Aquatic Quays Windermere

Aquatic Quays Marina, Windermere, Glebe Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, UK
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

Aquatic Quays Windermere is an established, premier lakeside destination offering some of the most memorable things to do with kids in Windermere. Operating from a world-class marina that has been introducing visitors to England's largest natural lake since 1928, this attraction features a stunning fleet of self-drive boats designed to suit families of all configurations. Based in the beautiful hub of Bowness-on-Windermere, the venue centers entirely on accessible, smooth, and eco-friendly boating experiences, making it the perfect gateway for young explorers to discover the Lake District from the water.

The pricing model is dynamically structured by the hour, offering early bird discounts to help keep family days out affordable. Rates vary by the vessel type, starting from £30 per hour for petrol-powered fishing craft and extending to premium, custom-imported electric launches. A highly family-friendly policy ensures that children under 11 years of age ride completely free of charge on select boats. Safety remains the top priority, with complimentary buoyancy aids provided for every single passenger before they leave the floating pontoons.

If you are trying to map out a great day out with family and kids, a self-drive cruise allows you to escape the crowds and absorb the 360-degree scenery at your own relaxed pace. Steering is designed to be intuitive—functioning with basic controls similar to driving a car—meaning no prior marine or boating experience is necessary. Alongside the rental fleet, the location boasts a massive multi-department watersports superstore, a chandlery, and a lifestyle clothing outlet, making it an all-in-one kingdom for little adventurers and their parents.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

Key Features

  • Eco-Friendly Electric Fleets: Features silent, smooth electric motors that glide effortlessly across the lake without disturbing the natural wildlife and tranquillity.
  • Intuitive Joystick Steering: All family-focused electric models utilize incredibly simple joystick controls for forward and reverse, making them exceptionally easy to drive.
  • Watersports Superstore: An on-site retail hub fully stocked with premium wetsuits, life jackets, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks.
  • Lifestyle Clothing Department: A modern lifestyle boutique stocking popular fashion and outdoor brands such as Passenger, Animal, Saltrock, Dryrobe, and Helly Hansen.

Highlights

  • The Self-Drive Cruise: Take command of your own vessel to discover the scenic islands and sweeping, glacier-formed valleys of the lake basin.
  • The Quays Marina: Wander across the newly renovated, all-weather floating pontoons to look at premium motorboats and luxury yachts.
  • The Watersports Shop: Explore an interactive shopping paradise showcasing the latest wakeboards, towables, and aquatic accessories.
  • Lakeside Wildlife Spotting: Cruise near the shoreline to safely spot native waterfowl and fish species like pike, perch, and Arctic charr.
  • On-Board Picnics: Enjoy the ultimate family lunch by bringing along your own picnic basket to share around the boat's central table.

Beyond the Main Attraction: The marina is positioned perfectly in Bowness-on-Windermere, a vibrant hub full of classic family entertainment. A mere 0.45 miles down the road brings you to The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction and its beautiful Peter Rabbit Garden, an absolute must for younger children. The adjacent shoreline at Cockshot Point offers a lovely spot for a post-boating stroll, while the bustling town centre features independent ice cream parlours, lakeside cafes, and traditional family pubs.

Facilities

  • Floating Pontoons: State-of-the-art, all-weather floating docks provide stable, step-free access right up to the side of the hire boats.
  • Retail Chandlery: A fully stocked specialist shop offering essential marine gear, clothing, and safety hardware.
  • Marine Service Station: Features a dedicated fuel pontoon supplying boat-manufacturer-approved Super Unleaded E5 petrol.
  • Local Parking: Convenient parking is located directly opposite the main retail shop on Glebe Road.

What to see

What Visitors Love

  • Excellent value for money with flexible hourly options and free passage for young children under 11.
  • Incredibly easy-to-use controls that let adults take the wheel confidently without any previous sailing experience.
  • Friendly, helpful dock staff who provide comprehensive safety instruction and hand out properly fitted life jackets.
  • The peacefulness of the electric motors, allowing families to talk easily without loud engine noise.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • Peak summer afternoons can see high demand, meaning pre-booking online is essential to avoid lengthy dockside wait times.
  • Boarding requires stepping over the boat side; while pontoons are wheelchair accessible, individuals with severe mobility issues may need to be lifted aboard.
  • High-season traffic down Glebe Road can make finding nearby council parking spaces a bit competitive on sunny weekends.

FAQ

  • Do I need a license or experience to hire a boat?: No, you do not need any previous experience or a marine license. The dock team provides a full safety briefing and hands-on instructions before you set off, and the joystick-operated electric boats are as simple to drive as a car.
  • Are life jackets provided for children and toddlers?: Yes, a properly sized buoyancy aid is available for every single passenger on the vessel. You will collect these directly from the booking office upon your arrival at the marina.
  • Can we bring our family dog onto the hire boats?: Yes, well-behaved dogs are warmly welcome to join your family adventure onboard the boats at no extra charge.
  • What happens if it starts raining during our boat trip?: The popular Mystic and Fantail electric models are built for changeable British weather; they feature a front cabin and protective covers that can be whipped up quickly if the clouds roll in.

Book your self-drive family adventure online and enjoy the ultimate day out on the water with Aquatic Quays Windermere today!

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Kruger Boat Hire: One Hour Hire £40
  • Pink Fantail Boat Hire: One Hour Hire £60
  • Fantail Boat Hire: One Hour Hire £55
  • Mystic Boat Hire: One Hour Hire £45
  • Fishing Boat Hire: One Hour Hire £30
  • Pioner Boat Hire: One Hour Hire £30

 

Pricing URL: https://windermerehireboats.com/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

  • Monday to Friday: 09:00am to 05:30pm
  • Saturday: 09:30am to 06:00pm
  • Sunday: 10:00am to 06:00pm
  • Operating Season: Open seven days a week across the primary holiday season, though out-of-season hours may vary based on weather conditions.

Address: Aquatic Quays Marina, Windermere, Glebe Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, UK

Post Code: LA23 3HE

Council: Westmorland and Furn

County: Cumbria

  • By Bus: Local Stagecoach services run frequently into Bowness town centre, leaving a brief, scenic walk down to the Glebe Road waterfront.
  • By Train: Travel directly to Windermere railway station. From the station, the marina is a quick 5-minute taxi ride or a direct downhill walk through the village straight to the pier.
  • By Car & Parking: Navigate via the postcode LA23 3HE to Bowness-on-Windermere. A public car park is conveniently situated directly opposite the Aquatic Quays retail storefront on Glebe Road.

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