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Ullswater Wake and Surf offers rowing boat hires that let you glide across Ullswater’s tranquil waters. Perfect for groups up to five, it’s an accessible way to fish, picnic, or enjoy the iconic Lake District scenery from a unique vantage point.
Ullswater Wake and Surf offers rowing boat hires that let you glide across Ullswater’s tranquil waters. Perfect for groups up to five, it’s an accessible way to fish, picnic, or enjoy the iconic Lake District scenery from a unique vantage point.
Book with Ullswater Wake and Surf
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Operated by Ullswater Wake and Surf · Howtown, England
Ullswater, England’s second-largest lake, offers a fresh perspective far removed from urban rush, and Ullswater Wake and Surf invites adventurers to experience it uniquely via rowing boat hire. Located near Howtown in Cumbria, this opportunity delivers a hands-on connection with the lake’s calm waters beneath the sweeping fells of the Lake District National Park. Here, visitors can take a leisurely trip in a sturdy rowing boat carrying up to five people—perfect for families, friends, or small groups looking to fish, picnic, or simply drift through pristine views.
Unlike motorized craft, rowing boats offer quiet immersion, letting you hear the dip of oars and the distant calls of local waterfowl. Ullswater itself is ringed by steep valleys and ancient woodland, featuring geology carved by glaciers that shaped its U-shaped basin. The water is deep and clear, bordered by crags and picturesque islands like the renowned “Island of Mists.” Wildlife includes sightings of ospreys diving for fish, and if patience prevails, the shy red squirrel inhabiting nearby forests.
Ullswater Wake and Surf makes access easy, providing flexible rental options from one hour to full-day hires. Each boat comes equipped with safety gear, including buoyancy aids, and a concise briefing ensures all rowers feel confident before setting off. The company’s local roots and focused service make it a standout choice for those seeking quiet adventure on one of England’s most scenic lakes.
This is an experience designed for all skill levels and ages, requiring only moderate physical effort and a willingness to engage with the environment at a gentle pace. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon paddle or a calm, mist-filled morning journey, rowing on Ullswater delivers moments of genuine escape and memorable outdoor camaraderie.
Yes, children can row but must be supervised by an adult at all times; it’s recommended to swap seats for breaks.
Yes, dogs are welcome onboard, but total weight including dogs must not exceed 310kg per boat.
No prior experience is necessary; brief instruction is provided before hire to ensure confidence and safety.
Each rental includes buoyancy aids that must be worn by all passengers while on the water.
Swimming from the boats is not permitted for safety reasons.
Rowing is restricted to Ullswater only; going down the River Greta or beyond is prohibited.
Ullswater Wake and Surf operates from Howtown on Ullswater, offering a range of guided watersports, equipment hire and coached sessions across both Waterside and Park Foot locations. The business provides wakesurfing, kneeboarding, paddleboarding, kayak hire, canoe hire, rowing boat hire and skippered luxury boat charters that accommodate groups up to eight for watersport activity and sightseeing. Several activities include professional coaching and safety briefings, and most bookings come with all necessary equipment supplied. Sessions are structured to suit different ages and experience levels: beginners can try paddleboarding, sit-on-top kayaks and kneeboarding — with coaching aimed at quick, safe learning — while experienced riders can join the Waterside Surf Club and coached wakesurfing sessions. Park Foot offers additional outdoor activities such as private axe throwing and archery sessions for groups, plus paddleboard and kayak hire for exploring the lake from multiple launch points. The operation emphasises safety, small group sizes and qualified instruction. Equipment ranges from wakesurf and kneeboard gear to canoes and sit-on-top kayaks, with lifejackets and safety briefings included. The Waterside Surf Club runs weekly Friday evening sessions from May through September, and the Waterside Luxury Boat Charter provides skippered options for groups wanting a relaxed or sport-focused day on Ullswater. All descriptions and session formats reflect the provider’s stated offerings at Howtown and Park Foot on Ullswater.
Book with Ullswater Wake and Surf