Keswick Launch Ticket Office

What a lovely 50 minutes I spent on the Keswick Launch. I booked online an hour before my sailing. I know how busy the little ticket office. The staff were all really helpful. I would definitely book ahead as the sailings fill up quickly especially on a hot sunny day like mine. There was only 1 space left available online when I booked.

Had a really pleasant boat trip around the lake. I bought my ticket (£14.75 for the 50-minute round trip) inside a quirky little stone building close to the jetties. The man who runs the ticket office was very helpful, and you can also buy postcards, drinks and sweets here. Launches run every half-hour from Jetty 1, and ours ran on time. Boarding was quick and easy, and the skipper was very friendly. He warned us that the lake was a bit choppy in places, and outside passengers could get very wet. It was in fact smooth sailing and nobody got wet! The boat looked clean and well maintained, with polished wooden seats and fittings. Plenty of space inside and out. Dogs welcome on board. It was more of a ferry trip than a cruise, no commentary, but that meant there was nothing to distract from the magnificent views of Derwentwater, its wooded islands and dramatic mountain scenery. Very tranquil and unspoilt as well, and we had the lake almost to ourselves! Passengers could get on and off at about half a dozen wooden jetties around the lake, all clearly marked, with walking trails leading off into the forest and along the lake shore. I did the full circuit of the lake and considered it good value for money.

Brilliant service. Very scenic lake (my favourite in the national park). The gentleman who dealt with us at the ticket office was excellent as we had booked online but due to traffic and our childs travel sickness we were a touch late for our booked slot. He reassured us, got us on the next boat and was great with our kids. We went around the lake, got off at Hawse End and went for a walk. When we got back to the pier at Hawse End it was busy but as we had young children they got us on the boat to save us waiting for an additional boat they were sending (which wouldn't have taken that long to arrive anyway). Brilliant day out in the heart of the Lake District.