Captain your own boat
Boats can be hired directly from Keswick Launch at the lakeside. These vary from rowing boats to self-drive motor boats.
Remember to follow the BoatSafe Code. Learn how to keep you and other lake users safe when boating on our boating page.
Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and sailing
The following places offer ranges of craft for hire:
- Derwent Water Marina Portinscale on the west side of Derwent Water – kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, rowing boats.
- Nichol End Marine near Portinscale on the west side of Derwent Water – kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, rowing boats, sailing boats.
- Platty+ Water Sports at the southern end of Derwent Water – kayak, paddleboard, canoe, sailing boats and a Dragon Boat and Viking longship!
To see where you can launch your boat, and other great tips, take a look at the Derwent Water map and lakes guide.
Fishing on Derwent Water
To fish on Derwent Water you will need a permit from Keswick Angling Association as well as a rod licence from the Environment Agency before you can start fishing.
Swimming in Derwent Water
Derwent is a great lake for swimming and has many areas of publicly accessible shoreline – see the Derwent Water map and lakes guide at the bottom of the page. Because Derwent is busy with boats, please keep close to the shore and make sure you’re visible with a tow float and ideally someone with you on a boat, kayak or paddleboard. Whilst there are some areas of shallow water that may be warm, the deeper water can be cold, so always wade in slowly. You can go back and jump off the jetty afterwards!
For top tips on where to swim in the Lake District, how to keep safe and how to deal with cold water when wild swimming, visit our swimming in the Lake District page.
