Windermere Lake Cruises, Self Drive Boats

About

Choose your adventure with Windermere Lake. Whether you crave the quiet charm of a classic rowboat or the effortless glide of an electric motorboat, we've got the perfect way to explore this iconic lake.

• Rowboats – classic, quiet & charming
  Enjoy the timeless simplicity of rowing across Windermere. Ideal for couples, families, or anyone wanting a slower, scenic experience. Drift into hidden bays, circle the islands, and enjoy a beautifully calm adventure powered entirely by you.

• Electric Motorboats – easy, family‑friendly & effortless
  Glide across the lake with ease in a quiet, easy‑to‑operate electric motorboat suitable for up to six people. Perfect for families and groups looking to see more of Windermere in a shorter time.
  • 1‑hour hire: explore around a quarter of the lake
  • 2‑hour hire: enjoy roughly half of Windermere
     

Self‑Drive Hire Locations

Choose the perfect starting point for your adventure:

• Bowness Beach (LA23 3HQ)
• Bowness Dock (LA23 3HQ)
• Waterhead (Ambleside) (LA22 0EY)
• Lakeside (LA12 8AT)

No experience needed — you’ll receive full instructions, a safety briefing, and all required safety equipment before you set off. Simply book online, climb aboard, and enjoy Windermere from a whole new perspective.

Book Online Here

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Private Hire

All Windermere Lake Cruises (WLC) vessels can be hired privately and can carry groups of two to over 200 people. Plan a wedding, celebration or business meeting with a difference by viewing the private charter section of the we WLC website.

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Access for all

The cruise fleet consists of both modern and historic vessels. If you have limited mobility, some vessels and routes offer better access than others.

Please visit our accessibility guide for more information:

View Our Accessibility Policy

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