Water Adventures in the Lake District
Cruise across Lake Windermere
A cruise on Lake Windermere is the most popular tourist attraction. Windermere Lake Cruises operate sailings every day of the year, except Christmas Day, with sailing times from 45 minutes to 3 hours.
Journeys start from Bowness, Ambleside or Lakeside but there are opportunities to break your journey to visit some of the other local attractions, making it the perfect day out.
Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboarding
You don’t have to go too far to hire canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, as there are many outdoor centres dotted around the lake.
Brockhole – the beauty of Brockhole is that it’s next door to Cragwood, opposite Merewood and a short walk or ride from Briery Wood.
Windermere Canoe Kayak is located in Bowness towards the Ferry, at Ferry Nab. They offer everything from taster sessions, guided tours, all the way to bespoke experiences.
Graythwaite Estate is located on the Western shore of Lake Windermere. They offer stand up paddleboarding, sit on top kayaks and canoes; instructed lessons or hire of the equipment. Or you may opt for a boat tour in the 10-seater RIB; a fine way to explore the lake with the option to stop at one of the lake shore waterholes.
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a great way to explore Windermere Lake and its islands. It’s a great activity for novices and families alike.
Boat hire is weather dependent and often seasonal, so it’s worth calling ahead to check availability.
Boat Hire
To explore the Lake in your own time and at your own pace, pop along to Bowness Pier and hire a self drive boat with Windermere Lake Cruises.
Rowing boats are available to hire from the wooden huts to the right of Bowness Promenade or from Waterhead Pier at Ambleside. No pre-booking necessary.
Wild Swimming
We have so many accessible rivers, lakes and tarns in the Lake District that we are really spoilt for choice. Come and try it out for yourself and get shown the ropes by our local wild swim guides who will share their experience and expertise with you, and look after you in the water.
Short Guided Wild Swims in the Lake District are usually half a day, morning or evening. Suitable for beginners and intermediate open water or wild swimmers.
