Somewhere To Try If You’re Around Windermere

[Kingham]

No paddling today, but after being intrigued by the steam boat spotted on the lake over the last two days, a bit of research last night discovered the Windermere Jetty, Museum Of Boats, Steam & Stories.

Down there just after 10am for an eggs benedict brekky and coffee each in their lovely cafe, followed by an 11am first sailing of the day, aboard the ‘Osprey’. The icing on the cake, it was far too early for ‘proper’ tourists, so we had her to ourselves and what a fantastic wee trip around the island.

This stunning little boat has been lovingly restored over 10 years, with a fully operational steam engine and was an absolute pleasure to be aboard. Volunteer skipper John and crew Steve (usually running dive boats out of Seahouses) gave us a full run down of the project and you could see their passion for the project.

Once back ashore, the rest of the museum proved equally interesting and had some fantastic restorations, both ongoing and already completed, some on the water, others inside, then back to the cafe for lunch and more coffee

I don’t think the museum does itself justice with the distinct lack of advertising and if I hadn’t had my interest piqued by seeing the ‘Osprey’ whilst paddling, I wouldn’t have known of the museum’s existence, so if you’re down that way have a look in, you won’t be disappointed.

 

[Kingham]

.....and this little gem of a speed boat moored inside really appeals, but isn’t available for public trips.

 

[Wendo55]

A few of us were at Braithwaite Fold recently and spotted the steamboat but didn't know about the museum.

 

[Kingham]

A few of us were at Braithwaite Fold recently and spotted the steamboat but didn't know about the museum.

I think the ‘new revamped’ museum only opened its doors in the Spring of this year and haven’t got up to speed with advertising as yet. I’m at Braithwaite Fold paddling over Christmas and if I hadn’t spotted their little steamer while out paddling, I would have missed this opportunity.

 

[Mrsambulancekidd]

Looks great, thank you for sharing about it.

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[ambulancekidd]

First time I went there was about 1989 with my ex wife & it was utterly charming.
As Ken has said, they don't really advertise themselves very well but, please don't let that put you off
visiting.
The level of workmanship in these restorations has to be seen to be believed.

 

[SpeedyDux]

.....and this little gem of a speed boat moored inside really appeals, but isn’t available for public trips.

View attachment 353379

View attachment 353380

Is the speedboat a Riva?

 

[Nirvanauk]

Is the speedboat a Riva?

Looks like it to me.

 

[icantremember]

We have been out on Osprey some years ago and loved the experience. Also been around the museum but guess it's been updated recently .. seem to remember the little boat was there that was used in the original Swallows and Amazons. All well worth visiting if in the area.?

 

[Grianan]

Fabulous. And best out of season I guess. Where did you stay Kingham?

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[Mikey RV]

Fantastic,what a beaut that boat is. Thanks for the info.

 

[Kingham]

Is the speedboat a Riva?

A bit more of a tongue twister!..... a Chris Craft Corporation

 

[Kingham]

Fabulous. And best out of season I guess. Where did you stay Kingham?

C&CC Braithwaite Fold. Here until the 27th

 

[mitzimad]

Its often the smaller museums that are the best.When we were in Scotland last year we stumbled across the tsb museum which is in the small cottage where it was started. You would be hard pressed to spend an hour there but the one to one from the curator was amazing.We also stumbled across the devil's porridge museum again another gem and it's nothing to do with porridge well worth a visit for the engineers and train enthusiasts the engine outside is worth a look on it's own
Thanks for sharing your find