Ullswater's sheltered bays make it one of the friendliest stretches of water in the Lakes for beginners, with enough open water further out for those who want more of a challenge — sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing and wakeboarding, all a short drive or walk from Westfield.
Ullswater is the second-largest lake in the Lake District, shaped in a long Z that gives it sheltered bays near Glenridding and Pooley Bridge alongside more exposed open stretches further out — which is exactly why it works for both a first sailing lesson and a proper day's wakeboarding.
The three islands (Norfolk, Cherry Holm and House Holm) give kayak and paddleboard tours somewhere to actually land, rather than just paddling out and back.
From a first paddle to a proper wakeboard session, and a couple of quieter ways onto the lake too.
RYA taster sessions and full courses, in dinghies or the Lake District's traditional gaff-rigged boats.
Two-hour taster sail — small sheltered bay, tuition included, no experience needed.
Guided island-hopping tours, or independent hire for those who know their way around a paddle already.
Island-hopping by kayak — a half-day guided paddle with a beach picnic stop.
Calm-water sessions at dawn or dusk, when the lake is at its stillest — SUP yoga available for early risers.
Sunset paddle — an hour on flat water, boards and buoyancy aids provided.
The lake's calmer northern reaches, near Pooley Bridge, host the Lake District's dedicated ski and wake boat operator.
First-timer wakeboard session — 45 minutes with a qualified boat driver and coach.
A private booking on one of the heritage steamers that have run this lake since 1855 — for a celebration, or simply the calmest way to see the whole valley.
Evening charter — Glenridding to Howtown and back, drinks arranged on board.
Brown trout fishing on the lake itself, tackle and permit sorted, tuition for anyone who's never held a fly rod.
Half-day on the water — a local ghillie, gear provided, keep what you catch or release it.
| Activity | Best season | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sailing | April – October | 2 hrs – full day |
| Kayaking & SUP | April – October | 1 – 4 hrs |
| Water skiing & wakeboarding | May – September | 45 min – 2 hrs |
| Steamer charter | Year-round | 1 – 3 hrs |
| Fly-fishing | March – October | Half or full day |
Wetsuits are provided for anything that involves getting wet on purpose — kayaking, SUP and wakeboarding all run through the wetsuit-friendly season, roughly April to October. The same season works for ghyll scrambling, if you'd rather get wet on a mountain than a lake.
Yes for most activities — buoyancy aids are standard, and instructors are used to complete beginners. Water skiing and wakeboarding do ask for basic water confidence.
The operator makes that call on the day and we rebook or swap to a calmer-water alternative — kayaking or SUP usually still works in conditions that ground a dinghy. Tell us your dates and we'll build in a plan B from the start.
Guided fell walking and the Ullswater Way, staged over several days.
Rock climbing, ghyll scrambling and via ferrata at Honister.
Full day-by-day plans built from these modules, ready to adjust.
Tell us about the trip you want and we'll build the route.
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