On route home from a Spa break at Beech Hill Hotel and Spa, we called into the award winning Windermere Jetty Museum on the shores of Windermere just past Bowness on the A592.
Dedicated to telling the history of sailing and steaming as well as a busy boat conservation, the modern museum has ample parking – and don’t worry about the fee as when you go to buy your ticket or visit the café you will receive a code to reimburse you.
As well as the collection of vessels – from small sailing boats to steamers and speed boats, there is an opportunity to take a ride on a heritage steam boat.
For me, it is fascinating to see the workshop where the restoration team create their magic. I was fortunate enough to visit this museum before its official opening, when we weren’t able to go into the workshop, however I was delighted to be able to go inside on this visit with Katie May, my daughter.
There is so much to discover about the importance of boating to the Lake District, and provided a safe way to arrive in the early days of tourism to the area.
Every display is set within a setting with a view of the water – and as you enter the boat house seeing the collection of little boats bobbing about on the water, my favourite the Amazon is there. The simple and chic wooden bench at the head of the boathouse provides the perfect vantage point to look through the doors onto Windermere.
Windermere Jetty Museum is a modern building, which was shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling architecture prize, was opened by King Charles II when still the Prince of Wales in Spring 2019. It has been build upon the site of the old Windermere Steamboat Museum, and houses the collection of vessels built by George Patterson, a local builder and boat collector.
Lakeland Arts who took over ownership of the site in 2007 have provided a new home for the history of sailing on Windermere from the late 18th century. If you time your arrival right, you can join a guided tour. This is well worth doing as the guide is so knowledgeable and their enthusiasm is infectious.
Alongside the boats is an exhibition of Cumbrian award winning photographer Amy Bateman – Forty Farms and open until June 4.
And having a coffee and lunch in the café with its perfect waterside vista is the perfect start or end to your visit. Everything is freshly prepared, and reasonably priced however it is very popular so get there early!
Find out more about the up and coming exhibitions and events on the Windermere Jetty Museum website.
Thank you to Lakeland Arts for hosting our visit.
Check out Katie May’s blog Postcardsfrom.co.uk and our stay at Beech Hill Hotel and Spa.
- Value for money 5/5 stars Adult £9, Student £7, Child (5-15 years) £4.50 (Child under 5 years) free, Family (1 adult and up to 3 children) £15.50 (2 adults and up to 3 children) £24.50 Lakeland Arts Members Free, Art Fund National Art Pass 50% off.
- Entertainment & enjoyment 5/5
- Easy access 5/5 free car parking for museum and café visitors
- Facilities 5/5 Well stocked gift shop, café, toilets, free parking, exhibitions, daily conservation conversation.
