Windermere Jetty: Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories

Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories holds around 40 vessels and maritime objects displayed on the eastern shore of the lake. The collection ranges from working boats and leisure craft to historic steam launches, each representing different periods of the lake's waterborne history.

Founded in 1977 by local builder George Pattinson, the museum underwent a major renovation starting in 2007 under management by Lakeland Arts. It reopened to the public in 2019 following this extensive transformation of its buildings and displays.

The boats here represent how lakeside communities have traveled and worked for over a century, shaped by water transport and leisure on the lake. You can see how these vessels remain central to how people experience and remember this region.

You can watch boat restoration happening on site and explore the waterfront at your own pace from the landing area. A lakeside café offers refreshments and is a good spot to rest while visiting the different parts of the museum.

The museum houses Steam Launch Dolly, built in 1884 and still operating with its original engines, recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest mechanically powered boat in regular use with original machinery intact. This exceptional preservation makes it a remarkable example of early steam engineering that visitors rarely see elsewhere.

Location: Windermere

Inception: 1977

Operator: Lakeland Arts

Address: Rayrigg Road, Windermere LA23 1BN

Website: http://windermerejetty.org

GPS coordinates: 54.37080,-2.92220

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06