Windermere Jetty Museum

Location and Access

Windermere Jetty Museum is located in Bowness-on-Windermere, in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. The museum is situated on Rayrigg Road, and its address is Windermere Jetty Museum, Rayrigg Road, Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1BN.

Getting There

By Train

The nearest mainline railway station is Oxenholme, and from there, visitors can take a connecting train that will bring them to Windermere Railway Station. The museum is about a 15-minute walk from the station.

By Bus

There are several bus routes that go to Bowness-on-Windermere, including the 599 and 555 services. Visitors can get off at the Rayrigg Road stop, which is a short walk away from the museum.

By Car

Visitors can arrive by car from the north by exiting the M6 at junction 39 for A6/Shap/Kendal. From there, they can follow signs for Bowness Bay and The Lake. For those coming from the south, they can take the M6 and exit at junction 36 for Kendal. Then, they can take the A591 to Windermere and follow signs for Bowness Bay and The Lake. There is no coach parking available, but there are two spaces for pre-booked coaches to drop-off near the museum entrance.

Parking

There is no on-site parking available at the museum, but visitors can park at the nearby Glebe Road car park or the Rayrigg Meadow car park. Both car parks are within walking distance of the museum and have hourly rates. Visitors can also park at the Bowness-on-Windermere car park, which is about a 10-minute walk away from the museum.

Overall, Windermere Jetty Museum is easily accessible by train, bus, and car. Visitors can also find nearby parking options for their convenience.

Exhibitions and Collections

The Windermere Jetty Museum has an impressive collection of boats, steam launches, motorboats, yachts, and steamboats that tell the stories of the lake and its people. Visitors can explore the museum’s permanent exhibitions and special exhibitions that showcase the boats and their history.

Permanent Exhibitions

The museum’s permanent exhibitions include:

• Boats that Made Windermere – This exhibition showcases the boats that have shaped Windermere’s history, from the early boats used for fishing and transportation to the elegant yachts and steam launches of the Victorian era.

• Swallows and Amazons – This exhibition celebrates the beloved children’s book series set on Windermere and its surrounding areas. Visitors can see the original boats used in the 1974 film adaptation and learn about the real-life inspirations for the stories.

• Steam Revolution – This exhibition explores the role of steam power in the development of Windermere’s boating industry. Visitors can see a working steam engine and learn about the engineering behind these impressive machines.

Special Exhibitions

The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year that showcase different aspects of Windermere’s heritage and culture. Some recent exhibitions include:

• Forty Farms – This photographic exhibition documented the stories of 40 Cumbrian farmers and their connection to the land and the lake.

• The Art of Sailing – This exhibition showcased the art and design of sailboats, from intricate models to beautiful paintings.

• The Age of Sail – This exhibition explored the history of sailing on Windermere, from the early days of sailboats to the present day.

The museum’s exhibitions and collections provide a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Windermere and its boats. Visitors can learn about the engineering and craftsmanship behind these impressive vessels and discover the stories of the people who built and sailed them.

Conservation Workshop

The Windermere Jetty Museum has a dedicated conservation workshop that is responsible for restoring and maintaining the museum’s collection of boats. The workshop is staffed by a team of experienced conservation experts who use traditional boat-building techniques to ensure that the boats are preserved for future generations.

The conservation workshop is open to visitors, who can observe the team at work and learn about the techniques used to restore the boats. The team is happy to answer any questions that visitors may have about the restoration process and the history of the boats.

In addition to restoring the museum’s boats, the conservation workshop also provides services to boat owners and users in the local area. The team can provide advice on boat maintenance and repair, and can carry out restoration work on privately owned boats.

The workshop is equipped with a range of specialist tools and equipment, including a steam box for bending wood, a range of hand tools for shaping and finishing wood, and a spray booth for applying paint and varnish. The team also has access to a collection of historic boat-building tools, which are used to ensure that the restoration work is carried out using traditional techniques.

Overall, the conservation workshop is a vital part of the Windermere Jetty Museum, providing an important service to both the museum and the local community. Visitors to the museum are encouraged to take a tour of the workshop and learn more about the important work that is carried out there.

Café and Gift Shop

The Windermere Jetty Museum boasts a wonderful café and gift shop for visitors to enjoy. The café is located on the lakeshore and offers stunning panoramic views of Windermere and the Coniston fells. With indoor and outdoor seating available, visitors can enjoy their meals in any weather.

The café serves delicious seasonal dishes made using the best local produce, inspired by the collection and natural landscape of the Lake District. The menu is family-friendly, and there are options available for those with dietary restrictions.

In addition to the café, the gift shop is a must-visit for those looking for unique souvenirs of their trip to the museum. The gift shop offers a wide variety of items, including books, toys, clothing, and home décor items. Visitors can find items inspired by the museum’s collection and the natural beauty of the Lake District.

The Windermere Jetty Museum also offers additional services for visitors, including coach parking for visiting groups and two spaces for pre-booked coaches to drop-off near the museum entrance. Visitors can also find visitor information available at the museum.

Overall, the café and gift shop at the Windermere Jetty Museum offer visitors the perfect place to relax, eat, and shop while enjoying the stunning views and unique collection of boats and steam engines.

Events and Heritage Boat Trips

Windermere Jetty Museum offers a range of events throughout the year, including heritage boat trips that allow visitors to experience the beauty of Lake Windermere from a unique perspective. These fully restored heritage boats are part of the museum’s collection and provide a special Lake District experience.

Visitors can enjoy a 30-minute cruise on one of these historic vessels, taking in the rugged contours of the fells and the peaceful calm of the lake. The museum’s onsite conservation team has lovingly restored these boats to their former glory, making them a true highlight of any visit to the museum.

Heritage boat trips are available for individuals and groups, and visitors can book their tickets in advance online. Exclusive trips can also be arranged for groups, providing a bespoke experience that can be tailored to specific interests and requirements.

In addition to heritage boat trips, the museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including family-friendly activities, talks, and workshops. Visitors can check the museum’s events calendar to see what’s on during their visit and book their tickets in advance.

Whether visitors are interested in the history of boats and steam, or simply want to experience the beauty of Lake Windermere from a different perspective, Windermere Jetty Museum’s heritage boat trips and events offer something for everyone.

Opening Times and Prices

The Windermere Jetty Museum is open daily, with varying opening times depending on the season. From March to October, the museum and café are open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. From November to February, the museum is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, while the café is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm as well.

Admission prices for the Windermere Jetty Museum vary depending on the age and group size of visitors. Adult tickets cost £9, while child tickets (under 16) cost £4.50. Students can enter the museum for £7, while families with one adult and two or three children can purchase tickets for £15.50. Families with two adults and two or three children can purchase tickets for £24.50. Children under four years old can enter the museum for free.

Visitors can book tickets for the museum in advance online. The museum also offers heritage boat trips, which are available all day. Visitors can check the Windermere Jetty Museum website for pricing details.

Overall, the Windermere Jetty Museum offers affordable admission prices for visitors of all ages. The varying opening times throughout the year allow for flexibility in planning a visit to the museum. Visitors can purchase tickets in advance to skip the lines and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the museum.