Windermere Ferry to Be Out of Service for Two Weeks Next Month

The Windermere Ferry, which carries vehicles and pedestrians across England’s largest lake, will be temporarily taken out of service for essential maintenance for up to two weeks in late February next month. The suspension is part of planned work to help extend the vessel’s working life and improve reliability.
Westmorland & Furness Council announced that the ferry known as The Mallard will be offline from Monday, 23 February, as engineers carry out upgrades to key components, including parts of the driveline system that have operated continuously for more than three decades.
In addition to the main closure in February, services on Wednesday, 21 January will also be paused between 9 am and 3 pm for preparatory work ahead of the February maintenance period.
During the suspension, motorists and other road users are being advised to use the alternate route via the A591 to Ambleside and on to the B5286 to Hawkshead, which adds extra travel time but ensures continued access across the lake.
The council said the maintenance has been scheduled during the quieter off-peak season and outside school holidays in an effort to minimise disruption for both local residents and visitors. Ferry users are encouraged to sign up for service updates so they can stay informed about progress and any changes.