START YOUR LAKE DISTRICT BOAT ADVENTURE ON WINDERMERE
SELF-DRIVE BOAT HIRE ON WINDERMERE
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake. Whether you’re a local resident or a visiting tourist, we are excited to welcome you aboard for a fantastic boating experience.
Nestled in the heart of the stunning Lake District, Windermere is the largest natural lake in England and offers a perfect setting for an unforgettable boating experience.
At Windermere Hire Boats, we specialise in providing you with the perfect eco-friendly cruise on our state-of-the-art electric boats. Silent and smooth, these boats are perfect for those who want to take in the beauty of Lake Windermere without disturbing the tranquillity of the natural surroundings; whether you’re seeking a peaceful day of relaxation or an adventurous outing with family and friends, we have the right boat for you
FIND THE PERFECT BOAT TO HIRE
WHY CHOOSE WINDERMERE HIRE BOATS?
Unmatched Experience
With years of experience, our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Safety First
Your safety is our top priority. All our boats are regularly maintained and equipped with the latest safety gear. We provide a comprehensive briefing before you set sail.
Flexible Hire Options
Whether you want to hire a boat for an hour or up to 4 hours, we have flexible packages to suit your needs.
Stunning Scenery
Lake Windermere is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and abundant wildlife. Boating with us offers a unique perspective to enjoy the natural beauty of the Lake District.
Family-Friendly
Our boats are perfect for families – create lasting memories with a fun-filled day on the water.
Dog-Friendly
We welcome well-behaved dogs on our hire boats.
BOOKING YOUR WINDERMERE SELF DRIVE BOAT
Ready to embark on your Lake Windermere adventure? Booking with Windermere Hire Boats is easy and convenient. You can reserve your boat online through our user-friendly booking system. Our team is always ready to help you choose the perfect boat and plan your ideal day on the lake.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, special offers, and stunning photos of Lake Windermere.
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How do I book?
Book a boat on our simple-to-use online system only. Hire Boats can only be booked through this website.When open, the team can help with your booking enquiries at our BOOKING OFFICE, on Glebe Road between the Driftwood gift shop and The Quayside.
What boats are available?
The booking page for each boat type shows a calendar; when boats are available the day is marked in GREEN. When you click on the day you want to book it shows you the available times. If nothing shows, the boats are fully booked.Can we take a dog onboard the boat?
Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome.Are baby allowed on board?
Yes, babies are included in your total passenger count.
How many people are allowed on a boat?
The total number of people allowed is shown on the website for each boat this includes all children and babies.Am I allowed to stay out longer than the booked time?
Please return your boat within your booked time. Returning late may incur additional charges.
Do we receive any training?
Full training on boat operation and an orientation of the lake are provided. Please arrive 15 minutes before your booking to ensure you have your full allocated time on the water
Can we book when we arrive?
Bookings can be made online or at our booking office. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Where do we go to get the boat?
Our booking office is easy to find—located roadside between the Driftwood Gift Shop and Quayside Bowness, directly opposite Glebe Road Car Park.
What happens if I arrive late to pick up the boat?
Please arrive on time, as we cannot delay other bookings. Late arrivals may result in losing your reservation.
What happens if the weather is bad?
For your safety, if we deem the weather unsafe, we will cancel your booking and provide a full refund.
What happens if there is an emergency?
An emergency phone number is provided on the boat. Should you need assistance, a member of staff will come to assist you.
Do we need lifejackets?
Buoyancy aids are available for everyone on the boat—you shall be provided with one on arrival and wear it at all times for your safety both on the boat and jetties
Can we take food onboard?
Yes, please ensure that all rubbish is removed at the end of the hire. Should the boat be left in a mess, additional charges may be incurred
Can We park locally?
Our main booking office is directly opposite the Glebe Road car park, additionally there is road side parking as well as a the Braithwaite Fold car park which is approximately a 3-minute walk away. Parking can be busy during public holidays, so please allow extra time to find a space.
Do you have disabled access?
The jetties can be accessed via a ramp, but boarding requires two steep steps. We recommend viewing the boat before booking to ensure it suits your needs. Our staff will not be able to aid in the lifting of any persons in or out of the boats. Customers are able to view the boats prior to booking to ensure they are suitable for your needs.
Can we swim off the boat?
No, for safety reasons we do not allow swimming off our boats. You must stay in your boat for the duration of the hire
GOT A QUESTION?
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Safety Instructions
To keep everyone safe, all customers must follow all safety instructions and any additional guidance provided on the day. Failure to do so may result in additional charges. Windermere Hire Boats reserves the right to refuse hire at our discretion without explanation.
DO: General Safety
Buoyancy aids must be worn and fastened at all times
- Keep an all-round lookout for other boats and hazards. Ensure to give way to all other watercraft whilst out on the water.
- Always pass behind other vessels do not attempt to cross in front of them
- Stay outside of all red markers on the lake. These are identifying area of shallow water. These typically surround hidden islands as well other submerged hazards
- stay at least 50 meters (164 feet) from all islands and shores.
- Remain seated at all times and spread seating evenly to keep the boat level. Keep all parts of your body inside the boat, especially when leaving or returning to the jetties.
- Stay at least 2 boat length away from other hire craft
- Staff will assist you on and off the boat—please wait for their help.
- On return, wait for a staff member to guide you to berth. Follow hand signals, and use the reversing gear as a brake if necessary.
- Treat the Car Ferry (approx. 1 mile south of our Marina) with extreme caution. Stay at least 50 meters (164 feet) away and do not attempt to pass in front of it.
DO NOT:
- Swim from the boat.
- Run on the jetties
- Climb out of the seated area onto the deck.
- Tamper with safety equipment or the engine/mechanical equipment.
- Smoke or drink alcohol on the boat.
- Throw items from the boat.
- Deliberately rock the boat or make it unstable.
- Allow anyone under 16 years to drive without adult supervision.
- Allow under 16 year olds to operate the boat whilst leaving or returning to the jetties.
- Park on any other jetties on the lake.
- Jump or swap between other hire craft
RIGHTS OF WAY:
If head on with another vessel pass it to the right, the opposite to the British highway.
Give way to sailing boats by turning to go behind them if your paths come together.
Stay out of the way of large passenger vessels, do not try to pass in front, they’re travelling much faster than you and have right of way, turn to pass behind.
DISEMBARKATION:
Please ensure you remove all personal belongings.
Please remove any rubbish and dispose in the bins provided.
SAFETY INFORMATION
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1. Binding Conditions
Please read these Terms and Conditions with care. The Hirer is signing a legally binding contract and is agreeing to be responsible for the boat2. Company’s Right to Decline HireWindermere Hire Boats reserve the right to decline hire to anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances, or that by their actions would, in their sole judgement or opinion, constitute a risk to themselves or other lake users.3. Additional Charges
Hire charges vary with the type of boat, late returns will be charged as a full hour’s hire. Should the boat return damaged or dirty a minimum of £50 charge may be incurred.4. Early Termination of Hire
In the event that a Hirer returns a full hour or hours early due to unforeseen circumstances, then a refund for that hour or hours may be issued. Should Windermere Hire Boats deem it necessary to terminate the hire for any reason relating to conduct of the Hirer or passengers then a refund will not be given and additional charges may be incurred.5. Period of Hire
The period of hire will be determined prior to boarding. Boats are hired on an hourly basis and can be hired for a maximum as arranged when booking online. Should the Hirer wish to extend their hire, they must phone Windermere Hire Boats and agree a new return time on 07957 86 22 77. However this may not be possible during our busier months.6. Use of Craft and Cruising Area
The vessel may only be used for leisure and recreational purposes. It must not be used as a ferry, beached on the lake shore or islands, or used for racing. Suitable pets or animals may be permitted at the discretion of staff. The Hirer must remain within the cruising area explained at boarding. The maximum permitted cruising area includes all areas discussed at the time of departure.7. Incidents/Accidents
In the event of an incident, please call the emergency number displayed on the console immediately to inform our staff. If the boat is damaged, additional charges may apply depending on the extent of the damage, as outlined in section 11
8. Late Arrival/Return
If the Hirer returns the boat late, an additional hourly charge will apply based on the length of the delay. If the Hirer arrives late for their booking, their hire time may be reduced, and no refund will be given for any time lost.9. Hirer Passengers and Property
The Hirer is responsible for the conduct and safety of all passengers on board including their continual use of buoyancy aids. Windermere Hire Boats accepts no responsibility for any personal items taken aboard. The Hirer is responsible for ensuring that all personal items and rubbish are removed when leaving the vessel and that no items are thrown overboard during the hire.
10. Conduct of Passengers
The Hirer shall ensure that all passengers behave appropriately. Passengers must remain seated at all times and make no attempt to get onto the deck or enter the working spaces of the boat. All body parts must be kept inside the vessel at all times especially when leaving and returning to the jetty. No persons on-board shall smoke, vape, drink alcoholic beverages or use any other illegal substances.11. Limitations of Companies Liability
Windermere Hire Boats shall insure the vessel against all standard risks relating to a vessel of her size and type. Anything underneath the waterline e.g. propeller, is not covered by this insurance and should any damage be sustained, either through negligence of the Hirer or violation of the safety instructions, the Hirer shall be liable.
12. Cancellations
If the Hirer cancels an on-line booking 4 calendar days before the hire a full hire charge shall be returned, at any period less than this only 50% shall be refunded, should the cancellation be on the day of hire then all money’s will be retained. The only exception to this is if Windermere Hire Boats initiates the cancelation due to weather or boat availability, etc. then a full fee is returned.
13. Acceptance
The Hirer has checked the agreed box at the time of booking the boat thereby agreeing to abide by the Terms and Conditions stated above and to adhere to the Safety Instructions delivered in written and verbal format.
14. Refund Policy
We will endeavour to refund your booking for weather-related circumstances or if for any other reason we are unable to make a boat available. We cannot guarantee to refund you if you are late on arrival and miss your trip. If you are seeking a refund please get in touch.Refund Policy
We will endeavour to refund your booking for weather-related circumstances or if for any other reason we are unable to make a boat available. We cannot guarantee to refund you if you are late on arrival and miss your trip. If you are seeking a refund please get in touch so we can help.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Windermere Hire Boats
Aquatic – Windermere Quays,
Glebe Road,
Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria,
United Kingdom
LA23 3HE
Call: 07957 86 22 77
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OUR BOOKING OFFICE is opposite The Glebe public car park pay point,
between Driftwood Gift Shop and The Quayside.what3words location is: ///escalated.brave.defends
If the Booking Office is closed, please go to the Hire Boat Jetty. Down the ramp, then right along the Quay – the jetty is on your left before the Boardwalk Bar & Grill.
what3words location at jetty: ///whom.crows.reported