Adventures on Water

Dive into your watersports escape with The Rowley Estates

At The Rowley Estates, you’re not just staying a in a luxurious holiday home tucked into the rolling Cumbrian countryside—you’re opening the door to adventures that are guaranteed to make a splash. Our stunning local rivers and lakes invite you to hop onto a paddle board, test your balance in a canoe, or fling yourself into wild waters with all the grace of an otter. Here’s your splash-filled guide to the fantastic water sports, right on your doorstep.

Paddle boarding: Glide (or wobble) to the horizon

There’s a reason paddle boarding has become the Instagram darling of the outdoors. Standing tall, drifting across Ullswater with fells reflected all around—it’s serene, almost meditative… until you lose balance and make a spectacular splash (it’s a totally acceptable right of passage). Beginners will love Ullswater’s calm bays, while more confident boarders can head off to explore its hidden inlets.

Good to know: You don’t need to pack the car full of gear. Local hire centres offer boards, paddles, wetsuits, and buoyancy aids—basically everything you need except balance.

Kayaking & Canoeing: Stroke by Stroke

Whether you’re looking for a serene paddle or a family adventure that may involve squabbling over who’s steering, kayaking and canoeing are classics. Many of our nearest Lakes, including Derwent Water, just 45 minutes away, are postcard-perfect, with wooded fells, islands to paddle around, and views that change with every stroke.

Hire made simple: Canoes and kayaks can be rented lakeside. If you fancy someone else doing the navigating, local guides are available too. Closer to home, the River Eden offers peaceful journeys—ideal if you’d prefer your paddling with a side of countryside tranquillity.

Dinghy Sailing: Catching the Breeze 

If paddle boarding is about zen, dinghy sailing is about mastering the wind, and occasionally yelling “duck!” at your crew mates. On Ullswater, the Glenridding Sailing Centre is your go-to, offering hire, lessons, and patient instructors who won’t laugh when you accidentally sail in circles.

Everything provided: Boats, lifejackets, and expert tips are all part of the package. All you need to bring is a sense of adventure—and maybe a towel, just in case.

Wild Swimming: Nature’s cold embrace

For the bold, or slightly bonkers, wild swimming is one of the most invigorating ways to experience the Lake District. Ullswater is a favourite, with safe entry points at Sandwick Bay and Howtown  or combine a hike up to Angle Tarn from Patterdale and a swim in a secluded tarn. On warmer days, the River Eden reveals hidden pools that feel like secret treasure spots.

Top tip: A wetsuit is optional, bravery is mandatory. Local shops can kit you out with tow floats and neoprene if you’d like to last more than five minutes in the water.

Why The Rowley Estates is your perfect watersports base

The real beauty of staying at The Rowley Estates? You can spend your day conquering the elements, then retreat to a roaring fire and a glass of something celebratory. All our properties are luxurious, some even historic, and conveniently close to all the action.

Within minutes you can:

• Paddleboard on Ullswater or the stunning River Eden.
• Kayak or canoe on Derwentwater, with easy lakeside rentals.
• Learn to sail at Glenridding, finally mastering that jibe.
• Wild swim in some of the most stunning waters in England

Plan your stay

Whether it’s the calm of a dawn paddle, the wild adventure of a family canoeing trip, or the invigoration of a wild swim, The Rowley Estates is your front-row seat to the Lake District’s best watersports. Adventure and relaxation? We’ve got both—with plenty of spots to dry your wetsuit

Book your stay today and dive into memories you’ll remember for years.

A note on safety

We want your adventures to be as safe as they are fun. Always wear a buoyancy aid when on the water, follow local guidance, and be mindful of changing weather conditions. If you’re new to an activity, consider booking a guided session or lesson. And remember: the lakes and rivers of Cumbria are beautiful but can be chilly—so take care, know your limits, and bring plenty of warm clothes (and perhaps a hot chocolate) for afterwards.