The Best Boat Hire on Lake Windermere

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Explore the largest and most popular lake in England with your own boat hire on Windermere. Rent your own little boat as you take in the picturesque surroundings, cruising past the pretty lakeside towns, all whilst relaxing and soaking in the welcomed fresh air. This is considered the best way to enjoy life at Lake Windermere.

Heading to Ullswater, Coniston and Derwentwater? Check out this full post about the best boat hire on these other gorgeous Lake District lakes.

No experience is needed for these boat hires. You’ll be taken through all the safety information. This includes how to drive the boat, where to navigate, what the different markers mean, where to avoid and how to get the most of your time on the lake. With a safety boat never too far away if you need it, there’s every reason to thoroughly enjoy this experience. Just try and ensure you arrive early to take all this information in and avoid losing valuable time out on the water.

All hire boats are restricted in speed to match Lake Windermere’s slower pace of life!

Check out this Windermere Lake User Guide before you head out to get more of an idea of what to expect. With over 5 square miles of accessible lake, there is plenty of time and space to relax and enjoy the sound of the water. For the kids, use this Spotter’s Sheet full of highlights to look out for, with information and facts all about the lake.

There are plenty of boat hire options to choose from. All the boats are reasonably sized, some electric, some slightly older, some more luxurious. It all depends on your own personal style. Fishing boats are also available.

Choose from an hour to the whole day – it is about doing things your way.

Most Lake Windermere boat hires are dog-friendly. However, it is best to double-check with the operator before booking.

Interested to see what the lake looks like today? Check out these Windermere live webcams from 3 locations – Lakeside Pier, Bowness and Ambleside (Waterhead) Pier.

A couple of tips for your boat hire on Lake Windermere experience

If you are exploring during peak times, head to Waterhead, near Ambleside. You’ll find it a bit quieter in this northern part of the lake, and it can be easier to book your boat hire (notably with Windermere Lake Cruises – Boat Hire). The area around Bowness Bay and Windermere is known to get exceptionally busy.

Wanting a really tranquil experience? Opt for one of the newer electric boats. They are much quieter than traditional motors (or choose a rowing boat, but that doesn’t sound like quite as much fun!)

Special occasion? Romantic experience? Book one of the many eco-friendly electric boats available, often the highest upgrade, and you won’t be disappointed by the experience. Why not even ask if a special little something can also be arranged before you step onboard with your loved one? Both Aquatic Boat Hire and Bowness Bay Marina Boat Hire offer these eco-friendly, romantic electric hire boats on Windermere.

For adrenaline, head to Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre.

For value for money and those being a bit more budget-conscious, choose from Aquatic Boat Hire or Windermere Lake Cruises – Boat Hire, as both offer 1 or 2 hour boat hire sessions.

Aquatic Boat Hire, Lake Windermere

Based at Windermere Quays.

Three different boat hire options are available from Aquatic boat hire. All boats can be hired by the hour.

Hop onboard their Mystic boat for a truly easy to drive experience. With a quiet electric motor, it has a front cabin for protection from the elements. Suitable for up to 6 people.

Go for luxury with their Fantail boat. This newest boat to the fleet aims to give the ultimate lake experience. Spacious seating with a table for up to 10 people, protection from the elements, Bluetooth speakers and an eco-friendly electric motor are available onboard. The hardest thing will be leaving it behind at the end of your hire!

Choose the Pioner Boat; an open boat for those looking to go fishing. It is suitable for up to 6 people. This fun little boat gets pretty close to the water, making for a different experience from the usual lake boats. It is powered by a small petrol outboard motor with central console steering. This is one of the cheapest options available for boat hire on Windermere.

Windermere Lake Cruises – Boat Hire

Based at Bowness Beach, Bowness Dock and Ambleside (Waterhead).

It’s hard to miss this popular boat hire on Lake Windermere with all their little white and red boats bobbing around! Perfect for up to 6 people, these electric self-drive boats are great for either one or two hour hires. They have comfy seating onboard, are easy to drive and have a rollback roof to suit all weather.

Check out this video from Our Van Life With Kids to get a great idea of what to expect during your boat hire experience:

Windermere Lake Cruises also offer rowing boats for hire.

Bowness Bay Marina Boat Hire

Bowness Bay Marina Boat Hire on Windermere takes great pride in its premier offering.

A minimum of 2 hours must be booked.

With 3 different types of boats available, there is something for everyone. Their standard boat hire is ideal for up to 8 people and powered by a quiet electric motor. These are easy to drive and have a front cabin for protection from the weather.

Their Premium boats offer a bit more class and comfort. Up to 6 people can climb onboard with comfy seating, a table, some front cabin protection and Bluetooth speakers/FM stereo onboard.

Book their Premium Plus boat for up to 8 people and experience the magic that boat hire in Lake Windermere offers. It’s comfortable. It’s got style. Class. And it’s super modern and quiet. What more could you want!

Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre

Based between Windermere and Ambleside.

Stay at the English Lakes Hotel and receive 10% off all watersports activities and courses.

Go for something a bit different with Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre. They have the standard self-drive motor boats available for up to 6 people. These little boats are well protected from the weather with their front cabin and offer everything you need. However, their hire periods are for 4 or 8 hours.

Looking for a bit more adrenaline? Why not book one of their Windermere Wakesurfing or Kneeboarding sessions? They’ll take you out on one of their stylish ski boats, and whether you’re a complete beginner or have done it all before, you’ll have a serious amount of fun!

Canoe, kayak and stand up paddleboard hire are available for something a bit more relaxing!

Do you have a favourite boat hire on Lake Windermere? Are you planning on booking a boat soon? We would love to know in the comments below.