ULLSWATER ‘STEAMERS’ Press Pack 2014

ULLSWATER, U.K. - Jan. 21, 2014 - PRLog -- Idyllic Cumbrian lake cruise company, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ is heading into the New Year with 14 fabulous events or event types for 2014, including brand new ones based around preserves, predators and practical instruction with the camera.

The ‘Lakes 14’, as they are being termed, are themed around marmalade, Easter and teddy bears, birdwatching, photography, pirate adventures, fish and chips, history and heritage, a yachting regatta, myths and legends, wildlife, geology, red deer, Halloween, and Santa.

The first of the new events is ‘Marmalade Madness’ – a must for anyone loving preserves made from citrus fruits!  The event ties in with the staging of the Marmalade Festival at Dalemain, near Penrith, just a short drive from Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Pooley Bridge Pier.  There will be a free cruise for anyone bringing a jar of marmalade for the 9.45am sailings on March 1 and 2.
The second new event is scheduled for May 17 when an RSPB Water, Predator and Heathland Birds cruise will run.  This event is all about spotting wildlife, so get some binoculars at the ready, or resolve to ensure you look through those provided by your RSPB escorts, as you go in search of birds on the water, spot those flying overhead and seeking prey and discover those whose habitats are on the heath.

Keen eyes may be able to spot the fastest bird on the planet, the Peregrine Falcon, while all should be able to see the visiting and resident water birds and those nesting further inland.

On both May 22 and November 6, there are new Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Photography Days to focus your attention on.  These encompass an escorted tour with a local photographer who will be ready to divulge trade secrets as ticketholders head out into the world of nature, both on board a heritage boat and on foot.  The day starts with a 10.30am sailing from Glenridding and requires participants to wear suitable clothing and footwear.  A packed lunch also needs to be popped into the rucksack, as you will return at approximately 2.30pm.

Children will discover that lots of fun can be had with the ‘Steamers’ and their loveable mascot, Sammy the Squirrel, who also has his own Kids Club that anyone can join for free.  Excitement can begin with an online competition over February half term, which will ask families to look out for letters that are then used to form the answer to the quiz in a special A-Z competition.

Over Easter, (April 12-24), the action moves outdoors and children under aged 5-15 can sail for free if they bring their teddy bear (under 5s also free as normal).  They may be lucky enough to win tickets in a family competition too!

A large number of young scallywags can testify to the giggles to be had during one of the ‘Steamers’ marvellous 2-hour long Pirate Cruises, which allow youngsters to fire the water cannons on approaching foe, play piratical games and have lots of other fun with Pirate Pete, while also taking home chocolate treasure!  Pirate cruises are running on May 28 and August 22, with two sailings each day at 11am or 2.30pm from Glenridding.
Kids will be equally keen not to miss the Ghostly Galleon Halloween cruise on October 30, when the ghost ship will sail twice, at 12.30pm and 3pm for a 1.5-hour cruise packed with ghoulish antics and magic, mayhem and monsters!  The dark lake of Ullswater, already steeped in legend and myth, is the perfect setting for this cruise, which will also include spellbinding magic and balloon modelling from magician Stu-Di-Doo and a sweetie bag to take home within a ticket price of £12 per spook (parents and children pay the same).

Child-focused action then ends with the Santa and His Happy Elves event on December 14 – a cruise full of festive fabulousness featuring Santa and a musical orchestra, not to mention an amusing company of elves!  With mascot Sammy the Squirrel on board, games and the magic choccie tree, this cruise if full of awe and Christmas magic for just £13 per head for the 1.5-hour experience and cruise on the lake.  Boats sail at both 10.30am and 1.30pm from Glenridding.

Children can also have fun at events of adult appeal.  This is very true of the hugely popular Cumbrian Fish Suppers, which run every Tuesday evening from June 24 to August 26 and combine a 2-hour cruise with music from Pete Lashley and a fish and chip supper (price £17 adults: £14 for children under 13).

Lake District National Park themed cruises can be as fun and fact-filled for kids as for adults and run on July 1 (History & Heritage), July 22 (Myths & Legends), August 9 (Wildlife) and August 19 (Mountains High & Valley Low). Tickets cost £12 for adults and £6 for children and can be booked in advance, or on the evening (departures at 6.45pm and return at 8.15pm).  This includes tea or coffee or squash.

The October Red Deer Rut cruises are totally awesome experiences whatever your age, as you watch nature’s ultimate battle for male supremacy as the red deer stags compete and lock horns.  From October 9-12 you can book a place on board a boat that sails from Glenridding at 10.30am and returns at 3.30pm.  In between, you will board a mini-bus and be taken by RSPB guides into Martindale, where you will be able to locate a herd on the fell and observe the behaviour of the stags and their ladies.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, so tickets, priced at £14.50 (£12.50 for RSPB members) for adults and half-price for children, sell fast.  Profits go to the RPSB.

The July 5 Birkett Cup event is a truly chilled one that brings panache to any summer. Passengers board an exclusive charter, which departs from Pooley Bridge at 12.30pm and returns at 3.30pm.  The chartered boat takes passengers out on to the lake to watch the yacht racing action of the prestigious Birkett Cup, which simply has to be enjoyed with the glass of cava or squash provided!  This superb event costs £20 for an adult ticket and £10 for children.

Last, but not least, are the Yuletide Afternoon Tea Cruises, sailing on dates between December 1 and 19.  A delightfully festive afternoon tea can be enjoyed at the Inn on the Lake and combined with a winter cruise on the lake at a lovely time of year to take to the water and enjoy nature.  Tickets cost £19.95 and afternoon tea can be booked (between 12pm and 5pm) by calling 017684 82444.  You can even take your cruise on a different date from your afternoon tea (voucher valid to December 22).