Keen to make the most of the good weather by getting out on your boat? The UK is home to pristine lakes in enviable destinations that attract walkers, swimmers and sailors alike. If you own a boat, it’s
good to have a few options up your sleeve.

Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration

Once you’ve decided on a destination, you should make sure your vessel is in good working order
and check whether your boat insurance is up to date. After all, nobody wants to embark on a trip
worrying too much about what might happen if something goes awry.

Loch Lomond

Situated amongst Scotland’s Trossachs National Park, Loch Lomond is a favourite among sailors. It’s
the largest freshwater lake in the UK, with a surface area of 44m², so there’s plenty of exploring to
be done here.

You can bring your own boat so long as it meets the set criteria and, if it has a motor, you’ll need to
register it with the National Park Authority. You can launch your boat at the Duncan Mills Memorial
Slipway seven days a week. Alternatively, you can hire motor boats, rowing boats and more.

Windermere

With 16 spectacular lakes, meres and waters, the Lake District is a natural choice for a day out on a
boat. The national park as a whole is highly regarded for outdoor and cultural activities but
Windermere in particular is a sailor’s dream.

At 10.5 miles long and 66.7 metres deep, it’s England’s largest lake, giving you plenty to work with
during your boating holiday. You can hire motor boats, rowing boats, yachts and sail dinghies, or
bring your own if you’re registered. The area is equally great for hiking and spending days beside the
lake. Make sure you set aside time to explore the small town too.

Falmouth

Nestled on the southern coast of Cornwall, Falmouth has the third-largest natural deep-water
harbour in the world. Here, you can enjoy the sheltered waters of the River Fal as well as its
tributaries, which are perfect choices if you’re looking for a quiet new route.

The conditions here and in the Carrick Roads estuary make it a great area for less experienced sailors
looking to improve their skills, helped by the presence of RYA-recognised schools and sailing centres
nearby. If the idea of a Cornish sailing adventure with the family sounds up your street, Falmouth is
the way to go.

The Bristol Channel

Sandwiched between southern Wales and southern England, the Bristol Channel is a popular spot for
sailors that offers a more industrial landscape. You’ll spot key landmarks like the Clifton Suspension
Bridge and the Prince of Wales Bridge. Coastal cities and towns within reach include Swansea, Barry
(and Barry Island) and Cardiff, on the Welsh side, as well as Exmoor, Weston-Super-Mare, Burnham-
on-Sea and Bristol on the English side.

You’ll find sizeable marinas in many of the larger towns and cities, giving you a range of options.
Make sure you’re clued up on tidal movements, as the tide can be especially strong. The Bristol

Channel is best suited to experienced sailors who are looking for a challenge and willing to plan ahead.