Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few questions which occassionally come up in conversation with our visitors. If there is a question which hasn't been answered please contact us via email or on 017687 72263

How long is the cruise and what are the costs?
Am I allowed to take my dog on a cruise?
Can you suggest somewhere to eat and drink?
Are there walks suitable for families with small children?
What is the evening cruise?
Are there special rates for groups and parties?
What time of year are rowing and motor boats available?
Is Disabled Access available?

How long does the cruise take and how much does it cost?

The cruise around Derwentwater lasts for approximately 50 minutes. Around the lake tickets are available which allow you to either stay on the Launch for the full 50 minute trip, or to hop on and off the boat as much as you like at any of the seven stopping off points around the lake, until you return to Keswick.

Single fares are also available to any of the points around the lake.

Am I allowed to take my dog on a cruise?

Well behaved dogs are welcome and free of charge.

Can you suggest anywhere around the lake to get off and have something to eat and drink?

There are 2 hotels at the southern end of the lake, a short walk from the Lodore stop. There is the Lodore Falls, which is visible from the jetty at Lodore and just a short walk along the path, and there is the Mary Mount Hotel, a small family run Hotel, just around the corner. For the Mary Mount, walk past the green canoeing hut, then bear left along the path and across the wooden bridge. Both Hotels offer a Bar and Meal facilities.Also there is a beautiful hotel called the Borrowdale Hotel which serves excellent traditional food and drink all day and has a very warm and friendly atmosphere.

Mary Mount website - http://www.marymount.co.uk

Borrowdale Hotel website - http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/borwwowdalehotel/index.htm

Lodore Falls website - http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/lodorefalls

Are there any walks suitable for families with small children?

A popular walk of this type is from Hawse End to High Brandlehow. It is about 1 1/2 to 2 miles long and is flat. For this walk you will need to catch the anti-clockwise Launch from Keswick at either 9.45am,10.30am then half past every hour (Mid March to End of November - see timetable) then return at 10 minutes to the hour or half past the hour from High Brandlehow. Normally a Family Ticket works out most economical for this walk unless the children are under 5. See Walks for more details.

What is the Evening Cruise?

The Evening Cruises are a special trip that leaves Keswick at 6.30pm and 7.30pm from July 17th to August 30th. These trips lasts for approximately one hour, taking a tour of Derwentwater and includes commentry from our well known local guide. A glass of white wine or a soft drink is included in the price. More details are available here.

Do you have special rates for groups and private charters?

Yes, a discount is available for groups and private charters for 10 or more people. You can either book onto the normal scheduled Launches, for either a round the lake cruise or for single journeys to different points around the lake i.e. to walk between two points and return to Keswick. More information available here

Self hire boats are available from Easter to the end of October. Sometimes a limited number of rowing boats are available in November. Information about hiring your own boat and rates are available here

Is Disabled Access Available?

We have a ramp suitable for wheelchairs to gain access to Pier One, however it is not possible to board the launch in a wheelchair. People with limited walking ability may be able to descend the four steps into the launch themselves.

Wheelchairs can be taken on some of the launches, but the person will need assistance to help them board the boat. Please call 017687 72263 to arrange.