Bowness & Windermere Boat Trips & Hire
You can’t visit Windermere without taking to the water – it’s one the best ways to see all that spectacular scenery that surrounds the lake, after all.
This post is part of the Lakeland Retreats guide to Windermere & Bowness >
There are plenty of options to hop on board
From cruise companies offering a range of routes and stop-offs up and down the length of the lake, to rowing boats, kayaks and self-drive motorboats you can hire if you want to travel under your own steam.
Below is a list of the main players.
Windermere Lake Cruises
Offering cruises from 45 minutes to three hours on England’s largest lake, Windermere Lake Cruises set sail from Bowness, Ambleside or Lakeside – or 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.
From steamers (that hold over 500 passengers) to modern and traditional wooden launches, as well as self-drive motorboats for hire, their fleet has something for everyone. Dogs are welcome to exercise their sea legs on board too.
Windermere Ferry
Operated by the local council, the Windermere Ferry carries cars, bikes and foot passengers across Windermere from Ferry Nab in Bowness on the east side of the lake to Far Sawrey on the west side.
It only takes about 10 minutes to get across, but beware, the ferry doesn’t operate when the weather isn’t playing ball so always check before you set off.
Windermere boat hire
VIP Lake Tours
Want to feel like a VIP while you’re cruising on the water? Then, make VIP Lake Tours your first port of call. You can book a private skippered cruise on a luxury motorboat for up to three adults or two adults and two children and explore Windermere in style.
They run a range of cruises from one to four hours – including one that takes in some of the 18 islands that are dotted around the lake.
Brockhole Boat Hire
Whether you want to explore the beauty of the lake in a self-drive motorboat, or get energetic in a rowing boat, kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, you can hire just what you need to get out on the water down at the lakeshore at Brockhole.
Lowood Bay Sports
If you’re already a seasoned sailor and hold the necessary qualifications, you can hire a sailboat or sailing dinghy from the fleet owned by the Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre.
And if you’re not a sailor but want to learn – you can do that there too. They also rent out stand-up paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, pedalos and self-drive motorboats (for up to six people).
More parking and transport options around the Lake District
Lake District bike hire
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride along the lake shore or a more challenging biking adventure, you’ll find something to enjoy
Visiting the Lake District in March
Planning to visit the Lake District in March? Good idea. Winter’s packing its bags and the first signs of spring are creeping in!
Visiting the Lake District in April
If you’re planning to visit the beautiful Lake District in February, you can expect snow-capped fells, quieter roads, and fewer crowds!
Visiting the Lake District in February
If you’re planning to visit the beautiful Lake District in February, you can expect snow-capped fells, quieter roads, and fewer crowds!
Keswick car parks – when and where can I park?
Keswick is the most popular tourist destination in the northern Lake District so, as you might expect, parking is at a premium
Finding a Lake District parking place and other transport tips
Check out these alternate ways to get around or the best places to get parked once you reach your destination town or village.
Looking for Parking in Coniston?
It’s an age-old problem in the Lake District. Where can I park? It’s a beautiful place so everybody wants to come. And most people drive..
Parking In Windermere – When and Where can I park?
It’s beautiful here so everybody wants to come. Which means it gets busy, so parking is at a premium and it’s not cheap
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 Parking – 2 places to find a space
Hawkshead village centre is a car-free zone, however there are still a couple of car parks and ways to get into and around the village!
Where can I park in Ambleside?
It’s an age-old problem in the Lake District. Where can I park? It’s a beautiful place so everybody wants to come. And most people drive..
Visiting the Lake District without a car
There are lots of ways to see the Lakes. If you feel like taking a break from driving then check out these alternate ways to get around
Cottages in Windermere & Bowness
Get away from it all in one of our cosy Windermere cottages.
Experience the natural beauty of The Lake District with high-quality accommodation and unique amenities for couples, groups, and families!
Book today
The Lakeland Retreats guide to Bowness & Windermere
Things to do in Windermere for couples
A few days away just for the two of you. Sounds heavenly, right? And we can’t think of anywhere better to spend it than in the Lake District.
Things to do in Windermere for families
Base yourself in the thick of things in Windermere or Bowness and you’ll find no shortage of things to get up to during your stay
Parking In Windermere – When and Where can I park?
It’s beautiful here so everybody wants to come. Which means it gets busy, so parking is at a premium and it’s not cheap
Bowness & Windermere Nightlife – Going out on the town
If you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain, then you couldn’t be in a better place – you can get both in abundance in the Lakes
Bowness and Windermere Shops
You’ll find a huge range of shops selling everything from unique local gifts to everyday essentials. Here’s a flavour of what you can expect
What’s on in Windermere & Bowness?
In Bowness & Windermere – indoors and out, rain or shine, on or off the water, you’ll never be short of something to do
11 of the best places to eat in Bowness and Windermere
There are so many cafes and restaurants that you could eat somewhere different every day. Sounds like our kind of holiday!
5 Unmissable Easy Windermere Walks
Grab the kids, grab the dog, grab your gran! Here are our picks for the best steps per smile walks from Windermere and Bowness
10 pubs to visit in Windermere & Bowness
Like stepping into the heart of Lake District community. These places aren’t just about grabbing a drink; they’re hubs of social connection
Indoor activities Windermere
When the weather isn’t behaving itself and you don’t feel like getting soaked to the skin, it’s time to explore the great indoors
The 6 Best Afternoon Teas in Windermere & Bowness
Is there anything more quintessentially English than afternoon tea? And is there anything better than afternoon tea in the Lake District?
Outdoor Activities in Windermere and Bowness
Hiking on the fells, getting out on the water, or taking part in sporting activities to get the blood pumping
