adult male in yellow kayak paddling on lake at sunset

On the water

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Water and boating activities in the Lake District

The Lake District has more than 16 lakes and numerous tarns plus a stretch of coastline. Here you can discover how to access and explore our lakes and waters safely – from hiring boats, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, renewing boat permits, lake byelaw information and fishing permit, to handy information about the ecology of the lakes. You’ll also find water safety advice for swimming, boating, rowing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing

Lakes activities guide

A simple, handy guide to activities on our main lakes in the Lake District National Park. From swimming and paddleboarding to kayaking and boating and who to contact for each lake.

Lakes activities guide

focus on adult woman smiling in wetsuit, pink swim cap and clear goggles, surrounded by more adult swimmers

Swimming

Learn about the swim safe code and some simple guidelines to help keep you and others safe. Plus, discover where you can swim and be inspired by swimming groups, sessions and events.

Swimming in the Lake District

landscape view of lake on a sunny day with a distant paddle boarder

Paddleboarding and kayaking

Discover how to create your own adventure and take to the water safely in a canoe, kayak or on a paddleboard. Find safety information and information on equipment hire through our paddleboarding and kayaking page below.

Boating

Discover boat hire and learn about permits on Bassenthwaite and Windermere, the lake byelaws and how to report an infringement, as well as important boat safety including the Boat Safe Code.

Start your boating experience

Fishing

A guide to fishing in the Lake District National Park including our lakes and rivers. Read the code of conduct and find information on permits to fish at Bassenthwaite.

Learn about fishing

Elterwater blue lake reflecting green woodland and fell backdrop. Swan and duck on lake by large partially submerged stones

Helping our wildlife

Invasive non-native species of wildlife can threaten wildlife in the Lake District, so here you’ll find information on how to prevent spreading them when you visit rivers, tarns or lakes.

Lake byelaws and permits

still blue lake lined with distant woodland, white sail boats moored

Byelaws

A number of byelaws have been introduced over the years to protect the Lake District National Park for Coniston Water, Ullswater, Windermere, Derwentwater and the small lakes.

Lake byelaw enforcement

Enforcement of byelaws on navigable lakes Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston Water and Derwentwater, and what to do if you observe byelaw infringements.

Hues of blue Bassenthwaite lake with fells in the distance and land sticking out into the water lined with trees

Bassenthwaite permits

Bassenthwaite has special protection as a National Nature Reserve. If you want to visit Bassenthwaite and get out on the water, you will need a permit for boating and fishing.

Boats anchored on Windermere at a pink and purple sunrise

Windermere boat registration

All powered boats on Windermere, whether in use, moored, for private use or business must have a current Windermere Registration. This includes any boat with an outboard or electric motor or any other mechanical means of propulsion.

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