The Lake District has enjoyed recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017. The opening of Windermere Jetty, museum of boats, steam and stories, is a fitting addition to the area and showcases the fascinating history and heritage of life on and around our lakes.
Managing Director Simon Berry and Liz Moss, Chief Operating Officer at Lakeland Arts and Windermere Jetty
Family Connection
Norman Buckley, Great Uncle of Simon and Tim Berry
One particular boat exhibited at Windermere Jetty has a very personal connection to English Lakes, and is a source of nostalgia and pride for the Berry family.
Norman Buckley MBE, great uncle of managing director, Simon Berry, and original owner of Low Wood Bay, secured no fewer than four world water speed records on Lake Windermere in the 1950s. Mr Buckley launched several speed attempts from the lake shore in his own designed and built boats. His speed boat, Miss Windermere IV, is now housed at Windermere Jetty.
World Speed Record
Norman Buckley and Donald Campbell prior to speed record attempt
In Pathe News footage from 1956, Donald Campbell is seen shaking hands with Mr Buckley as he departs in an attempt at the one hour world waterspeed record. The record was held by German speedster Charles von Mayenburg who had covered over 64 miles in 60 minutes. Mr Buckley, then a 48-year-old solicitor from Manchester, drove his boat at an average speed of over 79 mph during his hour on the course.
English Lakes Managing Director, Simon Berry, commented
“It’s a fantastic story to recall. The record attempt was filmed from the historic Windermere Jetty by Donald Campbell, with great uncle Norman’s Jaguar engine boat Miss Windermere III running smoothly".
Windermere Jetty
We can thoroughly recommend a visit to the steamboat museum. Arrive by boat on a Windermere Lake Cruise launch, or take a stroll along from Bowness-on-Windermere. You will be treated to sights, sounds and smells of steam launches, sailing yachts, motor boats and record-breaking speed boats. The exhibits are spread across the site in exhibition galleries, the boathouse, and on the water. There’s also a live conservation workshop where you can observe the historic boats as they are painstakingly restored.
Osprey, restored Edwardian steamer
There are daily heritage boat trips on Osprey, a fully restored Edwardian steamer, and free twice daily Conservation Conversation talks outside the Conservation workshop. On 16th May, 6 pm former Curator, Meredith Greiling, will give an in-depth lecture about the boats in the collection, looking at their significance both to Windermere and the wider part they play in the national story.
Visitors can pre-book their tickets online, including lake trips on Osprey.
Admission:
March – October, 10.30 am to 5 pm (4 pm Nov - Feb)
- £9 adult
- £7 child (under 16)
- £27 family ticket for 2 adults /3 children
- £18 family ticket for 1 adult / 3 children
- Free for children aged 4 and under
Book a Break in the Lakes
Our Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is the perfect place to start your Lake District adventure. Call 0330 4042 929 or take a look online to check out our full range of facilities for all the family.