ULLSWATER STEAMERS 2015 PRESS PACK A BREATH OF FRESH AIRA

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1 ULLSWATER STEAMERS 2015 PRESS PACK A BREATH OF FRESH AIRA Produced on behalf of Ullswater Steamers by Catapult PR

2 Romance, Nature & Great Fresh Air Fun Underpin Steamers Big News For 2015! Lake District visitor attraction, Ullswater Steamers is set to become a real force of nature during the 2015 tourism season, as it launches its fourth pier on England s most beautiful lake and opens up a whole new world of opportunity for walkers, sightseers and lovers of the arts. The new purpose-built jetty will be at Aira Point, near to the majestic Aira Force waterfall, said to be the most impressive cascade of water in the Lake District. The new pier is a joint project between the National Trust, which owns and manages the area around Aira Force, and Ullswater Steamers and will be the first Lake District jetty to be constructed in the last fifty years. The pier will open on May 23, This jetty will open up the western side of Ullswater to walkers and visitors and will also provide the Steamers with a new route, as well as new education/cultural tour options. It will allow visitors to disembark close to Aira Force and take the short walk, up to and around the waterfall before walking back to Glenridding Pier (around 3 miles), or cruise from the Aira Pier to Glenridding and then walk back to Aira Force. Having reached the Falls, visitors will find fabulous opportunities to see, photograph and sketch what is one of the most breathtaking sights in the Lake District. The new jetty will provide lake access to the western shore and the waterfall in a way that visitors have not enjoyed in the past. Walks & Wordsworth People have been visiting Aira Force since the 18 th century, but the 2015 season will see walkers taking to a new off-road path between Glencoyne Bay and Aira Force, as well as using reinstated, historic footpaths and another circular trail, created through the addition of a bridge with a viewing platform of the Falls. Glencoyne Bay is of literary importance, as it is where the poet Wordsworth first saw his daffodils (Lenten Lilies), while walking back to Grasmere with his sister, Dorothy, on April 15, In spring, walkers visiting Glencoyne Bay will see a similar delightful sight, as the daffodils still bloom along the lakeshore, at this spot, every Spring. The new cruise will provide an excellent opportunity to view them closer, from onboard. Stupendous as the waterfall is, for both the untrained eye and the geologist or geology student, who can appreciate in equal measure its roaring torrent of water tumbling 70 feet down into a chasm below, Aira Force is also of artistic importance.

3 The artist Joseph Mallord William Turner depicted the majesty of Aira Force in 1797 and his graphite on paper work is now housed in the Tate Collection, having been accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest in With the new film, Mr Turner, having been screened in the UK in Autumn 2014, there is sure to be much interest in Turner s work. Additionally, Aira Force is inextricably linked with the poet Wordsworth. The waterfall is steeped in the legend of Sir Eglamore and the lady Emma and surrounded by the history of the Crusades and the tragedy of loss. William Wordsworth s poem, The Somnambulist, presents the legend in verse, explaining how Sir Eglamore had to journey abroad, leaving the restless Emma behind. Emma began to sleepwalk, as she waited for her true love s return, but Sir Eglamore was unaware of this. He arrived back late one night and rested by the waterfall, so as not to awaken the house. He saw a figure that he thought to be a ghost, but then recognised Emma and reached out to her. His touch frightened her, in the midst of her sleepwalking, and she tumbled into the chasm below the waterfall. His efforts to save her were in vain and he lived, forever more, as a hermit by the waterfall. Today, some say they have seen the ghost of Emma around Aira Force. What is often the case is that visitors see the spectacular Aira Rainbow shining between the drops of water cascading down the ravine. Children may also claim to spot The Nozomi Bird, this being a character created by Anja Phoenix, in her Tale Trails series of family walks, which are based around myths rooted in Lake District culture. Whatever the reason for wishing to visit Aira Force, nature will not disappoint at this glorious spot and combining a visit with an Ullswater Steamer cruise will be a must-do activity in the Lake District in Please visit closer to the pier s opening in May for more information on fares and routes. Keep checking social media and the website for details of the NEW cultural and educational tours involving Ullswater Steamers and Wordsworth Trust and Dove Cottage, which will be on offer for the 2015 season. ENDS

4 The Divine Dozen Ullswater Steamers Funnels Fun, Creativity & Natural Experiences Through 12 Top Events Ullswater Steamers 2015 season may be headlined by the opening of Aira Pier, but it has a supporting line-up of fabulous events that offer specific reasons to visit stunning Ullswater and opportunities to do something different. Brand new for 2015 are three events that will please all the family. The first in the calendar is an exquisite new Dawn Photography Cruise experience, which will run on March 5 and then again on November 5, providing the opportunity to witness dawn over the lake at different times of year, if participants wish to book twice. Mark Littlejohn - an award-winning photographer specialising in photographing moody, atmospheric early morning conditions will run this experience. Participants will board a private charter for a 6am departure and spend 3.5 hours on board, learning how to capture the essence of dawn through the lens, with Mark s expert instruction. Tickets cost 45, which includes cruise, tuition and a complimentary tea or coffee. Participants need to dress in suitable clothing and bring breakfast with them. The second new event is a Superhero Weekend, taking place over the first May Bank Holiday (May 2-4, 2015) and encouraging all kids to dress up as their superhero, whether that is Batman, Supergirl, a pirate or a Power Ranger! All children under the age of 15, who are dressed as a superhero, will be eligible for free travel on the Steamers vessels, if accompanied by a full-fare-paying adult. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other. Families submitting photographs of their super heroes to Ullswater Steamers social media sites will enter a prize draw to win a prize. From August 7-8, the Steamers will be welcoming campers staying at sister caravan park, Waterfoot Park, on Ullswater, where a special RSPB Big Sleep Out event will be taking place. Those on the special camping weekend at the park, as well as those holding RSPB activity tickets, will receive a complimentary return cruise ticket from Pooley Bridge to Howtown, along with a self-guided RSPB trail for the 6-7 mile walk back to Pooley Bridge. RSPB activities will be on offer to those booking a holiday in a touring caravan or wigwam, or staying in their holiday home at Waterfoot Park, if they purchase a special RSPB ticket. Activities on offer from the RSPB will include a bat walk, campfire activities, Make a Bug a Home and bat box making. Self-guided activities will include den building and a trail walk from Ullswater Steamers pier. For more information visit or call

5 These events and offers may be new, but the popular events are still in the calendar, with some having a new twist. On February 28 and March 1, the Marmalade Madness event will see those boarding the 9.45am sailings travelling for free, if they have a full jar of marmalade in hand. This is to celebrate the staging of the annual international Marmalade Festival at Dalemain Mansion & Gardens, near Pooley Bridge and toast and marmalade can be enjoyed on board. Any jars of marmalade left behind by passengers will be donated to the Salvation Army in Penrith. Any Ullswater Steamers ticket holders will receive discounted entry into the Dalemain Marmalade Festival throughout the weekend Over Easter there will be another Teddies Go Free, which sees Ullswater Steamers encouraging children to give their teddy a day out. From April 3-16, children travelling with their teddy can board free-of-charge and also enjoy free HARIBO treats at the Pier Houses and fun colouring sheets on board the boats. The offer operates on the basis of one child going free with every full-fare-paying adult. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other. There will also be prizes for Best Dressed Bear and Give A Bear A Home if parents visit Ullswater Steamers social media sites. Families touring the area around the lake could also visit Lowther Castle & Gardens, where there will be a Teddy Bear Picnic over the Bank Holiday weekend. Every Wednesday from May 27 to August 26 will see special Fellsman Excursions taking place, giving passengers on the iconic steam railway, The Fellsman, operated by Statesman Rail Tours, the opportunity to book an optional excursion on a Cumbria Classic Vintage Coach and a one-hour cruise with Ullswater Steamers. More details can be found at or call , to book. Much-loved Fish Suppers will be available on board special Steamer sailings on every Tuesday evening from June 23 to August 25, when passengers can enjoy views of the lake as the sun sets, while listening to the music of Pete Lashley and tucking in to some tasty fish and chips (with a vegetarian option available). Tickets for these events will cost for an adult and 14 for children under the age of 13. The boat will sail for two hours on the lake, with Pooley Bridge Pier being the point of departure and disembarkation. Informative LDNP Commentary Cruises will be on offer on July 7 and 21 and August 4 and 18, enabling visitors to get a great feel for the lake, its geology, history and interesting wildlife, according to the date booked. The boats sail at 6.45pm from Glenridding Pier and return at 8.15pm and the ticket price is 12 for adults and 6 for children, including a cup of coffee/tea or squash.

6 On July 4, the super Birkett Cup Regatta Cruise will sail from Pooley Bridge and enable passengers to get out on the water and closer to the action in this superb sailing regatta, while enjoying the feel of an exclusive private charter. Departure is at 12.30pm and return at 3.30pm and tickets for this experience cost 20 for an adult and 10 for a child, which includes a glass of cava or squash. August will bring scurvy-ridden pirates to Ullswater and the Steamers will be embracing their seadog ways on two Pirate Cruises on August 21, during which water cannons, games on deck and pirate talk will be very much the order of the day. The cruises will sail at 11am and 2.30pm, giving pre-booked ticket holders a choice of which to choose to suit their schedule. Tickets cost 12 per pirate (under 3s go free) and this includes cruise, gold chocolate coins, tattoos, face painting and on-board games, as well as either tea/coffee or Parrot Squash. Prepare to get wet on this experience, but what else would you expect when on the high seas and flying under the colours of the Jolly Roger! If there is one cruise for which to get your name down fast, it is the Red Deer Rut RSPB Cruise, which sells out very quickly and is top of the wishlist of many families. In 2015, Red Deer Cruises will sail between October 8 and 11, so try to book your tickets as soon as they go on release. Tickets will cost for adult members of the RSPB and for non-members, with children half-price. The day starts with a cruise from Glenridding to Howtown, where the group, under RSPB guidance, transfer to a mini-bus and head into Martindale, to walk on the fell and observe the red deer herd at the time of the annual rut. Participants need to bring a packed lunch and suitable clothing and footwear and be capable of making a short and slight ascent on the fell, crossing a brook. The cruise leaves Glenridding at 10.30am and returns at 3.30pm, making this a long and memorable experience, interpreted throughout by RSPB experts, who will point out wildlife both on the lake and on the fell and allow participants to use their binoculars and scopes, to view the action up close. Seasonal cruises will end the year. A Halloween Ghostly Galleon cruise will take place twice on October 31, departing at 12.30pm and 2.30pm and full of monsters, magic and mayhem with magician Stu-Di-Doo. The 90-minute sailing is the perfect, novel Halloween experience and costs 12 per spook, with under-3s travelling for free. This covers the cost of the spooky 90-minute cruise, monster balloon and sweetie goody bag, as well as tea/coffee or Pumpkin Squash!

7 Then everyone s favourite bearded gent will be greeting children aboard Santa Cruises running two times on December 12, with departures at 10.30am and 1.30pm, both from Glenridding. Much mirth and merriment will be had on board during a 90-minute sailing, thanks to the Stu-di-Doo Christmas Magic Show and the antics of the Happy Elf. Children will also be able to meet Santa and post that all-important letter to him. Tickets cost per person, including 90-minute cruise, gift for each child, magic show and Christmas balloon. Adults will also receive a return ticket voucher and complimentary tea/coffee and mince pie, while under-3s are not forgotten and will receive a token gift. Put an event on board one of the Steamers in your days out diary for 2015 and you ll discover new ways of enjoying the lake and the stunning scenery around it, whether you are eight or eighty! More information about all events can be found at Tickets can be purchased online, or by calling Please remember to book for many of these popular events well in advance.

8 Ullswater Steamers Announces New Fare Options for 2015 The opening of a new jetty at Aira Pier is just one of the reasons why Ullswater Steamers is introducing new fare options in 2015, as well as offers that will save money in the family budget and enable visitors to enjoy two attractions through one joint, admission-saving ticket. Passengers who buy an online sail-all-day Round the Lake Pass (allowing you to hop on and off boats at your leisure) will pay: (adult) 6.55 (child) (family: 2 adults and 2 children) This represents a small discount by buying online and tickets can be upgraded to include an Aira cruise at the pier house, for a charge of 1.50 for an adult and 0.75 for a child. It includes a 50% off voucher for use with Ullswater Steamers sister attraction, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. Super Sail Saver There will also be a Super Sail Saver on offer. This is a five-day ticket for the price of three and will be valid on all scheduled services, including Aira Pier services. The five days do not have to be taken consecutively, as the ticket is valid for two weeks from the first pier of entry. This ticket costs: (adult) (child)

9 Triple Attraction Ticket Ullswater Steamers will have triple attraction tickets available for A triple attraction ticket will offer entry to both Lowther Castle & Gardens and Dalemain Mansion & Gardens, as well as an all-day cruise (excluding the route to Aira). The cost of a Triple Attraction ticket will be: (adult) (child) Season Ticket This ticket is ideal for anyone wishing to make multiple visits to Ullswater. Once a ticket is purchased, the holder just needs to download a form and send in their picture and ticket purchase reference, to order their season ticket. Alternatively, if they prefer, they can have a form sent out to them, so that the same process can take place. The season ticket covers travel on any scheduled service for a 12-month period, including the Aira Cruise option. It costs: (adult) (child) (family 2 adults + 2 children) Cycles can be carried on board for 1.50 and dogs can join scheduled services for 1.

10 Charter A Course for Ullswater! Ullswater Steamers gift vouchers will continue to be available in 2015, having become popular ways of marking occasions such as Mother s Day, Father s Day and birthdays. Vouchers can be purchased at in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 25 and 30. Those wishing to splash more cash on celebrations can go for a private charter, which provides a special occasion on board a glorious heritage boat, gliding across the lake, whilst guests sip their champagne against a backdrop of some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. Fabulous drone footage can be viewed here. Those wishing to hold a wedding reception on board a private charter can choose from a wide number of venues that can host civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies and then head to the lake for their private sailing and wedding breakfast. There is a 45 surcharge for sailings on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays and the quoted prices are for sailings from Glenridding. For quotes from Pooley Bridge, please contact Ullswater Steamers on Hire charges for a charter are from 650 per hour. You can then opt for an upgrade package, as follows: Diamond package sparkling pink Prosecco or Cava reception for up to 60 guests ( 100) Winter Wonderland package glass of mulled wine and mince pie for up to 30 guests ( 75) You can also tailor your charter by including entertainment, food from an approved caterer, wine and more. All vessels have mp3 compatible sound systems except Lady Dorothy. Birthdays, anniversaries, Christenings and retirement functions are all perfect celebrations to hold on our heritage boats, but if you are a company, you may be looking for an event based around teambuilding, a product launch or a book signing. We can not only offer you a high level of privacy for confidential meetings, but also superb organisation and even activity packages from approved supplier, Reach Beyond Adventure.

11 Your choice of boat will depend on your party s number and needs, but our event experts can help you tailor your experience. Our capacities are as follows: Raven Lady of the Lake Western Belle Lady Wakefield - up to 150 people, dependent upon catering arrangement. - up to 110 people - up to 100 people - up to 90 people We can advise which will give you your ideal base for your particular celebration or event and ensure that you have a glorious day out on the lake, whether you are hosting a wedding party, a children s birthday party (to which special guest and Ullswater Steamers mascot, Sammy the Squirrel, can be added to the guest list), or an experiential learning event for your team. Download a charter pack or corporate flyer at or call for more information. You can also come and talk to the team in person, to have a private tour around!

12 25 Fast Facts About Life In The Splash Lane 1. Lady of the Lake (1877) is believed to be the oldest working passenger vessel in the world. 2. In 1895, Raven was painted yellow, to mark the visit of German Kaiser, Wilhelm II, to Lowther Castle, home of the Yellow Earl, Lord Lonsdale. 3. Lady Wakefield was named thus (having been Berry Castle, Golden Cormorant and Totnes Castle previously) by HRH Princess Alexandra. 4. Lady Dorothy was originally a sea-going vessel and originates from Guernsey. 5. A six-year-old girl, Winifred Parkin, christened Raven as she entered Ullswater for the first time (1889). 6. Tour operator, Thomas Cook, was instrumental in ensuring that a second vessel worked the lake to help out Lady of the Lake. That second vessel was Raven, though she was not the preferred vessel. She only got her chance when the first choice, Wyvern, sank on Windermere in Lady Wakefield s sister ship, Seymour Castle (Devon Belle) went to Dunkirk, but didn t take part in Operation Dynamo. 8. Western Belle was a wartime heroine, carrying out evacuation runs from Plymouth in World War II. 9. Lady of the Lake has a rich history. She sunk at her moorings in 1881, then a second time, in 1958, before being damaged by a fire in She spent 14 years out of service, before being re-launched by politician, William Whitelaw, in Ullswater is a ribbon lake 205 feet (62m) deep at its deepest point and with three distinct reaches. 11. Ullswater is England s most beautiful lake and second largest too. 12. The landscape around Ullswater was shaped by the Ice Age and sculpted by three separate glaciers.

13 13. The lake s name may derive from Ulfr s Water Ulfr being a Viking lord. However, Ulf is the Scandinavian word for wool and it is said that Danes washed their fleeces in the lake. Ullr is also a Norse God, so the lake may be named after him. 14. Martindale, close to Ullswater, is said to be the last place in Cumbria at which fairies were seen. 15. Some believe King Arthur found Excalibur in Ullswater. 16. The lake was used for the testing of mini-subs during World War Donald Campbell broke the world water speed record on Ullswater on July 23, 1955 in the jet-powered Bluebird K There is a plaque to Donald Campbell next to the Glenridding Pier House. 19. Ullswater lies in the shadow of Hellvellyn the third highest mountain in England. 20. Wordsworth saw his famous Daffodils (Lenten Lilies) on Ullswater, on April 15, The lake is close to Aira Force a stunning waterfall to which services will run for the first time in 2015 passengers may even get to see the famous Aira Rainbow, over the Falls. 22. Wildlife found around the lake includes red deer, red squirrel and Holly Blue butterflies (in May). 23. Birdlife around the lake includes gulls, mallards, red-breasted merganser, goosander, kingfishers, cormorants, oystercatchers, buzzards, meadow pipit, lapwings, pied and yellow wagtails, peregrine falcons, ravens, tree-creepers and great spotted woodpecker. You can sometimes also spot osprey in passage over the lake. 24. Hallinghad Wood comes to life in spring with the small yellow flowers of the Tormentil. The wetter and boggier places around the lake are home to amazing sundews insectivorous plants that trap small insects and flies and feed upon them. Bilberry grows on the fells and juniper is being re-planted and protected from rabbits and sheep. 25. Various ancient stone circles can be found around the lake and the lake is steeped in legend. It is even believed that monsters used to dwell in its dark waters!

14 Ullswater Steamers Proves Why It s a Real Green Genie For many years now, Ullswater Steamers has been able to magic up funds for conservation work, being a real green genie within its idyllic Lake District setting. In 1998, it introduced a visitor donation scheme, to raise funds for the Tourism & Conservation Partnership (now Nurture Lakeland) to fund conservation projects within the Ullswater valley. A 10-pence donation on every passenger fare between Glenridding and Howtown was introduced and around 50,000 has so far been raised for Lake District conservation from this ticket and over 100 from online donations to Red Squirrel Visit Give Protect projects, proving how every online gift of a small amount can add up to big totals! Ullswater Steamers also raises funds for nature through special events, in which it partners with various environmental charities. In 2015, its Red Deer Rut cruises will be run in aid of the RSPB, to which all profits will be donated. Third party endorsement has proved the Steamers to be one of the country s most environmentally friendly visitor attractions. It was Highly Recommended at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2008 and 2011, Highly Commended at the Enjoy England 2012 Awards, a Cumbria Tourism Award winner in 2011 and a winner of the local Cumbrian CN Environmental Awareness Award in The Steamers also scooped Highly Commended in the visitor attraction category of the national Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) Awards It holds the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) accreditation and a Gold CBEN (Cumbria Business Environment Network) rating. The Steamers open up the world of nature to the visitor. By following bridle paths from the pier houses, linked by cruises, you can easily link up with a host of walking routes, whether you wish to tackle an easy four-hour lakeshore walk along Ullswater s eastern shore, or reach Hallin Fell by taking on a mini mountain stretch. Cycling also comes into its own around Ullswater, with a family option being a gentle cycle along the lakeshore and a more adventurous choice being one of the mountain bike routes around the Ullswater area. The Steamers loves to encourage green behaviour, so has cycle racks, electric cycle recharge facilities and electric car charge points.

15 Its education programme encourages children to learn more about nature and the world around them, in the belief that people have to be involved with nature in order to wish to protect it. An element of educational learning is woven into various school holiday events, where various environmental partners help get green messages across. The Steamers pier houses use sustainable materials and follow green practices, while interpretation panels and communications options, like MP3 commentary and mobile App, highlight different elements of life in and around the lake, be that the spawning of the Atlantic salmon, or the presence of the rare Schelly fish that lives in the lake. It all adds up to a very green approach to tourism and a reinvestment in the landscape in which the Steamers carries out its business. No wonder this tourism attraction is known as a green genie!