Be Lulled By Ullswater In 2013 Experience mystical and stunning Ullswater in 2013 and you will find yourself being lulled into a stress-free world of scenery, wildlife, heritage and exquisite, memorable entertainment on water. Ullswater is often described as England’s most beautiful lake thanks to its unique blend of serenity and mysticism, which are set against a backdrop of an incredible geographic past and equally amazing present. Ullswater is the second largest lake in England and the only cruise company to have the privilege of operating cruises on its waters is Ullswater ‘Steamers’, which has piers and departure and disembarkation points at Pooley Bridge, Glenridding and Howtown. Using these piers, it can help passengers hook up with a variety of fabulous walks and cycle paths, or just enable them to stay on board and watch life from the water. Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has a heritage stretching back over 150 years and its vessel Lady of the Lake is thought to be the oldest working passenger vessel in the world, having been first launched on June 26, 1877 – the year Queen Victoria was pronounced Empress of India. Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has five of these regal ‘ladies’, with Raven, Lady Dorothy, Lady Wakefield and the relative newcomer, Western Belle, which enjoyed its first season on the lake in 2011, supporting Lady of the Lake as Ullswater’s passenger-carrying pleasure cruise boats. While a scheduled cruise on this breathtakingly beautiful lake is a pleasure in its own right, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ also operates a vibrant, all-year-round events programme, starting in full force at Easter 2013 and going on to December 2013 with various Christmas-themed activities and things to do. Additionally, there will be a Mother’s Day special day out and a chance to take advantage of both a Fellsman steam rail experience and an Ullswater cruise as one great heritage package. New for 2013 are electric bike tours running in the months from April to July and comprising a Lowther Tour and a Dacre Tour. Both of these will combine blissful cruising on the lake, a chance to sample local Eden produce at a nearby eatery, the thrill of riding an electric-powered bike, which will tackle the ascents that the legs might not, and a guided tour with Blue Badge Guides which will either explore Lowther Castle, or Dacre Church, Dacre Castle and even a rare-breeds farm renowned for its venison. Ullswater is blessed with a range of excellent accommodation around its shores, from hotels such as the famous Sharrow Bay and the Inn on the Lake, to country house hotels like Rampsbeck, inns including the Pooley Bridge Inn and campsites such as Waterfoot Park and The Quiet Site. Whether its stressed-out executives wanting an escape from the rat race, couples wishing to spend romantic we-time together, or mothers wishing to rock their baby to sleep to the rhythm of the waters while the rest of their family go on a memorable journey, Ullswater offers something for everyone. Visit www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk to select your ideal option to experience this natural delight and book your place on board. ENDS Press calls: Jane Hunt, Catapult PR, 01253 891114 – [email protected] Notes to Editors: Ullswater ‘Steamers’ sail every day other than December 24 and 25. The Glenridding Pier is at the south of the lake, reached via the Kirkstone Pass by those travelling from the Windermere area. Howtown Pier is mid-way down the eastern shore, while Pooley Bridge is at the top of the lake, relatively close to Penrith. Passengers can choose to sail one way on a 65-minute cruise between Pooley Bridge and Glenridding, or on a 35-minute journey to and from either Pooley Bridge and Howtown, or Glenridding and Howton (70-minute return journey). Alternatively, there is a Round the Lake option, which offers the flexibility to hop on and off the boat. There is also a special fare for walkers and dogs and cycles can be carried at a small charge. Fares are as follows: Glenridding or Pooley Bridge to Howton (35 minute sailing) – Walkers Ticket Single fare Adult 6.20 Child 3.10 Return fare Adult 9.80 Child 4.90 Family 26.60 With a shorter sailing, you can sail on board more than one of the heritage vessels, getting to know more than one of the Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Ladies! Glenridding to Pooley Bridge of vice-versa (65-minute sailing) Single fare Adult 8.80 Child 4.40 Glenridding & Pooley Bridge Round the Lake Pass (140-minute sailing) Return Adult 13.20 Child 6.60 Family 32.50 With this pass, the holder can hop on and off the boat all day and also receive a 50% discount voucher for Ullswater ‘Steamers’ sister attraction, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. If four adults travel together on this ticket, one travels at half-price. Family tickets are for 2 adults + 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children (children aged 5- 15 pay; under 5 go free). A small charge is made for dogs and cycles. 2013 Holds Fresh And Vibrant New Events Programme From Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Cumbrian lake cruise company Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has created a fantastic events programme for 2013 for those who wish to top up their enjoyment on a sailing on England’s most beautiful lake with something a little extra special. Those needing a reason to drink in the awe-inspiring scenery and sight of mighty Helvellyn towering above the lake will find something to suit their interests and desires in the 2013 events programme. This starts with a Mother’s Day event in March and ends with Christmas festivities in December, with mascot Sammy the Squirrel building up the pre-schedule excitement in February by rustling up some of his special squirrel marmalade for the World’s Original Marmalade Festival at historic home, Dalemain. The 2013 events and offers programme will be as follows: March 10 Mother’s Day gift voucher option offering Mum a round-the-lake cruise combined with a delicious cream tea at Dalemain historic house and gardens. The voucher can be bought online and is valid for three months from the date of purchase. The ticket price for this option is £15 for an adult and £7.50 for a child. April 3 – Electric Bike Cruise Explorer (Tour 1): Lowther - this is a brand new BRAND NEW experience, which starts at Pooley Bridge Pier House at 9.30am for a 9.45am sailing to Howtown where the electric bike tour begins under the expert guidance of a Blue Badge Guide. This is an ideal way for those who cannot manage a full self-powered ride to take to two wheels and let some electric charge do some of the work and take over from the legs at times. This tour is strongly linked to Wordsworth’s inspirational poem ‘Daffodils’, which was composed having seen daffodils dancing on the lakeshore at Glencoyne. This tour will visit Gowbarrow, Eusemere and Barton Church to view wild daffodils, as well as heading to Askham village and Lowther Castle & Gardens as the last stop. A light lunch is served at the Queen’s Head in Tirril, which will give those on the tour the opportunity to sample some home-produced cold meat pie served with bread and butter, chutney and shared bowls of chips. The tour will end in the village of Pooley Bridge at approximately 4.30pm and costs £45 per person. Electric bike tours are open to children aged over 14. April 9 & 10 (Easter) Easter fun will be available at Glenridding Pier for families wishing to have some seasonal entertainment served up alongside their lake adventure. The RSPB will be at Glenridding and providing various activities and some unique fun courtesy of The Gruffalo. April 21 Tweets and Bleats is a special event run jointly by Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and the RSPB. Ticket holders need to book in advance and depart either on a 10.30am or 11.30am sailing from Glenridding Pier, coupled up with a behind-the-scenes escorted farm tour and a chance to meet and potentially feed the lambs. Additionally, the RSPB will help identify new migratory arrivals on the lake during the cruise and also point out Wordsworth’s very famous daffodils dancing on the lakeshore at Glencoyne. Places are limited, so early booking is advised. Tickets cost £12 for RSPB members and £14 for non-members, with children half price. Profits from this event are donated to the RSPB. May 5 - Electric Bike Cruise Explorer (Tour 2): Dacre - this is a brand new BRAND NEW experience, which starts at Pooley Bridge Pier House at 9.30am for a 9.45am departure to Howtown where the electric bike-powered tour begins under the expert guidance of a Blue Badge Guide. This tour includes visits to Howtown, Sharrow Bay, Eusemere and Pooley Bridge, as well as visits to the charming Dacre Church, home to the ‘Dacre Bears’, historic Dacre Castle and the rare-breeds farm, Deer ‘n’ Dexter at Stoddah. Views and wildlife will abound on this tour, which also includes a light lunch at the Horse & Farrier in Dacre, comprising soup and bread and butter. The electric bike experience is one not-to-be- missed for those who love cycling but lack the necessary pedal power and need a little electric help. This tour ends at Pooley Bridge village at approximately 4.30pm and costs £40 per person. May 11 Pomp & Circumstance – this is a 2-hour evening cruise that will feature music from the Penrith Town Band and raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance.