8 Boat Tours in the Lake District Worth Booking

1.Lake District Bus Tour & Windermere Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 927 reviews · 11 hours · from $104Our pick

A full day Lake District sweep from Manchester with a Windermere cruise, Wordsworth stops in Grasmere and Hawkshead, plus Coniston Water.

“Darren, our guide for the trip, was excellent. His knowledge, sense of humour and witty yet historical takes on places, people and stories of the Lake District made the day that much more enjoyable and truly memorable. We would love to have him again as a guide.”

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2.Lake District Tour with Lake Cruise & Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 314 reviews

Small-group Lake District day from Manchester: Windermere cruise, Tarn Hows, Hawkshead village time, and a seasonal steam train.

“Excellent tour of the Lake District, with plenty of great photo stops. Our guide and driver Tom was friendly and patient. The tour itself was very well-organized; my only suggestion would be to extend the time at Hawkshead, our lunch stop, by about half an hour so there's a bit more time to explore. Loved the cruise at the end! Definitely one of the highlights of my family's first trip to the UK.”

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3.Lake District Tour with Lake Cruise & Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 201 reviews

Enjoy a 10-hour Lake District day trip from Liverpool with a Windermere lake cruise, Lakes and Haverthwaite steam train, plus Tarn Hows photos.

“Nothing but praise for the tour guide! The plan was ideal, trip as smooth as can be and very informative throughout. The places chosen give the perfect Lake District experience. Irrelevant of weather conditions, Jean made sure that we enjoy the whole day.”

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4.Windermere Red Cruise: Sail Between Bowness and Ambleside

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 142 reviews · 1h 10m · from $24

A 70-minute hop-on hop-off boat ride on Lake Windermere between Bowness and Ambleside, with heated cabins and commentary.

“Very professional service,good commentary. Good on board drinks available.”

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5.Lake District Tour with Cream Tea & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 57 reviews · 1 day · from $438

From London, a Lake District day trip with Windermere cruise, Hawkshead, Langdales views, and Beatrix Potter cream tea.

“The guide Peter was excellent. He really enjoyed his work and so it was very pleasant to be with him.”

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6.Coniston Water: 60-Minute Wild Cat Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 43 reviews · 1 hour · from $18

Take a 60-minute Wild Cat Island cruise on Coniston Water, with a timed visit to Brantwood, John Ruskin’s home and café.

“Martin and Steve our captain and guide made the hole trip interesting and relaxing”

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7.Coniston Water: 45 Minute Northern Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 12 reviews · from $16Best value

45-minute guided cruise on Coniston Water with live commentary, Lake District views, optional Brantwood stop, plus 15% online discount.

“Amazing! Cruising the Coniston Lake was very good experience, that I will do again.”

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8.Coniston Water: 60 minute Swallows and Amazons Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4 reviews · from $22

A 90-minute Swallows and Amazons cruise on Coniston Water, guided in English with real filming locations and story-linked stops.

“My husband loyved this tour. He is an avid Swallows and Amazons fan and was very pleased to explore the settings for both the books and the films. our guide was amazing and so knowledgeable.”

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