When you live in Cumbria there’s a danger of taking the world class scenery for granted.

So, here’s an idea for a day out on your doorstep to make you mindful of the wonderful landscape that surrounds us.

Windermere can look at its most stunning when the evening sun starts to dip slowly behind the Lakeland fells – it’s a magical time to be out on the water.

So why not head down to Bowness Bay and search out Windermere Lake Cruises’ classic “steamers” Mv Teal and MV Swan.

Every Saturday evening through the summer they take passengers out at 7pm on what’s known as the Buffet Cruise.

Along with spectacular evening views, the two-and-a-half-hour cruise includes a two-course cold buffet, live music and a fully licensed bar.

So, you can sit and enjoy your meal, and perhaps a little tipple, while you gently glide past the wonderful scenery and remember why you love this place so much.

Then, take to the dance floor as the resident band band ‘Trickle Charge’ plays a selection of Latin rhythms, mainstream jazz and tasteful pop while you cruise the entire length of Windermere.

The Buffet Cruises run from July 2 to August 27.

They are very popular so tickets need to be booked in advance through Windermere Lake Cruises.

And you also have the chance to enjoy simple evening cruises at sunset on Windermere for the first time in almost three years as those popular sailings have now been re-introduced.

The Evening Cruise, timed to catch the setting sun, last operated in the summer of 2019. The Covid pandemic saw sailings halted in both 2020 and 2021.

The sailings are perfectly timed to catch the sun setting behind the Lake District fells when the waters of England’s longest lake are bathed in glowing colours.

Up until July 17 they run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. From Friday July 22 the Evening Cruises run every evening until September 4.

So, why not take time out from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the peace and tranquillity of a Lakeland summer evening?

The wonderful thing about cruising on Windermere is the view is never the same.

It changes both through the seasons and throughout the day.

The light and colour can alter from hour to hour and that becomes really apparent when the sun is setting. It’s an evening out on your doorstep to remember