Windermere Jetty Museum - Stories of boats and steam — Attraction in Windermere

This is a thoroughly brilliant, wonderful and interesting place to visit in the Lake District. The museum is about the history of Boats and Steam in Windermere from the past 200 years and brings the story together from one of Britain's most iconic lakes in a very informative, interesting and engaging way. There a number of Galleries and the Boathouse to see where you can learn about Lake Windermere's Boats, their builders, the sailors, skills and technology and the story is told through a host of interactive and informative displays. There are number of Boats which are truly magnificent to see and these include the Raven, which is in the process if being restored, The Fairy Queen, Mosquito, Lady Elizabeth and Merlin Yacht. The Boats are in fantastic condition showing the diligent and magnificent work the staff do in conserving and looking after them. There are a number of other artefacts to see including paddles, Crockery and Lights which are in absolutely phenomenal conditions. There are some displays about the luxury people enjoyed on board the Boats giving you an idea of the luxury and life they had. Visitors can also wander from the Cafe onto an open Jetty, which as spectacular views of Lake Windermere and the surroundings, which is absolutely breathtaking and adds a lovely dynamic to this place. During the summer months visitors can also enjoy boat trips where you can enjoy and explore more of this truly spectacular natural wonder. There is a cafe on site selling a range of refreshments at reasonable prices and there is a gift shop with a nice range of souvenirs at affordable reasonable prices. Overall this is a lovely, charming and pleasant place to visit, which makes for a nice relaxing and interesting day out. Definitely well worth a visit whilst in the area...

What an absolute gem! We visited with 7 year olds and oldies. Everyone had a great time. The newish building combines the original character and charm of a lakes boathouse with the convenience and slickness of a modern 'grand designs' build. We had a super welcome from Elaine, who took some time round explain what was happening and where to explore. The kids had a brilliant time hunting for painted 'Easter Eggs' and matching them to birds egg patterns on their trail book. They also spent more than an hour at the 'Build your own boat' workshop, making amazing vessels from cardboard and plastic screws. I was introduced to the 'Makedo' child safe tools and equipment which allowed our kids to chop, perforate and screw together cardboard to make their junk modelling dreams a reality. The cafe served some wonderful food (although it did seem a little pricey) and eating it with a lakeside view was a proper treat. We enjoyed looking at all of the World record breaking boats and beautifully restored exhibits telling the story of life on the water of Windermere through the last 200 years. We were also lucky enough to time our visit with the Windermere Model Boat Club, and for a small donation they were kind enough to let us try out one of their models on the small boating pond. Parking was free for 4 hours via a parking code inputted to the machine on leaving, although we needed more time so they kindly extended our time. A wonderful museum with great activities for the children over the Easter holidays! Highly...

Absolutely amazing, caring staff!

We visited the cafe here last week and had a lovely lunch outside with beautiful views. We went for a walk into Windermere and left our car on the car park. When returning to the car, my toddler and I had hurried ahead of my husband while he went in a shop. Stupidly, I had left my phone and purse in hubby’s rucksack. As we walked back, the heavens opened and thunderstorms were forecast so we hurried to take cover in the foyer here. My toddler and I were completely soaked through when we got there. The ladies on the desk came over to check we were okay. They offered to phone hubby, give my child a blanket and to buy me a cup of tea! I was completely overwhelmed by their kindness even though I politely declined their offers as I didn’t want to put anyone out. The lovely ladies brought me a stool out to sit on so I could watch for hubby in the foyer. When he arrived, they offered for us to use the toilets to change our little boy into his spare clothes for our car journey.

We will definitely be back to explore the museum and have something to eat...