Self drive Electric Motorboat Hire on Lake Windermere
In February 2023, we hired a self drive electric motorboat for 2 hours from Ambleside (also available from Bowness) and went on an exciting adventure to explore Lake Windermere at our own pace.
Online Booking
We easily booked online and chose the time. We were advised to arrive 15 minutes before booking for full safety instructions, a sailing guide to the lake and buoyancy aids for everyone on board. The website also stated if you got into trouble at any time, their safety boat will come to your rescue. They provided us with some numbers to call in this case.
A maximum of 6 people are allowed in a boat, so it was just right for us; 2 adults and 4 children.
Safety Instructions
When we arrived we were greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable staff member who gave us our life vests and then gave us our instructions. I have to say I was rather nervous, but my husband was happy with the instructions and asked any questions.
We then went to the pier and was greeted by another friendly staff member and our electric boat ‘Amelia’. We all got on board and took our places and then, after a final few in boat tips, set off on our adventure. It was very exciting! All the kids were excited, as were the grown ups!
Exploring Lake Windermere
Off we went exploring Lake Windermere, we spotted hotels and other buildings we had driven past as well as the castle and lots of other boats.
You are told not to get too close to anything and stay at least 30 metres, which was fine as one thing we found was when a large boat went past the waves did ripple to us. This sometimes took a few minutes which took us by surprise the first few times however we soon got used to it and and enjoyed the wobbling!!
The boat itself had two parts, an inside and more of an outside. The inside had a driving seat, a passenger seat at the front then side seats which easily fit 4 people. The outside then had further seats. There was covering in case of rain etc however we didn’t need this.
Cruise information here
If you don’t fancy driving a boat they do cruises on Lake Windermere too, but it was super easy to drive one of these, so easy that we all had a go (from 3 to 43) although don’t tell anyone!! Ha ha!
Overall recommendation
We took in the views, and took lots of pictures as you can see. At certain points, we stopped the engine and took in the peace which is very rare with a family of six!!
Highly recommend!
Location
Bowness Beach – right next to Bowness cruises pier, LA23 3HQ
Or
Waterhead – right next to Ambleside (Waterhead) cruises pier, LA22 0EY
Our Waterhead hire point is 2 minutes’ walk from Ambleside (Waterhead) Pier where the main cruises go from.
More information and Booking here
Prices and to book here!
If you do book, do let me know how you enjoy it! 😊
Happy sailing!
