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With lakes, rivers, tarns and more, taking to the water is a quintessential Lake District experience. There are plenty of ways to do so, with activity centres and expert guides offering local knowledge and equipment hire to help you make the most of your trip. Sailing, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiring a boat or just sitting onboard a lake cruise while someone else does the steering: take your pick and enjoy an adventure on the water, with something for all ages and abilities.
Staying safe on the water
Whatever the activity, the Lake District, Cumbria, is a great place to enjoy a whole host of watersports. But before you do so, there are a few things you’ll want to be aware of to help you prepare, and stay safe when out on the water.
First things first, as with any outdoor activities in the Lake District, Cumbria, ask yourself the three #AdventureSmart questions:
- Do I have the right gear?
- Do I know what the weather will be like?
- Am I confident I have the knowledge and skills for the day?
The Right Gear
Making sure that you have the right equipment is key to helping you have a fun, safe watersports experience. Alongside having a good boat or paddleboard if that’s your chosen activity, you will also need a fully functioning buoyancy aid; a wetsuit if needed; a bright hat; and a tow float. A waterproof case for your phone is a great idea, as you will need to take this with you in case you need to call for help. If you don’t have your own equipment, there’s no need to worry: there are plenty of places to hire watersports gear across the Lake District, Cumbria, with expert guidance on hand too.
The Weather
We Brits love to talk about the weather, and planning our outdoor adventures is no exception! Before you head for the water, make sure to check the forecast. If things are looking a little wet or cold, don’t be afraid to change your plans! We’ve got some fantastic indoor activities to enjoy, from adventurous pursuits like climbing to cultural exploration at one of our museums and galleries.
You don’t need us to tell you that the great British weather can be unpredictable at the best of times, and this can have a dramatic impact on water conditions. Be prepared for changes in weather, and check the predicted currents and tides before you go.
The skills and knowledge
We know you’re raring to go, but it’s important to be aware of your own ability and limitations. Be honest with yourself and, if you feel like you do need some extra assistance, we’ve got plenty of brilliant guides and instructors who offer classes and support; as well as equipment hire if you don’t have your own. Always plan for the least able member of your group, and make sure you’re aware of any potential risks, like water temperature (even when it feels warm in the air, the water can be chilly!).
If SUP is on your list, the AdventureSmart group has produced a special video full of great advice and tips to help keep you safe whilst stand-up paddleboarding. Check out the video here.
Top Tips
- Let someone know where you’re going, what you will be doing, and what time you expect to be back.
- Swim with a buddy or in a group if you can
- Avoid swimming across ferry routes, in busy sailing areas or near to ferry jetties.
- Don’t swim after a heavy meal or drinking alcohol
- Know the risks. Even if it feels warm in the air, the water can be cold!
- Check the rules: a permit is required to enjoy watersports on some of our waters, while others restrict certain types of activity.
Be prepared, stay safe, and have fun! Check out our Know Before You Go page for more tips and advice, and enjoy your visit to the Lake District, Cumbria.
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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Number of results: 40
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Various locations across Cumbria, CumbriaTelephone
07970 063 381Fun, adventure and good times guaranteed! Why not come and ride the White Water with us?
We have several exciting trips in and around The Lake District, whether you’re looking for family fun or something more wild, we can make it happen!
Newby Bridge
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with mobility difficulties - but everyone loves them. Fast light and you are a solo sailor from the very start. If you want a friend or carer in the boat to…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Coniston
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery from a Canadian Canoe. Along the way we will stop off to try a little Bushcraft. We will cover the exciting and essential skills of how to make a fire…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Take to the water in an unforgettable kayaking adventure on the breathtaking Wastwater! Surrounded by towering mountains and untouched natural beauty, this is your chance to explore one of the most picturesque lakes in the UK.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Holly Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 2AFTelephone
07928373326Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Tourism For All
Address
Storrs Hall Bellman Close, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3LGTelephone
07928373326Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take control of the yacht or just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery unfold around you.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Coniston
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake District's famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery from a Canadian Canoe. We'll tailor the day to suit your group - whether it’s a fun day of games, exploring the lake and splashing with the whole family…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Brimstone Hotel & Spa, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JDTelephone
015394 38080Ambleside
Brimstone Spa, is exclusively for residents of the Langdale Hotel, Langdale Lodges and Brimstone Hotel and is reserved for adults only, and considered is one of the best spa’s in The Lake District. It is a place to relax and revive with seven…
Boot
Ghyll Scrambling for adventurers! The ultimate all-day adventure - not for the faint-hearted!
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Active Base (first available left), Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NNTelephone
01539 31 00 41Newby Bridge
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language and a hands-on approach you and your fellow crew will do the vast majority of the tasks that make the boat work.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Ambleside Rd, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LPTelephone
015394 39479Windermere
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite lunch or afternoon tea options and a hand-selected spa treatment; enjoy unpretentious luxury in a unique setting.
Tourism For All
Address
Graythwaite Adventure, watersports site, Stable Yard Cottages, Graythwaite, Cumbria, LA12 8BATelephone
07498 574659Graythwaite
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding landscape from the water provides a different perspective.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
This aquatic ghyll scramble is situated in a beautiful canyon only a short walk from Coniston. In its tree-covered steep gorge walls, you will plunge into crystal clear pools and scramble your way up rocky waterfalls.
Tourism For All
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top 5% of the darkest places in Britain. On a clear evening, we are able to see thousands of stars and constellations including the spectacular Milky Way.
Eskdale
There is gorge scrambling, there is canyoning, then there is The Esk Gorge. A mega place with massive jumps into crystal clear waters. The pools are deep and big offering lots of swimming and scrambling along the rocky edges too.
Address
Newlands Adventure Centre, Stair, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UFTelephone
017687 78463Keswick
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Derwentwater being one of the most remarkable features in this idyllic region. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to explore this area’s breath-taking scenery, why not try…
Address
Swim the Lakes, 2 Compston Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DJTelephone
01539433826Ambleside
Swim the Lakes are the Lakes District's Open Water Swimming Specialists. Our friendly team provides inspirational adventure swimming for all abilities, from Short Wild Swims to 3-day Swim Breaks. Plus excellent swim gear in our Ambleside store.
Tourism For All
Learn the skills to undertake canoe expeditions including paddling skills and wild camping skills. Due to demand I am extending this course for an additional optional day. This course takes place in the beautiful English Lake District on Coniston…
Newby Bridge
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company and welcome people of all abilities.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Active Base (first available left), Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NNTelephone
01539 31 00 41Newby Bridge
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south while everyone gets the hang of handling their boats in the sheltered water. When we are ready we turn round and explore the wider Lake Windermere as…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
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