ROWING BOATS AT RUDYARD LAKE
Rowing boat hire at Rudyard Lake is one of the most popular and recognisable activities on the water. A long-standing Rudyard favourite, these traditional boats are especially popular with couples and small families looking to spend quality time together outdoors. It’s a classic lake experience that feels both active and rewarding.
Rowing does take a little effort, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s a hands-on, engaging way to explore the lake — ideal for those who enjoy being active and making the experience their own. With room for up to four people, you can share the rowing, swap seats, or simply take turns while others relax and enjoy the surroundings.
ROWING BOAT HIRE
Traditional rowing boats available
Our rowing boats offer a simple and enjoyable way to explore the lake from the water. Whether you’re rowing together as a couple or heading out with family or friends, it’s a relaxed activity that lets you experience Rudyard from a different perspective.
Prices
£15 – per half hour
Availability
Hours: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Capacity: 1 – 4 people per boat
Boats available: 10
Booking isn’t required. Boats are hired on a first come, first served basis during operating hours.
IMPORTANT INFO
Safety Requirements
- Buoyancy aids are mandatory for all participants.
- You may be challenged or asked to leave the water if you are seen not correctly wearing a PFD by the Ranger Service.
Under 18s
- Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the water.
Availability
- Boat hire operates depending on weather and operational conditions.
- Easter to End October.
BELL BOATS – GROUP PADDLING
Bell boats are available for larger groups including schools, scouts and families. These large open boats provide a stable platform on the water and allow everyone on board to take part, with each participant using their own paddle.
Bell boats are suitable for group outings and supervised activities on the lake.
Price: £30 per hour per boat.
Please enquire for availability and group bookings.
Rowing Video
Rowing Boat Prices
Rowing Boat History
The North Staffs Rowing Club arrived at Rudyard Lake in 1988 from Trentham in Stoke-on-Trent and at that time there were about seven members. By 1995, they had acquired a rather large wooden shed which was erected on the Dam Head car park and housed their two boats.
With the formation of Rudyard Lake Ltd in 1995 it was necessary to rearrange the storage facilities in the interests of the visiting public. The Company erected a prefabricated building which housed the café, the ranger’s office, a small visitor centre and the North Staffs rowing boats.
By 1996 a set of concrete steps had been built to allow a safe and easy transition to the water. At the same time, the Company took the opportunity to remove some of the temporary cabins on site.
Following the success of Team GB in the subsequent Olympics, the interest in rowing gathered momentum year on year with adult membership continually rising. In time, the storage facilities for rowing boats were becoming very stretched and some expensive boats had to be stored on outside racking. The Activity Centre was rebuilt for the ever increasing number of visitors to the Lake with custom made racking being installed for the rowing club on the ground floor.
More recently the club has continued its growth and thanks to trained and approved volunteers they have been able to approach local schools to encourage young people into the sport. Today there are some forty senior members and seventy junior members who regularly compete at events in the north west.
GPS GUIDED TOURS
Whilst out on the lake you can also use our free app to get a guided tour and information about all the various landmarks you’ll see along the way.
