Father’s Day falls on Sunday 21 June 2026, and if you’re looking for something more meaningful than the usual gift, a shared experience can be a wonderful place to start.
Whether the father figure in your life loves boats, local history, Lake District views, great food, or simply time spent together, Windermere Jetty Museum offers plenty of ways to make the day feel special.
Set on the shores of Windermere, just a short 12-minute walk from Bowness Pier, the museum tells the story of life on England’s largest natural lake through beautifully restored boats, hands-on displays, and a fascinating collection of curiosities, gadgets, historic vessels and more. From relaxed boat tours to behind-the-scenes steam experiences, here are some thoughtful Father’s Day ideas for a range of interests and budgets.
1. Start the day with breakfast on the lake with a Father’s Day Breakfast Boat Trip
For a gentle start to Father’s Day, we invite you to step aboard Osprey, our 1902 steamboat, for a 30-minute morning cruise across Windermere and enjoy breakfast with a view.
As the boat moves across the lake, take in the surrounding fells while enjoying a freshly prepared breakfast bap with tea or filter coffee. If you’re celebrating someone who prefers a local beer over a hot drink, there’s the option to swap on the day, with the difference payable at the cafe.
Perfect for: early risers, lake lovers and anyone who enjoys a relaxed start to the day.
Price: £26.50 per person
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2. Celebrate over locally brewed beer with a Father’s Day Beer and Boat Experience
For something simple, relaxed and memorable, the Father’s Day Beer and Boat Experience combines a heritage boat trip with time to sit back and enjoy the view.
Step aboard Osprey, our Edwardian steamboat, and tour Windermere with a beer of your choice. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy the rhythm of the water, and spend time together aboard one of the region’s most distinctive historic boats.
Perfect for: those who enjoy heritage, good views and a relaxed drink by the lake.
Price: £22 per person
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Go behind the scenes with a Steaming Up Experience which the perfect hands-on experience for maritime and engineering enthusiasts
For a truly memorable gift, our Steaming Up Experience offers a rare glimpse into the world of heritage maritime engineering and Edwardian steam travel.
Guided by our expert skippers, participants help bring Osprey up to steam before heading out for a leisurely trip across Windermere. Along the way, they’ll gain insight into the skill, care and knowledge needed to keep a historic steam launch operating on the lake.
The experience also includes lunch at Lakeshore café and entry to the museum galleries.
Perfect for: boating enthusiasts, engineering aficionados and anyone who enjoys hands-on learning.
Price: £375 for one person, with the option to add a second person for £100
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Set sail around Windermere during a 2 hour Skippered Sailing Experience
For those who love adventure and time outdoors, a two-hour skippered sailing experience aboard Swallow offers a memorable way to explore the lake.
Featured in the 2016 film adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons, a qualified skipper will take passengers for a sail in Swallow around the lake’s islands and quieter corners, offering a different perspective on this much-loved landscape.
Perfect for: adventurous spirits, sailing enthusiasts and fans of Swallows and Amazons.
Price: £180 on Swallow
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5. Enjoy a day out on the lake
If you’re looking for something to do together later in June, Festival of the Lake offers the chance to get on water with plenty of hands-on activities including Guided Paddle Tours with Windermere Canoe Kayak, enjoy birdwatching with a local bird surveyor and wildlife expert during the morning heritage boat trips, and skippered sailing trips on Swallow from the 2016 film adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons children’s novel.
This is a lively day celebrating Windermere’s heritage, traditional boating culture and the many ways people connect with the lake — ideal for families looking for something adventurous and memorable.
Perfect for: those looking for something to do together as family.
Find out more about Festival of the Lake
6. Be inspired by traditional boatbuilding and conservation
For anyone interested in crafts, boats or local heritage, Windermere Jetty Museum will be opening Embodied: The Making of a Windermere Skiff exhibition on Saturday 18 July.
This exhibition invites you into the world of boatbuilding, offering the opportunity to explore the process of making Windermere Jetty Museum’s newest skiff, from ideation, sourcing materials, to the moment it launches on the water.
Interested in getting a taster for the exhibition? Senior Conservation Boat Builder Stephen Beresford and mentee Line Packer will be holding a Windermere Skiff Launch and Naming Ceremony during Festival of the Lake between 2–3pm before joining the boat parade at 3pm.
This launch marks the completion of the Windermere skiff project which was funded by Homo Faber.
These events are perfect for: craft lovers, boat enthusiasts and anyone interested in living heritage.
7. Treat them to lunch by the lake at Windermere Jetty Museum’s Lakeshore café
If good food and a beautiful view are high on the list, then Lakeshore café is a lovely way to round off a Father’s Day visit.
Enjoy seasonal dishes, light bites, sweet treats and drinks with panoramic views across Windermere towards the Coniston fells. With indoor, sheltered outdoor and open air lakeside seating, Lakeshore cafe is the perfect place to pause and indulge in a light bite while in Windermere.
Perfect for: food lovers, relaxed catchups and family days out.
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With Father’s Day just around the corner, we hope these ideas help you plan something thoughtful, memorable and personal.
Whether you choose breakfast on the lake, a hands-on experience, a sailing trip, or simply time together by the lake, Windermere Jetty Museum offers plenty of ways to celebrate the father figures who mean the most.
Plan your visit to Windermere Jetty Museum here.
