Watersports in Windermere
Overview
Enjoy an afternoon on England's largest natural lake. There's a watersports centre on the shore of Windermere, only three miles from the hostel. The centre offers, kayaking, canoeing, raft building, sailing and windsurfing for all levels. If you don't need tuition, hire a kayak or rowing boat and have some fun!
The Lake District was made for wild swimming and here you’ll have England’s largest lake, Windermere, on your doorstep. Choose a quiet spot and swim early morning to avoid boat traffic. Explore the Loughrigg Tarn for more secluded swimming. For local guided wild swims and taster sessions contact Head to the Hills Swim the Lake District.
What makes it special
- Spend an afternoon boating on Windermere
- Experience canoeing on one of the Lake District's largest lakes
- Swim in a secluded tarn
Hostels nearby
Other things to do nearby
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Windermere Lake Cruises
The spectacular voyage gives you views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the delightful wooded islands.
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The World of Beatrix Potter
Take a walk through Miss Potter's famous tales, complete with animatronics and walk-through scenes from her stories. Don't forget to exit through the gift shop!
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Windermere Jetty Museum
Come rain or shine the museum offers a welcoming space to spend time with friends and family.
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Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
From the leaf-shaped door handles to the carved wooden panelling, Blackwell is an important icon of Arts & Crafts architecture. Visit Blackwell's website
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Lake Windermere
At over 10 miles long, the picturesque ribbon lake Windermere acts as an irresistible magnet at the heart of the Lake District.
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Hill Top (Beatrix Potter)
Full of her favourite things, the house looks like Beatrix has just stepped out for a walk. Don't miss the lovely cottage garden.
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Walking and Rambling in Hawkshead
If you're planning on staying at YHA Hawkshead, why not download a free map and get out exploring?All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the are
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Cycling around Hawkshead
YHA Hawkshead is a fantastic location for road and mountain bikers, be they novice, families or experienced.Grizedale ForestThe forest is a mecca for mountain bikers in the north west and YHA Hawkshea
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Mountain biking in Hawkshead
Set off down the bridleway from the back of the hostel to join Grizedale forest which offers hundreds of different routes for mountain bikers of all abilities.
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Watersports in Hawkshead
Only five miles from Windermere, you can try your hand at anything from a lake cruise through to wind surfing, kayaking and canoeing. If you feel the need for speed you can even hire a power boat.
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Brockhole Visitor Centre
Take in the scenic views and gardens down to the shores of Windermere. See the house first created by William Gaddum, a silk merchant from Manchester, as his family's 'summer house'. Brows
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Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
Situated in the pretty Lake District village of Hawkshead, the Grammar School Museum tells the story of school life since its founding in 1585.
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Cycling in Windermere
The best cycling is out of season when there's less traffic. There's an endless variety of cycling routes from quiet lanes to high mountain passes.
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Troutbeck Village
A truly unique village, located in a lovely unspoilt valley, nearly every building is over 100 years old, and some are over 300 years old. Visit the Village website (Note: Not to be confused wit
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Go Ape Grizedale
Fly 200 metres across the top of the Grizedale Beck and marvel at the forest canopy from 18m up a Douglas Fir. YHA members get 10% off outdoor adventures with Go Ape (all activities and locations,
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Go Ape
Go Ape has several locations across the UK where you can climb and fly through the trees.
