About Nichol End Marine
Nichol End Marine sits on the western shore of Derwentwater near Portinscale, just a short walk from Keswick. This family-run boathouse and lakeside café has been welcoming visitors for decades, offering one of the most scenic and relaxed watersports hire experiences in the entire Lake District with panoramic views across to Catbells and Borrowdale.
The hire fleet covers kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, open canoes, rowing boats and sailing dinghies, giving visitors the freedom to explore Derwentwater's islands, sheltered bays and wooded shoreline at their own pace. All equipment includes safety gear and a briefing, and they cater to complete beginners through to confident paddlers looking for a full day on the water.
Nichol End's greatest asset is its location — launching directly onto arguably the Lake District's most beautiful lake, with minimal crowds compared to Windermere. The on-site café serves homemade cakes and hot drinks on the waterfront terrace, making it a perfect base for a full day out combining watersports with lakeside relaxation.
