In and On the Water
Lake District Cruises and Watersports
“Believe me my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
So says Ratty to Mole in the classic novel ‘The Wind in the Willows‘.
2 Ways to Get in Or on The Water in The Lakes
It is the Lake District after all, so it would be a rum do if you didn’t spend at least some of your time on the water. Here’s a few ways you can get off dry land during your next visit.
Lake District Cruises
Windermere Boat Trips
The best way to see England’s largest lake is to book yourself on a tour with Windermere Lake Cruises.
They run a range of scenic cruises up and down the lake from various start points – and you can even combine a cruise with a visit to a local attraction or two to make a full day of it.
Keswick Launch Co.
Set sail on a peaceful 50-minute tour of Derwentwater on one of the Keswick Launch Co’s four launches and take in views of Skiddaw, Catbells and the Jaws of Borrowdale.
You can also hire a rowing boat or motorboat if you want to explore the lake and its islands at your own pace.
Ullswater ‘Steamer’
Ullswater can reasonably lay claim to being the Lake District’s most beautiful lake, so judge for yourself by climbing aboard one of the Ullswater ‘Steamers’.
Sailing the length of the lake from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge, you can also hop off at one of the four piers if you plan to walk part of the Ullswater Way.
Coniston Steam Yacht Gondola
Fancy chugging along on Coniston Water on a Victorian steam-powered yacht? Well, why wouldn’t you?
Run by the National Trust, the Steam Yacht Gondola is a real piece of Lake District history, and has been carrying passengers for over 160 years.
With three different cruises to choose from, including a full lake cruise, there’s no better way to take in the splendour of the surrounding fells.
Water Sports in the Lake District
SUP, Canoeing and Kayaking
The lakes of the Lake District are perfect for canoeing and kayaking. You can paddle through calm waters or explore the more challenging rapids.
The Lake District Gov site has a great guide with tips on where to hire equipment, and where to go once you have your kit.
Sailing in the Lake District
There are several sailing lakes in the Lake District, including Windermere, Ullswater, and Coniston Water. You can rent a boat or take a sailing lesson.
Fancy trying your hand at the tiller? Have a word with Chris Plumb at Sail Windermere.
Go wild swimming in the Lakes, Tarns, and Rivers
If you prefer to get in the water rather than on it, then have a go at wild swimming. As well as the lakes, the Lake District is full of tarns, rivers, streams, hidden pools and secluded coves to take the plunge in.
Take a look at our wild swimming guide, which tells you all you need to know about getting started, staying safe and some of the best places to dive in.
Ghyll scrambling in the Lake District
Ghyll scrambling is a fun and adventurous activity that involves scrambling over rocks and waterfalls in a mountain stream. It is a great way to get up close to the natural beauty of the Lake District.
Canyoning is a more extreme activity that involves abseiling, swimming, and jumping down waterfalls. It is a great way to test your limits and experience the thrill of adventure.
Discover more of the Lake District
With weekly articles highlighting the very best of the Lake District, there’s always something to get you inspired for your next trip!
If you’d like to be the first to hear of our guides, all our new property listings, events around the lakes, and our last-minute deals…
6 Walks from Ambleside town centre
If you’re staying in Ambleside, you don’t have to get in the car to start enjoying the jaw-droppingly beautiful Lake District scenery.
6 Walks in Coniston
Lakeside strolls, challenging climbs, scrambles, serene valleys, industrial remains, vast caverns, flooded quarries… Coniston has them all!
Ambleside boat trips and water sports
You can’t visit the Lakes without taking to the water at some point. And, one of the best ways to see the spectacular scenery is from a boat!
Hawkshead’s delicious cafés and restaurants
If hunger strikes when you’re wandering through Hawkshead, you’ll be spoilt for choice with everything from cosy pubs to traditional tearooms
Events in Ambleside
There’s always lots going on in bustling Ambleside – it is one of the most visited places in the Lake District, after all!
Places to eat in the Lake District
The Cumbrian food scene has never been tastier – with an abundance of incredible local ingredients on the doorstep
