The Boathouse Cafe and Lakeside Outdoor Restaurant at Esthwaite Water
Experience The Boathouse at Esthwaite, a hidden gem, tucked away near Lake Windemere offering coffee, outdoor dining, boat trips, wildlife trails and experiences, guided fishing and slow days in the Lake District.
The Boathouse Cafe and Lakeside Outdoor Restaurant
The Boathouse at Esthwaite Water is more than a café. It is a lakeside hidden gem destination in the heart of the Lake District, where visitors can slow down, reconnect with nature and experience one of Cumbria’s most peaceful settings.
Set beside one of the Lake District’s most beautiful private lakes, The Boathouse brings together boat hire, trout fishing, wildlife experiences, lakeside dining and family-friendly outdoor activities in one place.
Whether you are visiting for coffee by the water, a day of fishing, a gentle boat trip with family to explore the wildlife on the lake, or something yummy from our outdoor lakeside restaurant, Esthwaite offers a quieter and more immersive way to experience the Lakes.
Popular with walkers, families, dog owners, anglers, couples and visitors staying nearby, The Boathouse is perfectly placed for discovering the natural beauty, wildlife and heritage of the wider Lake District National Park.
Lake District Trout Fishing
Experience one of the UK’s most famous trout fisheries at Esthwaite Water. Known for its exceptional fly fishing and peaceful surroundings, Esthwaite attracts both experienced anglers and beginners looking to enjoy a day on the water.
Day permits, boat fishing and tuition are available throughout the season.
Affordable Family Boat Hire
Hire a boat and experience the calm beauty of Esthwaite Water from the lake itself. Perfect for families, couples and visitors looking for a relaxing outdoor activity in the Lake District. This is a self-drive experience.
Enjoy wildlife spotting, peaceful views and a slower pace as you explore one of Cumbria’s hidden gems.
Guided & Self Guided Osprey Trips in the Lake District
Join an unforgettable wildlife experience on the water and discover the resident ospreys of Esthwaite Water. These guided safaris offer one of the best opportunities in the Lake District to witness ospreys fishing and flying in their natural habitat.
Ideal for families, photographers and nature lovers visiting Cumbria.
Lakeside Café in the Lake District
Relax beside the water with fresh coffee, homemade cakes and seasonal lunch options at The Boathouse Café. With outdoor lakeside seating and panoramic views across Esthwaite Water, this is the perfect place to pause during your Lake District adventure.
Dog friendly and family friendly.
Outdoor Dining at Esthwaite Water
Enjoy freshly made stone baked pizzas, Smash burgers, BBQ food served beside the lake on selected weekends and peak season dates.
Perfect after a day on the water, walking in the Lakes or spending time with family and friends outdoors.
A relaxed and memorable Lake District dining experience.
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Beatrix Potter Inspired Nature Trail
Discover the landscapes and wildlife that inspired Beatrix Potter through this gentle 30 minute nature trail at Esthwaite Water. Approximately 0.5 miles
Perfect for families and visitors wanting to experience the quieter side of the Lake District, with opportunities for bird spotting, photography and exploring the natural beauty that shaped some of Britain’s most loved stories.
Plan Your Day at Esthwaite
Discover a slower, more connected way to experience the Lake District.
Whether you are visiting for a morning coffee, a family self-drive boat trip, wildlife watching or a full day outdoors, Esthwaite Water offers experiences for every pace of adventure.
Located near Hawkshead and within easy reach of Lake Windermere, The Boathouse is perfectly positioned for visitors exploring the central Lake District.
Spend the day discovering wildlife, walking lakeside trails, enjoying fishing and boat hire or simply relaxing beside the water with food and drink.
Build Your Day at Esthwaite
Morning
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Coffee by the lake
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Beatrix Potter nature trail
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Wildlife spotting
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Breakfast stop before exploring the Lakes
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Lakeside yoga (check socials for updates)
Midday
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Take To The Water on one of our private self-drive hourly hire boats
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Guided fishing experiences
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Family activities
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Lunch at The Boathouse Café
Afternoon
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Guided/Self guided Wildlife Tours including Ospreys
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Walks around Hawkshead
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Explore nearby viewpoints
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Relax by the water
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Summer Supper Clubs (check socials for timings)
Luxury lakeside stays nearby with easy access to Esthwaite experiences. Explore accommodation.
Discounts available for Esthwaite anglers and visitors. Get in touch for more info
The Swan Hotel & Spa
Luxury holiday cottages surrounded by woodland and lake experiences. Explore accommodation
Discounts available for Esthwaite anglers and visitors. Get in touch for more info
Graythwaite Estate
Guy & George’s Top Things To Do In The Lake District
Perfectly positioned near Hawkshead and Lake Windermere, Esthwaite Water is surrounded by some of the Lake District’s most beautiful walks, heritage sites, outdoor adventures and family-friendly experiences.
From peaceful lakeside mornings to woodland adventures and iconic literary landmarks, here are some of Guy & George’s favourite things to do during your visit to the Lakes.
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Graythwaite Adventure
Outdoor Adventures Near Esthwaite
For visitors looking for more adrenaline-filled Lake District experiences, Graythwaite Adventures offers a range of outdoor activities surrounded by woodland and lake scenery.
Activities can include:
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Archery
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Clay pigeon shooting
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Off-road driving
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Bushcraft
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Team activities
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Family outdoor experiences
Ideal for families, groups, corporate retreats and visitors wanting to experience another side of the Lake District beyond traditional sightseeing. Find out More
Grizedale Forest
Forest Trails, Cycling & Family Adventures
Just a short drive from Esthwaite Water, Grizedale Forest offers walking trails, mountain biking, sculpture routes and outdoor activities surrounded by woodland scenery.
Popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, Grizedale is one of the best places in the Lake District for combining nature, adventure and accessible outdoor experiences.
Visitors can enjoy:
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Forest walks
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Cycling trails
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Sculpture trails
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Wildlife spotting
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Family picnic areas
Perfect alongside a day at The Boathouse for a full outdoor Lake District itinerary.
Discover Grasmere & Dove Cottage
Explore The Literary Heart Of The Lakes
Visit the charming village of Grasmere and discover Dove Cottage, once home to poet William Wordsworth. Surrounded by dramatic fells and peaceful walking routes, this area captures the timeless beauty that has inspired generations of writers and artists.
Visitors can explore independent cafés, traditional Lake District shops and scenic walking routes before returning to the quieter surroundings of Esthwaite Water.
Perfect for:
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Culture lovers
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Couples
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Scenic drives
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Rainy day visits
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Lake District touring
Hiking & Walking Around Esthwaite Water
Explore The Lake District On Foot
Esthwaite Water sits at the centre of some of the Lake District’s most scenic walking routes. From gentle lakeside strolls to full-day fell walks, the area offers routes for every level of adventure.
Nearby walks include woodland trails, waterside paths and routes connecting Hawkshead, Grizedale Forest and surrounding viewpoints across the Lakes.
Visitors often combine morning walks with coffee at The Boathouse or end the day with pizza beside the water.
Fishing At Esthwaite Water
One Of The UK’s Most Famous Trout Fisheries
Known across the UK for exceptional fly fishing, Esthwaite Water is one of the Lake District’s leading trout fisheries. Anglers travel from across the country to fish these peaceful waters, while beginners can also enjoy a relaxed introduction to fly fishing in beautiful surroundings. Known across the UK for exceptional fly fishing, Esthwaite Water is one of the Lake District’s leading trout fisheries. Anglers travel from across the country to fish these peaceful waters, while beginners can also enjoy a relaxed introduction to fly fishing in beautiful surroundings. Find out more.
Boat fishing, bank fishing and tuition options are available throughout the season.
Many visitors combine fishing with breakfast, lunch or lakeside drinks at The Boathouse Café.
Perfect for:
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Experienced anglers
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Beginners
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Fishing holidays
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Solo escapes
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Outdoor weekends
Hill Top
Visit Beatrix Potter’s Home
Discover the home of Beatrix Potter, one of the Lake District’s most beloved figures. Located just minutes from Esthwaite Water, Hill Top offers visitors the chance to step inside the house and gardens that inspired many of her famous stories.
The surrounding countryside and quiet lanes around Esthwaite still reflect the landscapes that shaped her work, making this the perfect stop before or after visiting The Boathouse. More Info
