Keswick boat trips and boat hire

You can’t beat the peace and tranquillity of being out on the water, and there are few places better to do it than on the third largest lake in the Lake District – Derwentwater.

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Getting on Derwentwater

Just south of Keswick and surrounded by imposing, dramatic fells and dense woodland, Derwentwater is three miles (5km) long, one mile (1.6km) wide and has several landing stages dotted around its shores, where you can hop on and off the local launch service and go for a walk to take in the sights.

Keswick Launch
Islands of Derwentwater
Kayaking
Paddlebaording
Nicole End Marina

Keswick Launch Co.

If you want to sit back, relax and gaze in awestruck wonder at the jaw-dropping views of Skiddaw, Catbells and the Jaws of Borrowdale as you bob along around Derwentwater, then the 50-minute cruise with Keswick Launch is just the ticket. Beginning at the Keswick jetty, you can stay on for the whole journey or hop off at one of the other seven jetties around the shoreline and go for a little explore on one of the well-marked walking routes.

If you prefer the idea of being your own skipper and pootling round Derwentwater to explore the lake, its inlets, bays, beaches and intriguing islands (all owned and cared for by the National Trust) at your own pace, then you can hire a self-drive motorboat – or a rowing boat if you fancy giving your arms a workout.

You can rent a motorboat big enough for up to eight adults and set sail on a two-hour cruise around the lake – you can even go all Swallows and Amazons and land on three of the lake’s four main islands for a little adventure (Derwent Island is private, but does open to the public on five days a year), or pull into one of the bays dotted around the shore and have a picnic.

Keswick Launch Co.

Keswick Launch Co.
Derwentwater Foreshore
Keswick, Cumbria
CA12 5DJ

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The islands of Derwentwater

As we’ve said above, Derwent Island is private and you can only sail past it, but you are allowed to land on the other three as long as you don’t camp, light fires, or have a barbecue.

Rampsholme Island

Rampsholme is the baby of the four islands on Derwentwater and is named after the old Norse name for wild garlic, which grows in abundance there in spring.

St Herbert’s Island

Named for St Herbert, the saint who brought Christianity to Keswick and the surrounding area in 685AD and who used the island as a hermitage.

It also stood in for Owl Island in the film version of Swallows and Amazons.

Lord’s Island

Nearest to the shore – there used to be a drawbridge connecting them – Lord’s Island was once the home of the Earls of Derwentwater, and you can still see the foundations of the mansion that stood there.

Nowadays, the stretch of water between the island and the shoreline is a no-paddle zone to protect the wildlife that lives on the island.

Keswick Kayaking

You can get a different view of the Lake District by taking to Derwentwater or one of the rivers that lead from the lake in a Keswick Adventures guided kayak tour. Ideal for individuals and families, this fun activity lasts about three hours and all the equipment you need is supplied – just bring your swimsuit, a towel and a sense of adventure.

The experienced instructors will go over all the safety stuff and kayaking techniques you need to know before you get paddling, and they’ll also point out areas of interest and tell you stories as you glide gently through the water.

Keswick Kayaking with Keswick Adventures

Crosthwaite Road
Keswick
CA12 5PP

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Keswick Paddleboard and Canoe Hire

At Derwent Water Marina you can pick from paddleboards, sit-on and sit-in kayaks, canoes, pedalos and rowing boats to get afloat and navigate the serene surroundings, taking in the magnificent views as you make your way around the lake.

You can hire craft between April and October, and if you want to stay together as a family on board, there are rowing boats, canoes and pedalos that hold four people, as well as double and triple kayaks. You can also book onto one of their taster sessions or courses if you want to improve your skills.

Derwent Water Marina

Portinscale
Keswick
CA12 5RF

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Nichol End Marine

You can find Nichol End Marine in a gorgeous setting on the western shore of Derwentwater, near to the village of Portinscale. You can hire rowing boats, canoes, paddleboards and kayaks in a range of sizes to get out on the water, and if you’re an experienced sailor you can even rent a sailing boat.

Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are provided but they do recommend you bring a change of clothes in case you end up getting wet. Dogs and children are welcome, and there’s a café to warm up in after you’ve had your watery fun and a hot shower.

Nichol End Marine

Nichol End Marine
Portinscale
Keswick
CA12 5TY

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Keswick is a small town in England that is known for its picturesque scenery and its many outdoor activities. The town is situated in the Lake District, which is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and other outdoor pursuits.

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