Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts house, are both part of Lakeland Arts. If you’re planning to visit both, it’s worth looking at Lakeland Arts membership, which includes unlimited entry to both attractions as well as Abbot Hall.
Accessibility at Windermere Jetty Museum
The museum is on one level, with ramps where needed, and Lakeland Arts says it is wheelchair accessible throughout. There are accessible toilets, Blue Badge parking spaces, and wheelchairs and portable stools available.
If you’re planning a heritage boat trip, check accessibility before booking. The museum says its regular heritage boat is not accessible to wheelchair users.
You can find more details on the museum’s facilities and access page.
Our tips for visiting
- Check what’s on. Family activities and exhibitions change throughout the year, with extra things to do during school holidays.
- Leave time for the café. It’s worth sitting down for a drink and enjoying the view.
- Ask about parking validation. If you’re spending £5 or more in the café or museum, check whether the four-hour offer applies on the day you visit.
- Combine it with Bowness. The museum is within walking distance of the town and its attractions.
- Check opening times and boat trips. These change with the seasons.
Address: Windermere Jetty Museum, Rayrigg Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1BN.
Website: Windermere Jetty Museum
Whether you’re visiting with children, looking for a rainy-day activity or just want a peaceful coffee by the water, Windermere Jetty Museum is somewhere we’d happily recommend. We’ll definitely be back.
If you’re looking for accomodation outside Bowness, somewhere peaceful with plenty of space to relax after a fun-filled day out, get in touch.
Hannah. Host at the Pheasant Lodge x