Ambleside boat trips and water sports

About 15 minutes’ walk from the centre of Ambleside, down by the lake shore you can find Waterhead – the pier where Windermere Lake Cruises operate from.

They offer a range of cruises (you can also set sail from Bowness and Lakeside) and if you buy a Freedom of the Lake ticket, you can get unlimited travel on their Blue, Red, Yellow and Green cruises for 24 hours. The Red and Green cruises launch from Waterhead, and well-behaved dogs are welcome on board too.

Windermere Lake Cruises

015394 43360

Ambleside Pier
Waterhead
LA22 0EY 
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There are 5 car parks close by to Ambleside pier.

Red Cruise

Setting sail on a ‘steamer’ or a modern launch, the Red Cruise covers about half the lake between Ambleside and Bowness, and you can choose to stay on board and take the 70-minute circular route to relax and enjoy the gorgeous views or hop off at Bowness to see the sights and catch a later boat back to Ambleside.

The modern launches also stop off at Brockhole (where you can easily spend all day getting stuck into all the activities before heading back to Waterhead) and the Windermere Jetty Museum.

Green Cruise

On the Green circular cruise, which is ideal for families looking for a day of adventure, you’ll climb aboard a traditional wooden launch at Waterhead and sail around the northern end of Windermere (it takes about 50 minutes).

Or, you can get off and enjoy the quirky gothic delights of Wray Castle and go for a woodland walk (don’t forget to check out Joey’s Café while you’re there) or jump off at Brockhole to make a more energetic, activity-filled day of it before catching a boat back to the pier in Ambleside.

Motorboats

Really easy to drive, you don’t need any previous experience to skipper your own motorboat as you’ll be told everything you need to know get boating and stay safe while you’re out on the water before you start – there will also be buoyancy aids for everyone on board, just in case.

You can hire boats for either one or two hours and up to six people (and a dog) can set sail.

Rowing Boats

If you want to take things slow and be a bit Swallows and Amazons about your day, then a traditional wooden rowing boat is the way to go.

The boats hold up to four people and you can even take your dog on board.

You’ll be told everything you need to know before you pick up your oars and there are buoyancy aids on board if you come a cropper. Don’t worry, the safety boat is never too far away if you do need to be rescued.

Self-Drive Motorboats

You can hire a motorboat for 2,4 or even 8 hours if you want to make a whole day of it. The boats are easy to drive, hold up to six people (and a well-behaved pooch) and you’ll get full instructions and safety info before you set off.

Canoes and Kayaks

You can hire easy-to paddle, single or double sit-on-top kayaks, or open canoes for up to 3 people – you’ll need to work together to make sure you don’t go round in circles! 2 and 4 hour hires available.

Pedalos

Let your feet do the work when you rent a pedalo – it’s a fun way to explore the lake for up to 4 people. 2 and 4 hour hires available.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

While we can’t promise Hawaiian-style weather, you can bring a touch of Waikiki to Windermere by having a go at stand-up paddleboarding. It’s great fun, easy to learn, and a wetsuit is provided, because chances are, you will get wet if it’s your first time. 2 and 4 hour hires available.