Nichol End Marina Portinscale
1 / 10

Nichol End Marina Portinscale

4.7
·436 reviews·Portinscale, United Kingdom

Rent kayaks, SUPs, or rowing boats on Derwent Water. Enjoy delicious scones and coffee with stunning Lakeland views at the charming marina cafe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters, best light

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Nichol End Marina Portinscale

Nichol End Marina Portinscale

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters, best light

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Rent kayaks, SUPs, or rowing boats on Derwent Water. Enjoy delicious scones and coffee with stunning Lakeland views at the charming marina cafe.

4.7
(436 reviews)

"Fantastic experience renting kayaks and a rowing boat, staff were welcoming and made the process easy!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🛶 Book Water Sports Ahead

Consider booking kayaks or SUPs online, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot.

🍰 Don't Miss Cafe Scones

The cafe's homebake cakes and mega scones are a must-try! Perfect for a post-activity treat.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kayaking & Rowing Adventures

Kayaking & Rowing Adventures

Derwent Water

Explore Derwent Water by renting kayaks or rowing boats. Staff provide safety info and tips for the best spots.

Reddit
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Derwent Water

Enjoy excellent value SUP hire, including wetsuit and dry bag. Explore the lake at your own pace.

Reddit
Marina Cafe Delights

Marina Cafe Delights

Nichol End Marina

Indulge in mega scones and homebake cakes with tea or coffee while soaking up lake views.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Best Time for Water Sports

Rent kayaks, rowing boats, or SUPs for a fun day on Derwent Water. Staff offer great advice on where to explore first. Book online or walk-in, but arrive early for popular rentals, especially on sunny days. Reddit

Cafe Stop & Views

The marina cafe is a brilliant stop for mega scones, homebake cakes, tea, and coffee. Enjoy lovely Lakeland views and people-watch. Excellent prices and delightful service make it a perfect break on a walk. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Calm waters, best light
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, easier rentals
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Recommendations for Tea and Activities

🛶 Book Water Sports Ahead

Consider booking kayaks or SUPs online, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot. Reddit

🍰 Don't Miss Cafe Scones

The cafe's homebake cakes and mega scones are a must-try! Perfect for a post-activity treat. Reddit

💰 Great Value SUP Hire

SUP hire includes wetsuit and dry bag, offering excellent value for exploring Derwent Water. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Perfect Walk Stop

An ideal spot for a bathroom break, coffee, or snack during hikes around Derwent Water. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🛶 Book Water Sports Ahead

Consider booking kayaks or SUPs online, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot. Reddit

🍰 Don't Miss Cafe Scones

The cafe's homebake cakes and mega scones are a must-try! Perfect for a post-activity treat. Reddit

💰 Great Value SUP Hire

SUP hire includes wetsuit and dry bag, offering excellent value for exploring Derwent Water. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Perfect Walk Stop

An ideal spot for a bathroom break, coffee, or snack during hikes around Derwent Water. Reddit

🚿 Hot Showers Available

Hot outdoor showers and private changing rooms are available after your water sports adventure. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(436 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Nichol End Marina for its welcoming and knowledgeable staff, who make water sports rentals a breeze. The beautiful location on Derwent Water, combined with the excellent cafe serving delicious scones and cakes at great prices, makes it a highly recommended stop for both activities and refreshments. Some may find the water cold outside of summer, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.

"Me and my family had a fantastic experience renting 2 kayaks and a rowing boat from Nichol End Marine today. All members of staff were very welcoming, kind, knowledgeable, and made the whole process really easy. We were given an explanation of equipment available to rent and what would be suitable for us. We were also given the option to book online or as a walk in and provided safety information before taking the equipment out on the water. I felt safe and well-prepared before heading out on the water. The location was beautiful, and the staff provided advice where to explore first. Everything was smooth and stress-free, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I’d definitely rent from them again in the future and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun day on the water!"

K.S

"Loved it. Great little café at the marina which offers watersports rentals. Lovely seating area to soak up the lake land views, and people watch of course! Café does mega scones and homebake cakes with tea, coffee and soft drinks. Prices are excellent. Service is delightful. A brilliant stop on a Newlands Valley walk."

Nick Allcock

"Staff very helpful and friendly. Excellent value for SUP hire at £20 an hour including wet suit and dry bag. Hot outdoor shower and private changing rooms. Explore Derwent Water to the full."

Phil G

What People Like

Friendly and helpful staff
Beautiful lake views
Great value rentals

What People Dislike

Cold water in cooler months

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Nichol End Marina is located in Portinscale, near Keswick. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. It's also a popular stop for those walking around Derwent Water. Reddit

While specific parking details aren't extensively mentioned, it's generally understood that parking is available in the vicinity of the marina, especially for those using its services. Reddit

Information on direct public transport links is limited, but it's a common stop for walkers around Derwent Water, suggesting it's accessible via walking routes from nearby towns like Keswick. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can book online or as a walk-in. However, booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods, to guarantee your rental. Reddit

While specific hours aren't detailed, reviews suggest rentals are available until close to closing time, with one family renting just an hour before closing. It's best to check their current operating hours. Reddit

Rental prices for kayaks and rowing boats are not explicitly stated, but reviews indicate excellent value for SUP hire. It's advisable to check their website or contact them directly for current pricing. Reddit

There is no mention of an entry fee for the marina itself. Fees would typically apply to the rental of water sports equipment or purchases at the cafe. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can rent kayaks, rowing boats, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). The staff are knowledgeable and can help you choose the best option. Reddit

The location is described as beautiful, offering stunning Lakeland views of Derwent Water. It's a picturesque spot for both water activities and relaxation. Reddit

Yes, there are private changing rooms and hot outdoor showers available for use after your water sports activities. Reddit

Families have had fantastic experiences renting boats and kayaks. The staff are welcoming and ensure everyone feels safe and prepared. Reddit

There is no specific information regarding dogs. It's generally a good idea to check with the marina directly if you plan to bring a pet. Reddit

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

The marina has a great little cafe that serves 'mega' scones, homebake cakes, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. It's a brilliant stop for refreshments. Reddit

Reviews indicate that the prices at the cafe are excellent, offering great value for the quality of food and drinks. Reddit

Yes, the cafe has lovely seating areas where you can soak up the lake views and enjoy people-watching. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The marina offers beautiful views of Derwent Water and the surrounding fells, especially during sunrise and sunset. Capturing people enjoying water sports adds dynamic shots. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with calmer waters and picturesque golden hour hues. Reddit

Yes, taking photos from kayaks, rowing boats, or SUPs offers unique perspectives of the lake and landscape. Ensure your device is protected from water. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nichol End Marina is a fantastic spot for families looking for a fun day out. Reviews consistently mention fantastic experiences renting kayaks and rowing boats, with staff being welcoming and making the process easy for everyone. They provide necessary safety information, ensuring parents feel confident about their children's enjoyment and safety on the water. Reddit

The cafe is also a hit with families, offering treats like scones and cakes that kids will love. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery together after an active session on the lake. The availability of changing rooms and showers is also a practical bonus for families. Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Walkers

For those exploring the beautiful trails around Derwent Water, Nichol End Marina is an ideal stop. It's frequently mentioned as a perfect place for a bathroom break, a refreshing coffee, or a delicious snack, especially the highly-rated scones. Reddit+1

It offers a chance to break up a long walk, enjoy stunning lake views from the cafe, and even rent a boat for a different perspective of the landscape if time and inclination allow. The friendly staff and clean facilities make it a welcoming pit stop on any hiking itinerary. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Nichol End Marina offers excellent value, particularly for water sports rentals. The SUP hire, for instance, is noted for its affordability, including essential gear like wetsuits and dry bags. Reddit

The cafe also provides great prices on food and drinks, making it a budget-friendly option for refreshments compared to potentially more tourist-centric establishments. It's a place where you can enjoy the scenery and activities without breaking the bank. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Derwent Water by Boat

Nichol End Marina is your gateway to exploring the stunning Derwent Water. They offer rentals for kayaks, rowing boats, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). The staff are praised for their knowledge and helpfulness, providing essential safety information and advice on the best areas to explore. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a beginner, they ensure you feel prepared and safe before heading out onto the water. Renting a boat offers a unique perspective of the surrounding fells and the serene beauty of the lake. Reddit

Many visitors highlight the excellent value of the rentals, particularly for SUPs, which often include wetsuits and dry bags. This makes it an accessible and enjoyable activity for a wide range of visitors. The experience is described as smooth, stress-free, and incredibly enjoyable, making it a highly recommended activity for anyone looking for a fun day out on the water. Reddit

Pro-tip: Consider booking your preferred watercraft in advance, especially during peak season or on weekends, to avoid disappointment. Arriving earlier in the day can also increase your chances of securing your desired rental. Reddit

The Charm of the Marina Cafe

Beyond water sports, Nichol End Marina boasts a delightful cafe that has become a favorite stop for many. It's renowned for its 'mega scones' and homebake cakes, perfectly complemented by a selection of teas and coffees. The cafe provides a lovely seating area where visitors can relax, soak in the beautiful Lakeland views, and enjoy some people-watching. Reddit

The cafe is celebrated not only for its delicious treats but also for its excellent prices and delightful service. It's frequently mentioned as a brilliant stop for those on a walk around Newlands Valley or Derwent Water, offering a welcome respite with warm drinks and tasty snacks. The clean facilities and friendly staff contribute to a positive and memorable experience. Reddit

Whether you're refueling after a kayaking session or simply seeking a picturesque spot for a coffee break, the Nichol End Marina cafe offers a charming and satisfying experience that enhances any visit to the area. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2