Windermere Jetty Museum

About the museum

Windermere Jetty Museum stands on the eastern shore of Windermere, on the site of the former Windermere Steamboat Museum. Its collection goes back to George Pattinson, a local boat builder and collector who rescued many vessels that were at risk of being lost. Lakeland Arts took ownership of the site in 2007.

After the old museum closed, the boat collection was placed in safe storage while a masterplan for the site was prepared. A major redevelopment, supported by a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, created a new museum designed by the architects Carmody Groarke, with exhibition design by Real Studios. The new buildings were the first contemporary development on this stretch of shore for more than fifty years. They are a cluster of simple forms clad in copper, which recalls the site's earlier use as a sand and gravel dock, and large canopies shelter both visitors and boats.

The museum reopened in spring 2019 as Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories and was opened by the Prince of Wales. Today the collection includes about 40 boats covering the history of sailing and boating on Windermere from the late 18th century, including motor boats, steam launches, sailing yachts and record-breaking speed boats.

The site is also a working conservation centre. Visitors can watch boat builders at work through the workshop windows, see vessels kept afloat in the wet dock, and take trips on restored heritage boats on the lake. A historic fire station building has been moved to the site and stands beside a model boating pond.

Highlights

• Galleries built over the water with steam launches, yachts and record-breaking speed boats
• Conservation workshop where boat builders can be watched at work
• Heritage boat trips on Windermere on restored wooden boats
• Wet dock with vessels from the collection afloat
• Model boating pond and relocated historic fire station
• Lakeshore café terrace with views towards the Coniston fells

Permanent exhibitions

• Galleries and Boathouse – Interactive galleries built over the water, showing motor boats, steam launches, sailing yachts and record-breaking speed boats from the museum's collection.
• Conservation Workshop – A working workshop where boat builders restore the collection, with displays explaining the steps of restoration.

Founded

1977

Operated by

Lakeland Arts

Admission & discounts

Lakeland Arts members get free entry, and the Art Fund National Art Pass gives 50% off. Group rates for 12 or more also list combined visits with Blackwell (£12) and with Blackwell and Abbot Hall (£16). Boat trips are charged separately from museum admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is all on one level, with wide doorways and ramps where needed. Wheelchairs and portable stools are available. Blue Badge parking spaces are provided. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, shop and café, but only assistance dogs are allowed inside the exhibition galleries.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

Interactive galleries and hands-on activities, a programme of activities in term time and school holidays, and children's activities such as dressing up, clue hunting and colouring. Pushchairs can be used throughout the museum and café. There is a model boating pond. Parents are welcome to breast or bottle feed in the café.

Getting there & parking

Sat nav address: Windermere Jetty Museum, Rayrigg Road, Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1BN. The museum is about 1 mile from the A591 junction on Rayrigg Road (A592), on the right when arriving from the south.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Lakeshore café with indoor seating and a terrace overlooking Windermere, serving food until 3pm. Gift shop with boat-themed gifts and local products. Food and drink cannot be consumed in the galleries.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The museum and Blackwell are offered for weddings, special occasions, conferences, meetings and group bookings.

Plan your visit