There are few better sights than the waters of Windermere glinting in Autumnal sunshine as its tree-lined shores display a variety of stunning colours. And when winter snow wraps a white blanket around the fells the views can be heavenly.

So, what better time to step onboard a Windermere Lake Cruises’ vessel to enjoy a day out on your doorstep on England’s longest lake?

The busier crowds of summer are a distant memory and the cruise is a perfect, relaxing opportunity to soak-in all that this part of the world has to offer.

You can either just enjoy the glide around Windermere, marvelling at its natural beauty and abundant wildlife, or disembark at one of the jetties to go and explore some more.

You can call at the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole for some energetic fun and tasty food. Or how about getting off at Waterhead Pier and having a saunter around the shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes of Ambleside?

After that, continue your cruise and enjoy more lovely Lakeland views that alter from hour to hour as the weather changes. You can even enjoy a warming drink as you gently float across the water.

Along with quieter cruises there are other bonuses for local residents. Pensioners living in Cumbria and North Lancashire can benefit from Windermere Lake Cruises’ “Silver Sailors” discount scheme for local residents of retirement age.

“Silver Sailors” enjoy unlimited travel on England’s longest lake every Friday with a “Freedom of the Lake” ticket at a fraction of the usual cost. The “Silver Sailors “discount starts on Friday, November 3 and runs every Friday until March 22, 2024.

There are “Silver Sailor” discounts on other cruises and entry into the popular Lakeland Motor Museum at Backbarrow on those Fridays is halved for “Silver Sailors” too.

Don’t forget that people living in Cumbria and North Lancashire of ANY age can also make savings on their days out by picking up a Windermere Lake Cruises’ Local Residents’ Discount Card. They are free to anyone living in CA or LA postcode areas and, from now until April 30 next year, offer cruises at half the usual price.

If you prefer to tootle around and enjoy Windermere’s autumnal or winter splendour at your own pace you can even hire an electric self-drive motorboat. They take up to six people and you can even bring your pet dog!

Or how about combining a Windermere cruise and a trip to the popular Lakeland Motor Museum? Combined tickets with other attractions are available.

Whatever you chose you will have a day out to remember.

More information at www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/ and for more day out ideas check  www.visitlakedistrict.com/