Menu
Discover the beauty of Lake Windermere at your own pace

Discover the beauty of Lake Windermere at your own pace

Self Drive Motor Boats & Rowing Boats

Explore Windermere at your own pace with the hire of your own rowing or motor boat

Warning Image

Temporary closure

We’re following governmental advice and doing our bit to stop the spread of Coronavirus.
Sorry, but there is no boat hire today.
Keep an eye on social media and our service status page for up-to-date information.

Hire a boat from Bowness Pier for 1 or 2 hour sessions

  • No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instructions, a sailing guide to the lake and life jackets 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 hours.
  • Just turn up on the day to take one out at Bowness.

📄 Download full price list for 1-6 passengers (PDF)

A luxury motor boat heading out to explore Windermere

Luxury Motor Boats

Our range of quiet electric self-drive boats available at Bowness Pier are a great way for you and your family to explore Windermere in comfort.

  • Maximum 6 people (1 person must be over 18).
  • Comfy padded seating.
  • Rollback roof for all weathers.
  • Quiet electric engine and easy to drive.
  • Accompanied children under 16 go FREE.
  • Available from 7 February onwards from Bowness/3 April from Ambleside
  • Book online now for boats from 23 March to 8 November 2020
CostPer extra adultUnder 16s
One hour hire (1 or 2 adults)£35£6FREE
Two hour hire (1 or 2 adults)£58£4FREE


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

Luxury Motor Boat

Luxury Motor Boat

With a quiet, electric motor these easy-to-drive boats are a great way to explore the northern half of Lake Windermere.

📷 View our gallery of self-drive boats

📷 View the interior in our 360° VR tour

Traditional Rowing Boats

Rowing boats are available from the wooden huts to the right of Bowness promenade and from Ambleside (Waterhead) Pier. We are open in the summer every day from 9am.

  • Maximum 6 people
  • Classic Windermere design
  • Not available to book - just turn up on the day. Available daily from 3 April 2020.
One HourPer Extra AdultUnder 16s
Rowing Boat (1 or 2 adults)£16£4FREE

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

Rowing Boat

Rowing Boat

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