Festival of the Lake returns to Windermere Jetty Museum on Saturday 27 June 2026!
Join us for a full-day, family-friendly celebration of Windermere’s heritage, traditional boating culture and the many positive ways people continue to connect with England’s largest lake.
Pick up your festival passport and explore interactive activity stations inspired by Windermere’s wildlife, maritime heritage and hidden stories.
Set across the museum’s lakeshore grounds, you’ll also find Windermere-inspired talks, live music, on-the-water experiences, a pop-up sauna, and a thoughtful selection of stalls featuring local makers, food and drink producers, and conservation and heritage organisations.
Free face painting will be available between 12:30pm and 3pm.
.
What’s on
Filter
The Engineering Crossover Between Boats and Seaplanes at Windermere Talk with Ian Gee
The Engineering Crossover Between Boats and Seaplanes at Windermere Talk with Ian Gee
Lake Patrol: Stories from a Windermere Warden
Lake Patrol: Stories from a Windermere Warden
Swallows and Amazons Family Activities with The Arthur Ransome Society
Swallows and Amazons Family Activities with The Arthur Ransome Society
Arthur Ransome’s Life in the Lake District Talk with Paul Flint
Arthur Ransome’s Life in the Lake District Talk with Paul Flint
Windermere Model Boat Club Regatta and Exhibition
Windermere Model Boat Club Regatta and Exhibition
Wild Windermere Family Activities
Wild Windermere Family Activities
Wild Tales: Nature Storytelling with Danny English
Wild Tales: Nature Storytelling with Danny English
Windermere Skiff Launch
Windermere Skiff Launch
Music and Poetry by the Lake with Ann Grant
Music and Poetry by the Lake with Ann Grant
Wild Faces with Gray Facepainting
Wild Faces with Gray Facepainting
Birds of the Lake Talk with John Peatfield
Birds of the Lake Talk with John Peatfield
Paddle Tours with Windermere Canoe Kayak
Paddle Tours with Windermere Canoe Kayak
Guided Bird Watching Heritage Boat Tours
Guided Bird Watching Heritage Boat Tours
Live music by Jon Dawes
Live music by Jon Dawes
Live music by Nobody’s Friends Shanty Group
Live music by Nobody’s Friends Shanty Group
Lakeside sauna sessions with Tarn Saunas
Lakeside sauna sessions with Tarn Saunas
Explore the Lake Stalls
Explore the Lake Stalls
Swallow sailing trips
Swallow sailing trips
Boat parade
Boat parade
Food at Festival of the Lake
Refuel and relax with delicious food and drink throughout the day, right by the lakeshore.
Whether you’re after a light bite, a sweet treat, or something heartier to keep you going between festivities, our Lakeshore café has you covered. Enjoy seasonal dishes, fresh bakes, and daily specials.
We have plenty of covered outdoor and indoor seating available, perfect for enjoying live music, watching the boat parade sail past, and admiring the stunning Lake District views.
Dietary options available. No booking needed.
Book Tickets
Festival entry is £6 for adults, £3 for children (5–15 years), £4.50 for students and family tickets are available from £10. Lakeland Arts Members and Windermere Jetty Museum Annual Pass holders go free.
Lakeshore cafe opening times
Open 10am – 5pm on Saturday 27 June 2026
More information about our food offer is coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a ticket to attend Festival of the Lake?
Most of the family-friendly activities and live music performances are free to attend. However, to make the most out your Festival of the Lake experience, we recommend purchasing a ticket. Get your ticket.
Who will be performing at Festival of the Lake?
We are still adding to our lineup. We currently have Nobody’s Friends Shanty Group performing at 12:30pm and Jon Dawes at 2pm.
Do I have to book my heritage boat trip in advance?
We encourage pre-bookings for our 30-minute heritage boat trips to avoid disappointment. Bookings can also be made on the day subject to availability.
For sailing trips on Swallow, we recommend booking this in advance here.
Are dogs allowed in Windermere Jetty Museum?
Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome in our Lakeshore cafe and lakeshore.
We ask that visitors respect and support our staff and each other and follow signs and information boards accordingly.
