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Discover the beauty of Windermere in a traditional wooden rowboat

Discover the beauty of Windermere in a traditional wooden rowboat

Rowing Boats

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

Warning Image

WINTER 2025/2026

Sorry, but our row boat hire has now closed for the winter. We'll be back in Spring 2026.
Motor boats can still be hired from Bowness Beach all 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 one 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)£26£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 self-drive 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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