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Museum · Windermere, Inglaterra
Windermere Jetty Museum
The boat museum on the shores of Windermere in Bowness, with 19th- and 20th-century steam launches and sailing boats, a restoration workshop and historic steam launch trips.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Windermere Jetty Museum
Windermere Jetty, the boat, steam and stories museum, sits on the lakeshore about 1 km from Bowness town centre. It opened in 2019 in a complex of new timber-and-copper buildings on the site of an old boatyard, and houses a collection of vessels connected to the lake since the late 18th century.
The collection includes Victorian steam launches, such as the Dolly, from around 1850, one of the oldest steam launches in the world still able to sail, which sank in a lake during a severe winter and spent 65 years on the bottom before being recovered; racing boats, sailing boats and Beatrix Potter's launch. Some boats are kept in the water in a covered dock, and others in galleries.
In the restoration workshop, with glass viewing panels for the public, volunteers and technicians work on conserving the boats. In season the museum usually offers short trips on the lake in a historic steam launch, with limited places. The café has a terrace with lake views.
Check times and trip availability on the website before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30 to 2 hours, plus around 45 minutes for the steam launch trip when available.
Best time
At any time of year; it's a good option for a rainy day. The steam launch trips usually run in season, often with same-day booking.
How to get there
It is on Rayrigg Road, between Windermere and Bowness, about 1 km from Bowness pier and 2 km from the train station, reachable on foot or by local bus.
Tip
Ask on arrival about the times for the historic steam launch trips and book straight away, because places are limited.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Windermere Jetty Museum
What is there at the Windermere Jetty Museum?
A collection of lake boats, including Victorian steam launches, sailing boats, racing boats, and a restoration workshop you can watch.
Can you take a ride on a steam launch?
In season, the museum usually offers short trips on a historic steam launch, with limited places.
Is it near Bowness?
Yes, about 1 km from the Bowness pier, on foot.