Lake District boat hire: What to know before you go

It's no surprise that the Lake District is home to 12 of England’s largest lakes, and a boat trip is one of the best ways to see the National Park.

Don’t worry - you needn’t have any sailing experience! Here’s our guide to the options for Lake District boat hire.

Lake Windermere

Those camping near the Lake District’s most famous lake (pictured above) have plenty of choice when it comes to boat hire.

Taking to the water by rowing boat is a popular choice, and Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre offers rowing boat hire. The boats aren’t as rickety and old as you might fear! In fact, they are modern and stable and can hold up to five people.

The minimum age to hire the boats is 18 years old, and it costs £16 for two people, £21 for up to four people and £24 for up to five people for one hour’s hire.

The Watersports Centre also offers motor boat hire, if you fancy seeing the lake without having to take a turn on the oars. They have boats controlled by a 6hp outboard engine, can carry up to six people and have a steering wheel! There are different prices based on how many people and how long you want the boat - for example, £28 for two people for one hour.

Another option is a 4hp outboard engine with a tiller, which can carry up to four people. This is better suited for those who want to fish, as you can use oars to get closer to the shore. They are also cheaper than the 6hp at £23 for two people for one hour.

Or, if all of that sounds like a lot of hard work, how about really pushing the boat out by booking a sailing and fine dining trip on a top of the range yacht!

Derwentwater

Near Keswick you’ll find Derwent Water Marina. This is a great option for those who have no boating experience as they offer individual taster sessions in sailing, kayaking and canoeing, and windsurfing. Half-day taster sessions cost £65 per person and courses run from Easter to October (prices are discounted for groups bigger than two).

At the Marina you’ll also find courses that take you around the edge of the lake - perfect for those members of the family who wish to keep their feet on dry land!

Rock climbing and hill walking are two examples of fun sessions offered. Or meet halfway between the two with a scrambling course. This involves descending Stoneycroft Ghyll in a series of slides, jumps and scrambles – resulting in damp feet but a lot of fun and laughter! All courses cost £55 per person.

Ullswater

Of all the Lake District choices, Ullswater has the most relaxing atmosphere for those hiring boats. Lakeland Boat Hire has a wide range of boats including luxury yachts. You can also hire a rowing boat and float gently along, enjoying the breath-taking scenery. The lake is also renowned for fishing, with perch, eel and brown trout all caught regularly. Pack your fishing rod and get out on the water!

It's open weekends and school holidays, from 10am - 5pm, with the last hire at 4pm.

Coniston

Those staying near Coniston can try rowing, kayaking or canoeing, or sit back in an electric motor boat. The motor boats seat up to eight people, and prices are similar to Windermere at £20 per hour for two people.

Kids will love attempting to walk on water in a water-walking ball! This activity is available at weekends and at £5 a go, parents will be pleased to hear it won’t break the bank!

The whole family will enjoy sailing back in time when they climb aboard the National Trust’s Victorian steam-powered gondola. The gondola features both a luxurious saloon and an open-air deck where you can see the lake’s spectacular scenery. The 105-minute cruises depart from Coniston pier and cost £20.50 per adult, £10 per child, or get a family ticket (two adults, three children) for £51. There are themed cruises on different days, including an explorer theme! Check out the website for a list of themes and save 10% by booking online.

The Lake District National Park has a huge amount of spectacular scenery to see, with the star attractions being the lakes themselves. And what better way to see the lakes than from the water!

If you find yourself enjoying it, why not try a spot of fishing too?