Bowness Bay Marina - Windermere Boat Hire
Bowness Bay Marina - Windermere Boat Hire
Bowness Bay Marina - Windermere Boat Hire
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view

About
Self Drive boat hire on Lake Windermere, England's Largest lake. Our fleet of 18 Electric hire boats and 5 outboard engined motor boats are the perfect way of exploring Lake Windermere. Escape the crowds and enjoy Lake Windermere from the comfort of your own boat. Our boats are very quiet and extremely easy to operate. Book online to reserve your boat in advance to avoid disappointment. A full safety brief is carried out prior to getting out on the water. Kids Under 16 GO FREE Book Online to avoid missing out
Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Bowness Bay Marina - Windermere Boat Hire
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
773 reviews
Excellent
689
Very good
72
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
7
Rob T
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Couples
Great experience with these guys, we turned up to hire a pre booked boat on possibly the worst day of October due to high winds and rain.
The guys here were brilliant and although we couldn't take the boat out I had reserved (due to high winds) they recommended another boat we could use that would be suitable for our trip out on the lake much to my relief as it was for a special occasion.
The boat was brilliant and the use of a Bluetooth stereo and a quiet electric motor made for a really enjoyable trip down the lake, the boat was also in excellent condition throughout.
Once on the lake and away from any obstacles you have great views all around, we even got some sunshine!
But best of all, following some planning and crossing of fingers, I took my chance and proposed to my partner.
She said yes and made me very happy!
Thanks guys for giving us the chance to go out on the lake and making me a very happy guy.
The guys here were brilliant and although we couldn't take the boat out I had reserved (due to high winds) they recommended another boat we could use that would be suitable for our trip out on the lake much to my relief as it was for a special occasion.
The boat was brilliant and the use of a Bluetooth stereo and a quiet electric motor made for a really enjoyable trip down the lake, the boat was also in excellent condition throughout.
Once on the lake and away from any obstacles you have great views all around, we even got some sunshine!
But best of all, following some planning and crossing of fingers, I took my chance and proposed to my partner.
She said yes and made me very happy!
Thanks guys for giving us the chance to go out on the lake and making me a very happy guy.
Written 21 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Guinnane
Manchester, UK1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
This was the first time we had booked a boat to take out on our own and having our 3 children with us meant we had to be confident the boat would be safe.
The staff were great from when we first arrived; very friendly, well-informed and happy to help with little things like getting the life jackets on the kids and holding things for us as we boarded and got off the boat.
The directions they gave for leaving the marina were spot on and easy to follow saving is from getting beached before we had started.
The boat was spotless and easy to drive/control, which is excellent for novices such as we were. The explanations of right of way out on the lake were also clearly explained meaning navigating around the water was trouble free.
I found myself wanting more speed towards the end, but probably for the best I didn't have it.
All in all, the fees are worth every penny and the views and tranquility of the Lake are priceless. If you're up that way, you won't go wrong with this place.
We will be going again and will probably book longer so we are more confident to stop off at some of the places around the lake.
Looking forward to the next trip.
The staff were great from when we first arrived; very friendly, well-informed and happy to help with little things like getting the life jackets on the kids and holding things for us as we boarded and got off the boat.
The directions they gave for leaving the marina were spot on and easy to follow saving is from getting beached before we had started.
The boat was spotless and easy to drive/control, which is excellent for novices such as we were. The explanations of right of way out on the lake were also clearly explained meaning navigating around the water was trouble free.
I found myself wanting more speed towards the end, but probably for the best I didn't have it.
All in all, the fees are worth every penny and the views and tranquility of the Lake are priceless. If you're up that way, you won't go wrong with this place.
We will be going again and will probably book longer so we are more confident to stop off at some of the places around the lake.
Looking forward to the next trip.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to post your review. Fabulous feedback and we're pleased you enjoyed the experience!
Written 11 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jason S
Southampton, UK17 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Had a great time, booked a Warrior boat for 3 hrs to explore Windermere as a self drive on last day of our holiday last week.
Price was reasonable, slightly more expensive than other boat options I could have chosen from the marina, acceptable as I had a particular interest in experiencing the characteristics of this make for personal use.
Given 4/5 stars, whole booking experience was great, safety briefing offered, life vest offered as optional but kill switch cord connected to key but not easy to disengage for driver to wear. Outboard motor around 5hp good for smaller boat or auxiliary for the warrior, and suitable of course for safety of the casual hirer... Personal preference would have been a slightly larger motor for this particular boat improving the handling.
Overall (and I know I've been picky) a fantastic few hours had, the crew are friendly, organised and look after the equipment from what I could see, so had confidence on the water.
I would recommend Bowness Bay Marina, I would hire from them again next time we visit.
Price was reasonable, slightly more expensive than other boat options I could have chosen from the marina, acceptable as I had a particular interest in experiencing the characteristics of this make for personal use.
Given 4/5 stars, whole booking experience was great, safety briefing offered, life vest offered as optional but kill switch cord connected to key but not easy to disengage for driver to wear. Outboard motor around 5hp good for smaller boat or auxiliary for the warrior, and suitable of course for safety of the casual hirer... Personal preference would have been a slightly larger motor for this particular boat improving the handling.
Overall (and I know I've been picky) a fantastic few hours had, the crew are friendly, organised and look after the equipment from what I could see, so had confidence on the water.
I would recommend Bowness Bay Marina, I would hire from them again next time we visit.
Written 20 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We are unable to have larger engines due to restrictions on our hire licence. The same goes for all hire boat operators on the lake.
We hope to see you again in the future.
Written 25 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
shaun a
3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Really good experience with friendly a knowledgeable staff, hired a boat for 3 hours and was plenty of time to go to the top of the lake and stop for a picnic on the lake. We got the cheapest boat and it was spot on well looked after and reasonably quiet could of been a bit quicker but speed limits on the lake anyway so wasn't a issue. Staff explained where we would be able to go in our time and the views were amazing
Written 8 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! We are so pleased you enjoyed your time on the water. We hope to see you again!
Written 28 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David B
1 contribution
Aug 2021
Excellent day on the lake hiring through Bowness May Marina....thoroughly recommend using them. We hired a premium plus boat for 3 hours, which I would recommend if you want to visit the north of the lake and have a swim/picnic etc...
Will definitely use this company again.
David B
Will definitely use this company again.
David B
Written 31 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the recommendation - see you next time!
Written 8 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Craig D
10 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Booked online for a 8 seater electric motor boat, really straightforward booking, 2 hours for £60 plus £60 refundable deposit. Arrived early and after the safety briefing were able to take the boat out with extra time. Fantastic way to view Windermere and completely hassle free. Life jackets were supplied, staff were extremely friendly and professional. Made a superb day out and thoroughly recommend.
Written 25 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheSpicebergs
Canterbury, UK11 contributions
Aug 2021
We are a family of 6 and we chose to hire an 8 person boat for four hours. Our introduction to the boat controls and the information about being on Windermere safely were very clearly explained. We were all supplied with life jackets and as we headed out onto the lake we all felt ready for anything! We had plenty of room to move about in the boat and all enjoyed having a go at being captain!
We planned to moor and explore Wray Castle but even though we’d been supplied with a useful map it was very hard to find exactly where we could stop, this is definitely not a problem for the boat hire to rectify, maybe Wray Castle could improve its signage. It wasn’t a big problem we just carried on up to Waterhead which had plenty of public mooring and then strolled into pretty Ambleside. After scrumptious ice creams we headed back to the boat and pootled back to Bowness.
It really was a wonderful day, we saw plenty of activity on the water with various boats , kayaks and paddle boarders but the lake is so big that everyone is just about in waving distance!
Thank you Windermere boat hire for a fantastic family day out!
We planned to moor and explore Wray Castle but even though we’d been supplied with a useful map it was very hard to find exactly where we could stop, this is definitely not a problem for the boat hire to rectify, maybe Wray Castle could improve its signage. It wasn’t a big problem we just carried on up to Waterhead which had plenty of public mooring and then strolled into pretty Ambleside. After scrumptious ice creams we headed back to the boat and pootled back to Bowness.
It really was a wonderful day, we saw plenty of activity on the water with various boats , kayaks and paddle boarders but the lake is so big that everyone is just about in waving distance!
Thank you Windermere boat hire for a fantastic family day out!
Written 24 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to post your review. We do appreciate it!
Written 30 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul M
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Family
Six adults and two dogs on the boat and we had such a good time. We took in turns to 'drive' and it was lovely to be out on the water where you get the most stunning views from the Lake. Can recommend Bowness Bay Marina boat hire, very helpful and their pontoon is in a great spot. Thank you
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eloise W
Heckmondwike, UK7 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
We arrived 15 minutes prior to our booking time as stated in the confirmation email. We got turned away due to other boats being set off late and told to come back in 10 minutes. When we returned we had to wait a further 35 minutes before we got a boat.
When we complained about our wait time and requested extra time on the lake or a discount we got rudely told that they “could sell this slot ten times over” so nothing could be done, and the staff member laughed at our waiting time. The same rude member of staff half heartedly offered us a Bluetooth speaker to compensate for our huge waiting time to which we declined. Eventually another member of staff offered us a £10 “refund” to return our boat half an hour early, this does not class as a refund but a shorter trip.
We paid £55 for two hours and when we eventually got on the lake had a good experience and a lovely time. It was a shame the customer service and attitude of some staff members let them down massively.
When we complained about our wait time and requested extra time on the lake or a discount we got rudely told that they “could sell this slot ten times over” so nothing could be done, and the staff member laughed at our waiting time. The same rude member of staff half heartedly offered us a Bluetooth speaker to compensate for our huge waiting time to which we declined. Eventually another member of staff offered us a £10 “refund” to return our boat half an hour early, this does not class as a refund but a shorter trip.
We paid £55 for two hours and when we eventually got on the lake had a good experience and a lovely time. It was a shame the customer service and attitude of some staff members let them down massively.
Written 10 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gemma C
37 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Great experience out on the lake in the ‘Chloe’ boat with Bluetooth speaker on board. Can take own alcoholic drinks so took some beers and Prosecco in a cooler bag, nice touch. Great and clear safety instructions which don’t drag on for ages and bite into your time on the boat. Very professional, would recommend this company to anyone looking to hire a boat on Windermere. Hopefully will return in the near future.
Written 30 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your time on the water. We hope to see you again.
Written 30 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How far in advance should we book? Visiting the area in a few weeks' time and would like to pick the best day weather-wise, but don't want to miss out
Written 6 September 2020
Hi,
We have been trying to contact you by phone and email regarding a booking for Friday 7th August that we need to reschedule/cancel since 1st August and the phone is constantly engaged. Please could you make contact. Thank you.
Written 3 August 2020
I know it’s anxious awaiting things like this however I’d leave this with them.. the area is all reopen and there on minimal staffing at the jetty (socially distancing) keep a reference of the call attempts and emails. I cannot see them being unreasonable? if the date arrives & they’ve not responded to assist you & you’ve made many attempts to contact them. They were extremely helpful & amenable on our trip. For ref is this the no 015394 45535 you’ve been trying? Great for us 👍🏻 Good Luck!
Written 4 August 2020
Is 1 hour enough time to go on self drive boat or would 2 hours be better? We were going to take sandwiches as well
Written 19 July 2020
yes agreed, if you're planning not to get off boat 2 hours is perfect. There is a medieval castle south west of the river, could be worth checking out so allow yourself an additional hour if you add that in.
Written 20 July 2020
Hi, does anyone know if this company is pet friendly for on the boat hire?
Written 6 July 2020
Yes, we accept dogs on our boats no problem 🐶
Written 7 July 2020
What do you need to hire the boat and do you have prices to look at thank you
Written 17 April 2018
Hi Steven, please take a look at our website: bownessbaymarina, all the prices are on there. We have a fleet of different boats for you to choose from. We advise booking in advance. We can take payment over the phone when you book. You don't need anything specific to take with you, although a camera is pretty essential as the views from the water are beautiful.
Written 3 May 2018
Are you allowed to take a dog on the motor boats please?
Written 10 April 2018
Yes Dogs are welcome on all of our boats as long as they are accompanied by a human ;)
Written 10 April 2018
Is it easy to stop, get off and back on in places? Are there places to stop around the lake?
Written 6 March 2018
Yes it was/is easy to stop but only at designated public mooring sites which are labeled on the map that is given to you when you set off. You can only have a certain amount of time, perhaps an hour I think, but the information is signposted when you moor up. We moored up at Ambleside and went for a walk and loo break, and then the same at Lakeside. It was sort of a bleak day when we were out and the Lake was very quiet, so no other boats were moored at either site, not sure what it would be like when busy, but the staff are very friendly and would be glad to answer any questions you may have if you ring them.
Written 6 March 2018
Does anyone know the opening times to the hire boats? Looking at going tomorrow (Friday 23rd September) but don't want a wasted trip if it's not open. Thanks
Written 22 September 2016
i think its about 9am till around 6pm
Written 23 September 2016
redsharone
Israel
we want to rent a baot and keep it for a few day and actualy stay in it. is it a posobility and where do we get such a boat?
Written 10 July 2016
You can you need to go on web and checkout charter boat hire.
Written 11 July 2016
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