Jet-powered hydroplane displayed at Glenridding pier to mark Campbell’s 1955 world record

Seventy years after Donald Campbell shocked the world by pushing his jet-powered hydroplane Bluebird past 200mph on Ullswater, the iconic vessel returned to its original record-setting site in a moving tribute attended by admirers and Campbell’s daughter.

Displayed beside Glenridding Pier for one day only, Bluebird drew dozens of onlookers as the surrounding fells of the Lake District towered in the background. The display marked the exact spot where Campbell set his first water speed world record of 202.32mph in 1955, defying contemporary experts who believed such a feat on water would result in catastrophe.

“It’s really humbling,” said Gina Campbell, visibly emotional as she stood beside the famed craft. “After all these years, to see the interest in what my father achieved—it makes me pinch myself. He left a huge legacy for me, my family, and our nation.”

Campbell’s career was defined by audacity and resilience. After that early success at Ullswater, he went on to break multiple water and land speed records. His relentless pursuit of speed ended in tragedy on 4 January 1967, when Bluebird somersaulted on Coniston Water during an attempt to exceed 300mph.

“Looking at doing 200mph on water 70 years ago—it almost seems inconceivable,” said Gina. “He must have had a heart of absolute steel.”

The return of Bluebird was organised in collaboration with Ullswater Steamers and the Ruskin Museum, the Coniston-based institution that now houses the restored craft in a purpose-built wing. Museum director Tracy Hodgson described the return to Ullswater as a historic moment.

“Ullswater will always be a special place in the Campbell story,” said Hodgson. “We’re honoured to display Bluebird K7 so close to where she first launched. It’s a very special piece of British high-speed motoring history.”

Visitors were treated to a unique experience aboard selected cruises. As the steamer glided past the still waters, anniversary commentary guided them through the story of Campbell’s record-breaking attempt, highlighting the very mile where the history was made, now marked by two commemorative buoys.

The event not only honoured Campbell’s legacy but also gave enthusiasts a rare up-close view of the hydroplane. Originally wrecked in the 1967 crash, Bluebird was recovered from Coniston in 2001 and painstakingly rebuilt by engineers on Tyneside. A years-long dispute over ownership was settled last year, finally placing the restored vessel under the care of the Ruskin Museum.

There are now plans to return Bluebird to the water again. In 2026, it is expected to run once more on Coniston Water, piloted by Australian Dave Warby—son of Ken Warby, another water speed legend. The symbolic handing of the throttle to a second-generation record-seeker only deepens the story’s emotional resonance.

As the sun set over Ullswater on Tuesday evening, the Bluebird glistened against the lake’s rippling waters—just as it did seven decades earlier. It wasn’t just a mechanical marvel on display, but the spirit of a man who dared to imagine the impossible on water.