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Kayaking in The Lake District and Italy

With Tall Bloke Adventures

From £45 per person

Ullswater & Italy Sea Kayaking Tours

Enjoy a Kayak Guided Tour, either on Ullswater, in The Lake District, or along a beautiful Italian coastline. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of both areas. Paddle along with me, Leigh, and discover one of the best reviewed local outdoor activities in The Lakes.

650+ Five-Star Reviews on Google, Tripadvisor, Airbnb and others

Leigh was an amazing instructor with incredible knowledge, very chatty and chill. Had a lovely morning out on the lake

– Lucy - January 2026

Everything was perfect - location, weather, host. Leigh is an outstanding guide and took the whole experience to another level.

– Kenny - January 2026

Was a great experience. Leigh is very friendly and has some great knowledge to spread !

– Shennell - January 2026

Highly Recommended! Amazing experience. I booked this activity for me and my wife and it was phenomenal.

– Ben - January 2026

This is without a doubt the best guided experience I have had, hands down !! Leigh not only knows his stuff inside out, he makes you feel totally at ease and safe.

– Derek - January 2026

What a fabulous experience! Overall Leigh was a brilliant guide, made us feel comfortable and welcome throughout the whole experience and he clearly went the extra mile ensuring we were safe,warm and comfortable during the whole experience.

– Beth - January 2026

Why Ullswater Kayaking Tours in The Lake District ?

A couple kayaking together on a calm lake in the Lake District, surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful blue skies.

A beautiful day kayaking in the Lake District on Ullswater

A couple enjoying a kayak tour on Ullswater in The Lake District.

Ullswater Kayaking in the Beautiful Lake District

 

What’s the activity about ?

Lake District kayaking, for me, is just a great way to spend some time. Paddling along in a beautiful place, having a chat with some really nice people about all sorts of topics. Learning from the guests about their interests. Passing on a bit of knowledge about the local nature, area and people. All the while experiencing an adventure that is naturally very healthy, physically & mentally. Kayaking in the Lake District is a great activity, Ullswater is the perfect place to enjoy it. A guest once described the experience as “Civilized Kayaking”. Other words that tend to come up in reviews ? Scenery, welcoming, calm, patient, safe, friendly, prepared, fun. 

A couple enjoying a kayak tour on Ullswater in The Lake District.

Personalised Small Group Kayaking Adventure

We always go out in very small group sizes. Generally it’s just two or four guests, and me. For groups of five or six, please e-mail me, and I’ll alter the booking system for that specific trip.
As part of your experience, if you wish, I’ll take plenty of photos, and a video or two, and send them on to you free of charge via WhatsApp or email once the trip is over. If you’ve enjoyed your time out on the water, please feel free to leave a review like these on  TripAdvisor and Google.

Lake District Kayaking with Tall Bloke Adventures

Relaxed and friendly pace

Beginners are very welcome, and usually make up the majority of guests who come along. No previous kayaking experience is required for this perfect half day Lake District adventure.
Fitness wise, if you are regularly active in any way, this is usually enough. Being able to tell a good story or two is just as important. We do tend to chat on the trips.
Well fitting buoyancy aids are worn by everyone on the trips. I’ll go over how to fit them properly in the brief, and check everyone is fitted and comfortable in theirs before we go.

Double Sea Kayaks

The boats we use are Double Sea Kayaks. I bought them with three features in mind. Stability, stability & stability. These are not kids activity centre boats, they are very stable, comfortable, dry sea kayaks. While many people think they are going to capsize, in reality it’s a very rare event. It happens maybe once every two or three years, and it’s usually caused by someone getting a bit too keen in one of the games. I’ll go over prevention, and what will happen if you do go over, in the brief. These boats are drier, more comfortable, and definitely a lot easier to paddle in any sort of breeze than an inflatable or a sit-on-top. The single kayak is very stable, the doubles are exceptionally stable. The kayaks are not available to hire separately.

Four people kayaking on a lake with green hills and clear sky in the background.

What should I wear ?

It depends on how you, yourself, experience temperature. On the same day, one person will be fine in a T-shirt while another might like a few layers.
I’ll always have a chat before we set off. My advice for any adventure is always ‘ Dress for the moment and give yourself options ‘. 
These boats are not ‘ Sit-on-Tops ‘ where you will get wet immediately. Usually at the end of a trip people are able just to get in their car and go.
Old trainers, socks ( your feet will very likely stay dry as you’re in the boat as you are eased from the beach at the start and eased back on at the end ) jogging bottoms, leggings  or shorts. T-shirt, light fleece or mid-layer.
 The only place that might get dripped on from the paddle is your lap. I’ll show you how to minimise this in the brief. I also have lots of waterproof trousers if you’d like to wear them.
Bring a waterproof jacket then decide on the day whether to either leave it onshore, bring it in a dry bag I can lend you, or wear it. ( again, feel free to borrow my stuff ).
Sun hat ( with cord ) or cap in sunny weather.
Beanie hat & gloves ( w/proof are better than wool ) in cold weather conditions. I have plenty of clean, dry & very warm ones if you’d like to borrow them.
In the very unlikely event of a capsize, I already have a dry bag in each boat with, for every person, a clean, dry towel, jogging bottoms, fleece, waterproof jacket, and clean, dry hat & gloves. I always bring a lot of gear !
A young couple paddling a kayak on the beautiful waters of Ullswater, surrounded by the gorgeous scenery of The Lake District.

Solo Travellers

Up until late April, solo bookings are available. They are at the regular price. They start again early September.

One per trip due to there being only one single boat. I use doubles for their stability and ease of use.

If you would like to guarantee an exclusive 1 to 1 private guided tour or coaching session, please book two places. Then email me with the preference. I’ll block the other spaces off.

A guest enjoying a Lake District Kayak Adventure.

Guest Requirements

Age:  Minimum age 14 ( unless agreed in advance – please email me for details ). Responsible adult to accompany under 18’s.

Size :   Guest experiences on previous trips have demonstrated that if any of the following applies, these trips are not suitable.

A BMI of 26 or over.

Weigh 102 KG (16 Stone) or over.

Parking

For details and information about parking, facilities, and other queries, please feel free to take a look at the FAQ Page .

Why Choose Kayaking in the Lake District ?

Enjoy some of the Best Kayaking in The Lake District with Tall Bloke Adventures. The tours are always an enjoyable, memorable experience. Book now to enjoy an outdoor activity that connects you with nature in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.
Ideal for a couple searching for Things To Do near me, or a small group of friends looking for Local Activities in The Lake District. Morning, Afternoon, and occasionally, Evening trips are available. 
Join us to discover the breathtaking surroundings, while experiencing an activity that is very beneficial physically and mentally, whether you’re new to paddling, or a seasoned enthusiast.
Two people by kayaks on a lake shore with cloudy mountains in the background.

Things To Do in The Lake District 

Many guests include an Ullswater Kayaking Guided Tour as part of a weekend or a week’s holiday. There are a wide variety of superb attractions and activity experiences on offer in this very special corner of  The Lake District.

Helvellyn, a very well known mountain (or fell ) is close by, for maybe a walk on another day of your holiday. Allowing a full day for a walk on this fell is usually a wise decision. Aira Force Waterfall is just a short journey along the shore road, and is a great choice for a half day walk. It’s very often visited by guests before or after their kayak trip. Other walks and popular points of interest are also very near.

Regarding Accommodation nearby, you are spoilt for choice. Choose where you’d like to go Glamping in a pod with a hot tub, experience a Holiday Cottage, or simply chill with a glass of something nice, in a secluded, beautiful setting.
Check out Sykeside Camping Park, Crossgate Luxury Glamping, Ullswater Heights, Ullswater Holiday Park, Flusco Wood & Hartsop Fold, or The Quiet Site. All very close by. If you’d like a place right next to the water, The Patterdale Estate has superb lodges and chalets located within it’s grounds. A variety of local accommodation can also be found at  Sally’s Cottages.
Additionally, more and more people are coming to The Lake District for the excellent food and drink on offer. Michelin starred restaurants, great bistros, local speciality suppliers. You can find all of these, and more during your visit.

Your Kayak Guide

Hi, I’m Leigh. A fully qualified Sea Kayak Guide. I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to gain over 30 years experience, Sea Kayaking with some great people in some beautiful parts of the world.

I now focus on Ullswater in the beautiful Lake District, and Elba & Sardinia in stunning Italy. It really is just a nice way to spend some time.

Experienced, fully qualified, kayak guide leading a tour

Italy By Kayak

If gliding over turquoise water, discovering hidden coves, and finishing the day with incredible Italian cuisine and good company appeals, join myself, Patrizia & Nello on the island of Elba in May, or Sardinia in September. Italy in May 2026.

Person kayaking on blue sea near coastal town with hills in the background.

Person kayaking towards a mountain on a calm turquoise sea.