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Discover the beauty of Lake Windermere in a traditional wooden rowing boat

Discover the beauty of Lake Windermere in a traditional wooden rowing boat

Rowing Boats

Hire a traditional rowing boat from Bowness Beach and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace.

Warning Image

CLOSED FOR WINTER

  • Our row boat hire has now closed for the season but will return in April 2025. The information below is for reference only.
  • Self-drive boat hire from Bowness Beach is open alll year round.
  • No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instructions, a sailing guide to the lake and buoyancy aids for everyone on board. If you get into trouble at any time, our safety boat will come to your rescue.
  • Our boats can be hired for 1 or 2 hour sessions
  • Please book online - we can't take bookings over the phone.
  • Dogs are welcome on board

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📄 Download full price list for 1-4 passengers (PDF)

Traditional Rowing Boats

Rowing boats are available from Bowness Beach or Waterhead (right next to Ambleside Pier)

  • Maximum 4 people (1 person must be over 18).
  • Accompanied children under 16 go FREE.
  • Traditional Windermere design - carefully maintained from Victorian times.
One HourPer Extra AdultUnder 16s
Rowing Boat (1 or 2 adults)£25£6FREE

📄 For more hire options and prices, please see our fact sheet.

Traditional Rowing Boats

Traditional Rowing Boats

Our wooden rowing boats can make a great romantic trip out on Lake Windermere.

Enjoy a slower pace and take in the stunning views.

📷 View our gallery of rowing boats

Please be aware that you will need to arrive 15 minutes before your booked slot for safety training and lifejacket fitting.

  • Bookings are limited to a maximum group size of four.
  • Child prices are valid for children aged 15 years and under.

Book Your Boat

Select a location and a date to view prices and sailing times.

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How to find us in Bowness or Waterhead

BOWNESS BEACH - right next to Bowness cruises pier, LA23 3HQ

Only our Bowness Beach hire point rents out rowing boats - please do not come to Bowness Dock.

The beach hire-point is a few minutes' walking distance from the main Bowness Pier (where the main cruises & big boats go from) and right behind The Old England Hotel. (📍 Google) (📍 W3W)

WATERHEAD - right next to Ambleside (Waterhead) cruises pier

Our Waterhead hire point is 2 minutes' walk from Ambleside (Waterhead) Pier where the main cruises and boat trips go from. Its nearest postcode is LA22 0EY. (📍 Google) (📍 W3W)



ℹ Check your e-ticket after booking for clear instructions and a small map of how to find us.



Restrictions on hire
Please note 🚫 No alcohol allowed on board 🚫 4 persons maximum (including babies) 🚫 No smoking
⚠ Please arrive within plenty of time for your booking. Boats are non-refundable or transferable.

Come to Bowness Beach to collect your rowing boat

Come to Bowness Beach to collect your rowing boat

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