Ullswater in the Northern Lake District

The Lake District of Northern England
Day Trips from Manchester in the Northwest of England

Ullswater is second in size only to Lake Windermere and is a favourite with boaters and yachting enthusiasts. Approached from the south by the dramatic Kirkstone Pass (the A592), and from the north by the lakeside road, it is easily accessed from the M6 motorway via Junction 40, signposted A666 to Keswick, and then the A592.
It is a majestic lake with panoramic backdrops of peaks and fells, like Helvellyn, 3118 feet above sea level, third highest peak in the Lake District National Park. It extends from the village of Pooley Bridge in the north 7½ miles southward to end at Glenridding and Patterdale. Cascading into the lake is the dynamic waterfall, Aira Force, near Gowbarrow Park, plunging 60 feet sheer downwards between rock walls, popular with visitors and photographers alike.

Ullswater looking south

Glenridding

Glenridding and Patterdale are the main centres for exploring the Ullswater area, and a Motor Yacht Steamer service runs from here to Pooley Bridge in the North, with a halt midway at Howtown. The service operated by the Ullswater Navigation & Transit Company Ltd, has run steamers since 1855, carrying people, mail and provisions.

Its operational season runs from the end of March to early November from 10.00am to around 6.30pm (depending on season or month), but please check before setting out - times may have changed.

Its boats, the MY Raven (built in Glasgow in 1889), and the Motor Yacht Lady of the Lake (launched in 1877) were fitted with diesel engines in the 1930s, and offer comfort and luxury, including central heating, hot beverages and drinks.

Full lake one-way cruise costs about £4.50 per adult with concessions for under-16s, with return cruises at about £8.00 and family tickets for up to 5 persons at around £16.50 (prices may also have changed - please check before setting out).

Ullswater is a natural centre for outdoor activities, and offers walks to suit every ability from Helvellyn, St Sunday Crag, Hallin Fell and High Street. Other activities include fishing, pony trekking, sailing, boating and rock climbing.

Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge offer extensive tourist facilities, including major hotels at all three villages, pubs, camping and caravanning parks, golf centres and driving ranges, a trout farm and Outdoor Centre.

Ullswater was a favourite haunt of the Lakeland poet, William Wordsworth, whose famous poem "The Daffodils" is generally recognised as having been written about the wild daffodils growing on Ullswater's shore.