White Birds of Windermere.

We call them the ‘White Birds’ because they’re white and traditionally named after birds. They are the way that ‘trippers’ of former days used to explore Windermere in the days before the family car. They would arrive at Lakeside railway station at the southern tip of the lake, and simply walk across the platform to board one of the boats to continue their journey up the lake.

It’s still possible, although the railway is now an isolated ‘preserved line’ operated by enthusiasts and Swan, Teal and Tern are the only ‘White Birds’ left. Swan and Teal are almost identical, and were built in the 1930s; Tern was built in the 1890s, and is still capable of a full day’s work.

While in Lakeside, I particularly recommend a visit to the nearby Aquarium of the Lakes, to get a unique insight into an entirely new view of our beautiful Lake District.

For more information:

www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

www.aquariumofthelakes.co.uk

'Windermere ought to be seen both from its shores and from its surface. None of the other Lakes unfold so many fresh beauties to him who sails upon them'  -William Wordsworth