Experience Coniston Water and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area. See Bluebird’s base, pass Holly Howe and find out the names of the fells. A 45 minute cruise around the lake or hop on & off throughout the day.

Our guide will give commentary at various points along the route pointing out interesting places along the way, including Pier Cottage, Bluebird and Donald Campbell’s base, Holly Howe featured in Swallows and Amazons, Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin and the Coniston fells including Coniston Old Man.


Coniston Water 45 minute Red Route Cruise

See nearly all of the lake in a 60-minute cruise around Coniston Water. See the ‘Wild Cat Island’ and sail to Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin.

Take in the spectacular scenery of Coniston Water and experience the beauty and tranquility of the southern end of Coniston Water. Our guide will give commentary at various points along the route pointing out interesting places along the way, including Wild Cat Island of Swallows and Amazons fame, Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin and the Coniston fells including Coniston Old Man.

Coniston Water Wild Cat Island Cruise Yellow Route

Set in the Cumbrian Countryside, our unique setting gives travellers an insight into local species as well and the importance of falconry to English heritage. Discover why Kings of England kept the Falconers so close, and the role falconers played in Medieval Britain. 

Our experience is personal, with lots of local knowledge about Carlisle and the surrounding Lake District, and families can get up close and personal to our range of birds. It is all set in the outdoors, so great way to get the kids out of the house. 

A Family activity is for 2 adults and 3 children. If you wish to bring other adults on this booking you can pay for additional participants when you arrive. 

Private Family Bird of Prey Experience in Carlisle

Our company has been sailing on Ullswater since 1859 offering visitors an opportunity to experience this treasured landscape from a different perspective. Excellent facilities at the main pier houses. Toilets and licensed bars onboard, with seating outside on the upper decks and inside the lower deck saloons. Cruise through iconic mountain and countryside panoramas. Start at Pooley Bridge pier with a one-hour cruise to Glenridding pier. There is an option to get off at Glenridding but check your return cruise time back to Pooley Bridge. It’s a 5-minute walk to the village, there are a couple of pubs, hotels, and independent shops to pick up a souvenir before returning to the pier for your cruise back to Pooley Bridge.

Ullswater Lake District Return Cruise from Pooley Bridge Pier 

Step into the world of Arthur Ransome and enjoy our 90 minute cruise of Swallows and Amazons.

Fun for those who are familiar with the Swallows & Amazons stories. Arthur Ransome used many places around Coniston Water to populate the imaginary lake of his books. Enjoy our 90 minute cruise as we discover these places including Wild Cat Island.

Of course there is no lake exactly similar to the one that Ransome used for his children’s adventures, but he did use real locations for the places that he worked into his stories. On Coniston Water we will see Beckfoot, Holly Howe, Kanchenjunga, Wild Cat Island, the Amazons’ boathouse, and a host of other spots that Ransome used to create his fascinating world. 

As soon as you board our launch, you step into the world of the Swallows and the Amazons. During the cruise we discover the various locations that Ransome used around Coniston Water in his ever-popular Swallows & Amazons series of books.


Coniston Water Swallows and Amazons Cruise

A 90 minute cruise following the route of Sir Malcom and Donald Campbells speed record attempts.

A comprehensive talk about the speed record attempts on Coniston Water from the late 1930s to the mid-60s, also covering recent events. Our 90 minute cruise follows the route of the heroic Campbells, concentrating on Donald’s last, fatal bid to better 300mph on water.

These cruises are by way of a tribute to Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell who did so much to promote the cause of Great Britain in the field of world speed records. We follow the history of the Campbells’ attempts on the lake and identify the important locations on Coniston Water associated with them. In particular we concentrate on the fateful attempt by Donald Campbell to better 300mph during the winter of 1966/7.

Pass by Pier Cottage, Bluebird and Donald Campbell’s Base


Coniston Water Campbells On Coniston Cruise

Take the worry out of your departure to Manchester Airport (MAN) and pre-book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 8 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis at the hotel, and travel in the comfort of a Premium car or minivan.

Private Transfer from Cockermouth to Manchester Airport (MAN)

Private Transfer from Carlisle to Manchester Airport (MAN)

Book your private Departure transfer from Lake District Ski Resort to Manchester Airport (MAN).

Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination.

• Meeting with a Nameplate
• We track your Flight
• Door-to-door Service
• No Hidden Charges
• Clean cars & Professional drivers

Lake District to Manchester Airport (MAN) - Departure Transfer

Book your private Departure transfer from Lake District Ski Resort to Newcastle Airport (NCL).

Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination.

• Meeting with a Nameplate
• We track your Flight
• Door-to-door Service
• No Hidden Charges
• Clean cars & Professional drivers

Experiences in Gretna, United Kingdom