motorboat hire ullswater

Travel With No Anchor

Inspirational content to spend more time outdoors, in blue spaces and experiencing Water Wellness.

The Best Boat Hire in the Lake District

Disclosure: We love how our audience helps us grow. This post may contain affiliate links. Please check our disclosure policy for more information.

There is no better way to explore the water than with a boat hire in the Lake District!

If you are thinking of taking to the waters of Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston and Derwentwater, all four lakes have plenty of self-drive boat hire options available – whether a motor boat, rowing boat, a sailing boat or even an electric one.

As with all boat hires in the Lake District, no experience is needed. You will be taken through safety information, how to drive the boats, guidance and advice on where to go, and all the safety equipment you need.

Hiring a boat in the Lake District can be of the most tranquil experiences on the lakes, or the most adventurous. It really is up to you.

Boat Hire Lake Windermere

Lake Windermere is the most popular and largest lake to explore. It also has the most boat hire options to choose from. There are so many we created a whole post about them! Check it out here and start planning your Lake Windermere adventure.

Boat Hire Coniston Water

Coniston Water is the third longest lake in the Lake District, and Coniston village is located on the western shore of the northern end of Coniston Water. The lake is about 5 miles long and half a mile wide. It is large enough to explore for hours in this popular Lake District boat hire location. Take in the views with a stunning mountain backdrop – a treasured moment to look back and smile on.

This great Coniston map and guide provides lots of information about where to find places of interest and facilities on and around Coniston Water.

Boat Hire is available from Coniston Boating Centre . Their small electric boat hires can accommodate up to 6 people. They can be hired for up to an hour so that you are never too far away from safety, and well-behaved dogs are welcome on board!

They also have a range of open canoes, kayaks, rowing boats, paddleboards, electric bikes and more to hire. Check out their website for more information, along with a live webcam.

Boat Hire Ullswater

As the second largest lake in England, Ullswater is over 7 miles long, but less than a mile across. There are dramatic views from both sides of the lake with 3 beautiful islands to explore and plenty of beaches, perfect for pulling up with a picnic.

Explore breathtaking views at your own pace with boat hire Ullswater from St Patrick’s Boat Landing . Powered by a 4hp outboard engine, these dog-friendly boats can carry up to 6 people. They are easy to operate and perfect for exploring. Boat hire is available for 1 or 2 hours.

St Patrick’s Boat Landing also offer fishing boats for hire . Choose from a 16ft Irish fly fishing boat or a 16ft spinning boat (both vessels are for 3 people max.) for a full or half-day. Own tackle must be provided as they do not provide this, and a standard National license is required to fish Ullswater. Licenses can be bought online or locally from the Patterdale Post office . Rowing boats and Canadian canoes are also available for hire.

Lakeland is another popular choice of Ullswater boat hire. Nestled on the lake’s northern end, Lakeland Boat Hire offers motorboats with front cabins to protect from the elements or smaller open boats to explore. Also available to hire are rowing boats and Canadian canoes.

For boat hire without a motor, Glenridding Sailing Centre offers a range of sailing boats, Canadian canoes, canoe rafts and kayaks for hire on Ullswater. RYA Sailing Tuition is also available along with lots of kid’s activities. Or how about a Kayaking Tour around Ullswater with Tall Bloke Adventures ?

If you are seeking a real canoe adventure, check out the 1 or 2 day Ullswater canoe trail. With its breath-taking scenery, it’s an ideal destination for canoeing enthusiasts in the Lake District. Find out more information about the trail and points of interest in this Eden River Trust information guide .

Boat Hire Derwentwater

Derwentwater in the northern Lake District region is 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. Explore this gorgeous lake at your own pace, cruising past its 4 islands. Now owned by the National Trust, they include Derwent Island ,  Lord’s Island ,  Rampsholme  and  St Herbert’s Island .

Travels and Wandering have a great inspirational post on the best parts of the lakes to visit with fantastic views in this guide to Derwentwater Lake .

Check out this map and guide for more information about the lake.

Derwentwater is probably one of the most fun options for boat hire in the Lake District due to the number of different islands, inlets and beaches to explore.

Hire a boat from Keswick Launch with a small onboard motor, perfect for up to 8 people. Boats can be hired for up to 2 hours. No booking is necessary – just turn up at their booking office. Rowing boats are also available for hire.

If driving your own boat doesn’t sound appealing, take one of their lake cruises . Enjoy the 50 minute round boat trip, or jump off (and back on again at some point!) at one of the 8 jetties around the lake and explore at your leisure. This is a perfect way to take in the entire lake by water and by land.

Fancy a slower paced water activity? Derwent Water Marina on the west side of the lake offers kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, rowing boats and pedalos to hire.

Do you have a favourite boat hire in the Lake District? Or boat hire on Ullswater? Are you planning on visiting and hiring your own boat? We would love to know your thoughts in the comments below.

Related Posts

The Best Boat Hire in Windsor

The Best Boat Hire on the Norfolk Broads

The Best Beaches in Chichester, UK

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

St Patrick's Boat Landing

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

ST PATRICK'S BOAT LANDING (Glenridding) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Boat Hire on Ullswater

Our Boat Hire on Ullswater is run from a stunning lakeshore location, and our usual hire area includes 3 beautiful islands and numerous beaches. Perfect for exploring and picnics!

Our fleet of sailing boats, Canadian canoes, canoe rafts (perfect for families) and kayaks may be hired for any period from an hour to a full day. Safety boat cover is provided. Buoyancy aids are provided and we ask that they are worn at all times.

Hire is normally restricted to the (quite extensive) area that is within range of our rescue boat and our field of view. Please listen to the hire briefing as we may need to restrict this area in the event of poor weather.

(Sorry, no power boats, inflatables or rowing boats are available)

Sailing Boat Hire

We have sailing dinghies for every ability and temperament, and if you hanker after a more traditional approach then try one of our ‘Traditional boats’. These tend to offer a more sedate sail and are ideal for families.

Canoe, Raft & Kayak Hire

Our canoes are ‘Canadian’ style open canoes for two or three people. They are made of tough plastic and are easy to paddle. We can raft 2 canoes together, great for extra stability, families with small kids etc. We also have 1 and 2 person sit-on kayaks for the more adventurous who don’t mind getting wet.

(well behaved dogs are allowed at your own risk)

1 person Kayak

Single person, sit on top Kayaks. Great for exploring the lake shores and islands.

3 hours £50

Full day £85

Double Kayak

Two person, sit on top Kayaks for the more adventurous paddler who doesn’t mind getting a bit wet! 

3 hours £60

Full day £105

Canoe / Canoe Raft

 ‘Canadian’ style open canoes for 2/3 people. We can also raft 2 canoes together, great for families!

Topper Topaz

Fun, fast singlehander with a simple rig, similar to the Laser Pico. Great for kids. 

3 hours £70

Full day £125

Fast exciting singlehander, suited to sailors with experience in sailing similar boats. 

Seafly Dinghy

Very responsive, stable 14ft dinghy, a delight to sail! 

3 hours £85

Full day £145

Laser Stratos

Faster and larger than the Seafly dinghy at 16ft. 

Traditional Boat

Very stable, beautiful boats with traditional gaff rig. 17ft – can carry up to 5 people.

3 hours £110

Full day £190

Had a lovely morning sailing on Ullswater in one of the traditional boats. Staff were really friendly and helpful. Stunning scenery and so peaceful. Will definitely visit again!

Lakeland Boat Hire

Ullswater cumbria.

Lakeland Boat Hire is a small family owned and operated leisure service nestled on the mouth of the river Eamont at the head of Lake Ullswater. Situated close by is the village of Pooley Bridge. Car parking and tourist information is available in the village. There are many campsites within walking distance as well as first class B&B/self catering facilities.

We are open from Easter to end of Septenber (Weather permitting). Our opening hours are 11am – 4pm. Last hire approximatelyone hour before close. All boats are available on a first come first served basis. Generally we cannot accommodate large groups but it may be possible at quieter times.

Safety is the number one priority at Lakeland Boat Hire. There is always a safety craft on standby during opening hours. All customers are provided with a buoyancy aid and safety instructions and all boats are fitted with the required safety equipment which is fully maintained enabling you to sit back, relax and enjoy the lake.

The staff at Lakeland Boat Hire are trained to a high standard, are uniformed and well mannered helping you to get the most out of your visit. Every year more and more people return to enjoy the whole experience of Lakeland Boat Hire, we look forward to seeing you.

Our boats located at the lake end, just 400metres from Pooley Bridge

Our boats with Hallin Fell in the distance

Early morning just before opening

A winter sun set

Boat Hire and Lake Cruises

Often overlooked, the Lake District is great for boat hire and cruises . If you are looking for things to do in the Lake District, it might not be the first thing you think of, but it is a great way to see another side of the lakes. There are four main lakes in Cumbria, where visitors can enjoy a cruise or hire boats .  In the north of the county, there’s Derwentwater and Ullswater, whilst in the south, there’s Windermere and Coniston Water.

Derwentwater

Keswick Launch

Within a short walk from Keswick town centre is the Keswick Launch.  For cruises , rowing boats and self-drive motor boat hire , check out the Keswick Launch website:  www.keswick-launch.co.uk

Derwent Water Marina

Hire Kayaks , Canoes , Rowing Boats , Sailing Dinghies and Windsurfers .  They also offer tuition for all the activities and can arrange guided trips around the lake.   www.derwentwatermarina.co.uk

Nichol End Marina

Hire Kayaks, Canoes, Rowing Boats, Sailing Dinghies, motor boats and Windsurfers. They also offer tuition for all the activities and can arrange guided trips around the lake.   www.nicholendmarine.co.uk/activities.php

Ullswater Steamers

Take a leisurely cruise on Ullswater on one of the fantastic Ullswater Steamers or combine it with a walk.  www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

Glenridding Sailing Centre

Sailing boats, canoes and kayaks can be hired, plus tuition is also offered.  www.glenriddingsailingcentre.co.uk

Lakeland Boating Hire, Pooley Bridge

Motorboats, canoes and rowing boats can be hired.  www.lakelandboathire.co.uk

St Patrick’s Boat and Bike Hire

Motor boats, rowing boats and mountain bike hire.   www.stpatricksboatlandings.co.uk

Ullswater Caravan Camping and Marine Park

Bring your own boat to use on the lake or take part in some of the activities offered.   www.ullswatercaravanpark.co.uk

Windermere Lake Cruises

A large fleet of cruisers and steamers; why not combine a ride with our  Brockhole to Ambleside walk?    www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

Low Wood Watersports Centre

Hire and tuition for motor boats, rowing boats, kayaks, canoes, waterskiing and more.   www.englishlakes.co.uk/watersports/index.aspx

Windermere Lake Holidays

Houseboats and moorings.   www.lakewindermere.net

Coniston is much quieter than its neighbour, Windermere, in the south of the county and offers fantastic scenery.

Coniston Boating Centre

The Coniston Boating Centre has a range of choices, including Electric boats, motor boats, rowing boats, sailing dinghies, open Canadian canoes and kayaks. You can even save 10% if you book online over the walk-up prices.    www.conistonboatingcentre.co.uk/blog/offers

Motor Boats:

These guys can seat up to 8 people, so you can explore the beautiful scenery of Coniston Water.

Rowing Boats:

The classic row boat. If you want to see the beautiful scenery, whiteout the distraction of a motor, then this is the way. The serene feeling of being one with nature is just beautiful.

Canadian Canoes

These are probably my favourite type of watercraft simply because everyone can row, unlike a rowing boat where it’s left to one poor person. These are often used in team-building exercises for this exact reason – great fun for everyone.

Paddleboards

Like a surfboard for when there is no surf, so you get a paddle instead. Great fun and a good test of balance for those interested in surfing.

Sailing dinghies

For the avid sailer, they also have sailing dinghies; why not give it a go?

Coniston Launch

Take a leisurely cruise on Coniston or combine it with a walk.   www.conistonlaunch.co.uk

Lake District Coast

There are three main towns with marinas:

• Barrow-in-Furness

Free Attractions

• Entries feed
• Comments feed
• WordPress.org

ST PATRICK'S BOAT LANDING

ROWING BOAT

Persons                 1/2 hour      1 hour      2 hour

1 - 2                           £14              £22            £32

3 - 5                          £16              £25            £35

Licensed to carry 5 people

Buoyancy aids provided 

No experience required, instruction given prior to hire

Ability to land on the shores and islands

1 person in the party must be over 16 to hire a rowing boat

Dog-friendly