Boasting tranquil lakes, magnificent natural beauty, and stunning surroundings, the Lake District is the perfect destination for a paddleboarding retreat. Paddleboarding is a great way to explore the district all year round (if you can brave the cold in the late autumn and winter months!) and there are so many incredible spots to discover from this unique point of view. Combine adventure and exercise and soak up the splendour of the Lake District in the most magical way. Keep reading to discover our favourite spots for paddleboarding, the best launch sites, and nearby places to hire a paddleboard.
1) Windermere
Windermere is the largest, and arguably most beautiful, lake in the district, and keen water sports enthusiasts will be delighted to discover that you can paddleboard across all 11 miles of water. There are accessible launch points on the north side, which are ideal for beginner paddleboarders wanting to master their technique. The calm waters even make Windermere the perfect place to bring your dog and test out your four-legged friend’s sea legs!
We’d recommend checking the weather forecast before planning a day of paddleboarding on Lake Windermere. Strong winds can whip across the water, making choppy waves in some spots further south.
Best launch site: Fell Foot Park
Nearby paddleboard hire: Stoked Watersports at Fell Foot Park
Distance from our Lakeside site: 4 miles
Distance from our Witherslack site: 6 miles
Distance from our Coniston site: 16 miles
Distance from our Keswick site: 37 miles
2) Coniston Water
Coniston Water is a gorgeous lake spanning five miles and boasting a magnificent backdrop of the Old Man of Coniston Mountain. It’s a beautifully picturesque lake and is generally quieter than Lake Windermere, making it the ideal spot for paddleboarding.
There are two launch sites towards the north of the lake, one of which is the famous pier. The lake also features three small islands which are owned and protected by the National Trust. You can’t land your paddleboard here as they make important habitats for the local wildlife, but you can enjoy them from a distance on your board.
Best launch site: Coniston Pier (park at Bluebird Café)
Nearby paddleboard hire: Coniston Boating Centre
Distance from our Coniston site: 8 miles
Distance from our Lakeside site: 11 miles
Distance from our Witherslack site: 22 miles
Distance from our Keswick site: 33 miles
3) Ullswater
Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District and has become popular with a whole variety of water sport enthusiasts. It’s also the most accessible lake in the region, which can mean it’s often busy with tourists and visitors, especially on sunny days.
The best paddleboard launch spot at Ullswater is from the Glencoyne car park. From here, you can explore the southern end of the lake, paddle out to Norfolk Island, and then down to Glenridding to recharge.
Best launch site: Glencoyne car park
Nearby paddleboard hire: Ullswater Paddleboarding
Distance from our Keswick site: 22 miles
Distance from our Lakeside site: 26 miles
Distance from our Coniston site: 31 miles
Distance from our Witherslack site: 31 miles
4) Thirlmere Reservoir
Lying under the impressive 3,000-foot Helvellyn Mountain is Thirlmere Reservoir, one of the most spectacular spots to try paddleboarding in the Lake District. This peaceful lake spans three miles and offers incredible panoramic views, making it the ideal place for a serene paddleboarding session.
The forest surroundings mean you can double up your outdoor adventure, adding in a hike to explore the nearby trails. An easy and accessible launch spot is Armboth car park, located on the west shore of the reservoir.
Best launch site: Armboth car park
Nearby paddleboard hire: Keswick Adventures
Distance from our Keswick site: 14 miles
Distance from our Lakeside site: 22 miles
Distance from our Coniston site: 26 miles
Distance from our Witherslack site: 34 miles
5) Derwentwater
Derwentwater is one of the best locations in the Lake District to paddleboard amongst wildlife. This large body of water is an incredible natural beauty, surrounded by snow-capped falls into the wood-fringed shores.
The hilly landscape offers shelter from strong winds, and there are 13 small islands along the 2.8-mile stretch of water. If you keep your eyes peeled, you may spot a few red squirrels climbing through the trees or rare wading birds in the water!
Best launch site: Kettlewell car park
Nearby paddleboard hire: Derwent Water Marina
Distance from our Keswick site: 11 miles
Distance from our Lakeside site: 31 miles
Distance from our Coniston site: 35 miles
Distance from our Witherslack site: 43 miles
Exhilerating Paddleboarding Holidays with Long Valley Yurts
With several locations across the Lake District, Long Valley Yurts makes the ideal oasis to return to after exhilarating days paddleboarding on breathtaking waters. You can set up camp in Coniston at Moss Side Farm, in Windermere at Moss Howe Farm Campsite or Lakeside, or in Keswick at Kestrel Lodge Campsite. Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or your other half, each of our sites has something you will love. We have pet-friendly yurts on every site, so you can bring your four-legged friends along too! Book your stay at Long Valley yurts today and experience a Lake District retreat like no other!