Windermere Jetty Museum recently welcomed comedian and presenter Paul Merton for a special visit featured in Channel 4’s Paul Merton Driving Amazing Trains. The museum appears in episode four, airing on 30 April, where Paul steps aboard the historic steam launch Osprey to experience the unique engineering heritage of England’s largest lake.
Set on the shore of Lake Windermere, Windermere Jetty Museum is a working showcase of boatbuilding excellence, where traditional craftsmanship and innovative conservation techniques keep historic vessels alive on the water. During his visit, Paul explored this living heritage aboard the 1902 steam launch Osprey, expertly skippered by Lakeland Arts’ Heritage Boats Boating Manager, Ian Shirra.
Surrounded by sweeping fells, the journey offered a rare perspective on Windermere; one that combines natural splendour with over a century of maritime innovation.
Osprey has spent its entire life on Windermere. Built in 1902 as a private steam launch, it was later converted into a passenger vessel for the Bowness Bay Boating Company in 1948, carrying generations of visitors across the lake before joining the collection at Windermere Jetty Museum.
Today, it stands as a remarkable example of enduring engineering and skilled restoration, reflecting the craftsmanship that underpins the museum’s working collection of historic boats. Visitors can step aboard and experience a living piece of Windermere’s maritime heritage first-hand. As heritage boat trips run daily from the museum’s jetty between March and October.
Paul Merton Driving Amazing Trains is a six-part Channel 4 series in which Paul takes control of some of the world’s most iconic locomotives and steam-powered vehicles. His lifelong fascination with engineering began in childhood, inspired by his father, a driver on the London Underground. Now, he follows in those footsteps – exploring not only the mechanics of transport but the stories, landscapes, and craftsmanship behind them.
Paul Merton said:
“This series isn’t just about locomotives, it’s about history, engineering, and the joy of travel. For me, it’s also a way to connect with my dad’s legacy on the rails. I can’t wait for viewers to come along for the ride.”
