The Lake District National Park offers a diverse range of boat hire options, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of its lakes and waterways. From leisurely cruises to self-driven adventures, the park provides a unique opportunity to discover the region’s breathtaking landscapes from a different perspective.
Main Lakes for Boat Hire
Derwentwater
- Keswick Launch: Offers cruises, rowing boats, and self-drive motor boat hire.
- Derwent Water Marina: Rents kayaks, canoes, rowing boats, sailing dinghies, and windsurfers, with tuition and guided trips available.
- Nichol End Marina: Also offers kayak, canoe, rowing boat, sailing dinghy, and windsurfer rentals, along with tuition and guided trips.
Ullswater
- Ullswater Steamers: Provides leisurely cruises and combination walks.
- Glenridding Sailing Centre: Rents sailing boats, canoes, and kayaks, with tuition available.
- Lakeland Boating Hire, Pooley Bridge: Offers motorboat, canoe, and rowing boat rentals.
- St Patrick’s Boat and Bike Hire: Rents motor boats, rowing boats, and mountain bikes.
Windermere
- Windermere Lake Cruises: Operates a large fleet of cruisers and steamers, with options to combine with walks.
- Low Wood Watersports Centre: Offers motorboat, rowing boat, kayak, canoe, and waterskiing rentals, along with tuition.
- Brockhole lakeshore: Rents self-drive boats, rowing boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
Coniston
- Coniston Boating Centre: Rents electric boats, motor boats, rowing boats, sailing dinghies, and more.
Safety and Regulations
- Windermere Registration: Powered boats on Windermere require a current registration, including those with outboard or electric motors.
- Lake Byelaws: Ensure compliance with local byelaws and regulations for boating activities.
- Safety Tips: Follow safety guidelines and advice from Lake Rangers to ensure a safe boating experience.
Additional Resources
- Lake District National Park Website: Provides detailed information on boating activities, safety, and regulations.
- Local Guides and Centres: Visit local boating centres and guides for specific information on boat hire and activities.
Cost and Timings
- Cost: Prices vary depending on the type of boat and duration of hire. For example, rowing boat hire at Brockhole on Windermere starts at £20 for 1 hour.
- Timings: Operating hours and availability may vary depending on the location and season. It is recommended to check with individual centres for specific timings and booking requirements.
Guided Tours
- Guided Kayak and Canoe Tours: Available at various locations, including Derwent Water Marina and Glenridding Sailing Centre.
- Luxury Skippered Yachting Experiences: Offered by Lakeland Adventures on Windermere.
Accommodation and Planning
- Accommodation Options: The Inn Collection Group offers a range of quality accommodations across the Lake District.
- Planning Resources: Utilize guides and resources from the Lake District National Park and local boating centres to plan your trip and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Lake District National Park’s boat hire options provide a unique and unforgettable way to explore its stunning lakes and waterways. Whether you prefer a leisurely cruise, a self-driven adventure, or a guided tour, the park offers a diverse range of experiences to suit all interests and skill levels. With safety regulations, cost information, and planning resources readily available, visitors can plan their perfect Lake District boating adventure with confidence.
References
- https://golakedistrict.co.uk/boat-hire-lake-cruises/
- https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-go/explore-windermere-and-ambleside/boat-hire-and-cruises-on-windermere
- https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/things-to-do/water
- https://www.inncollectiongroup.com/locations/lake-district/boat-hire/
- https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/things-to-do/water/boating