WINDERMERE & BOWNESS
Windermere and Bowness form the heart of the English Lake District, offering stunning views of England’s largest lake. They combine Victorian elegance with easy access to fells, water activities, and charming town life.
This twin destination is an essential stop for any Lake District traveler. It is a land of inspiring natural beauty, from the tranquil lake to the bustling harbor and surrounding dramatic hills.
Most Popular Attractions
Lake Experience & Water Activities:
Lake Windermere: England’s largest lake, offering stunning views and a hub for watersports.
Windermere Lake Cruises: The primary way to explore the lake, with regular services connecting Bowness, Lakeside, and Ambleside.
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction: An immersive, family-friendly exhibition dedicated to the beloved children’s author and her characters.
Bowness Bay Pier: The main hub for the lake cruises, offering beautiful views and a lively atmosphere with boats and shops.
Boating & Kayak Hire: Numerous places in Bowness and the surrounding area to hire small boats, kayaks, or paddleboards.
Ferry to Hawkshead: The Windermere Car Ferry (known as the ‘ferry across the Meres’) providing a direct link to the quieter western shore.
Town Core & Heritage Sites:
Bowness-on-Windermere Village: The bustling lakeside town with shops, cafés, pubs, and access to the lake.
Windermere Town: Located slightly up the hill, a quieter town with a train station, independent shops, and more traditional architecture.
St Martin’s Church, Bowness: A beautiful, historic church dating back to the 15th century, notable for its stained glass.
Old Laundry Theatre: A highly regarded, intimate theatre hosting a variety of performances, situated next to The World of Beatrix Potter.
The Bowness Promenade: A scenic walk along the lake’s edge, perfect for a gentle stroll and enjoying the views.
Orrest Head Viewpoint: A short, relatively easy walk from Windermere town center, offering one of the most iconic panoramic views of the lake.
Queen Adelaide’s Hill: A minor hill offering another popular, easy-to-access viewpoint over the lake.
Nearby Attractions & Countryside Access:
Holehird Gardens: Beautiful, extensive gardens run by the Lakeland Horticultural Society, offering spectacular views and diverse planting.
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House: A masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture and design, set high above the lake with stunning interior details.
Fell Foot Park (National Trust): A park at the southern tip of the lake, perfect for picnics, gentle walks, and launching kayaks.
Brockhole – The Lake District Visitor Centre: A comprehensive center offering information, gardens, play areas, and treetop adventure courses.
Wray Castle (National Trust): A Victorian Gothic castle on the western shore, accessible by boat or car, known for its family-friendly activities.
Grasmere Village: A short drive or bus ride away, famous for Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage and its unique gingerbread.
Troutbeck Valley: A picturesque valley north of Windermere with historic farmhouses and access to higher fells.
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway: A heritage steam railway experience that connects the southern end of the lake (Lakeside) with the village of Haverthwaite.
Hill Top (National Trust, Near Sawrey): Beatrix Potter’s preserved 17th-century farmhouse (requires a ferry crossing and short drive/walk).
Ambleside: A popular town just north of the lake, known for the Bridge House and its walking routes.
Activities & Experiences
Take a Lake Cruise on Windermere: Hop aboard a Windermere Lake Cruises steamer from Bowness pier. Choose from different routes, like the 45-minute Islands Cruise or the longer trip to the northern end at Ambleside.
Visit The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction: Immerse yourself in the tales of Peter Rabbit and his friends at this charming attraction in Bowness. It’s perfect for families and fans of the beloved author.
Hike up Orrest Head: A relatively easy, short, and accessible walk from Windermere town center that offers one of the most famous and rewarding panoramic views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells.
Rent a Rowboat, Kayak, or Paddleboard: Hire a vessel from a lakeside company in Bowness and explore the water at your own pace. There’s nothing quite like being on the lake itself.
Go Mountain Biking in Grizedale Forest: Rent a bike and tackle the well-maintained trails in this vast forest just a short drive from Bowness, which offers routes for all skill levels.
Visit Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House: Explore this magnificent, preserved example of Arts and Crafts architecture, renowned for its beautiful interior, gardens, and stunning lake views.
Take the Ferry to the Western Shore and Explore: Catch the Windermere Ferry from Bowness across to Far Sawrey and head to Wray Castle (a National Trust property) or simply enjoy a quiet walk along the western, less-developed side of the lake.
Explore the Lakeland Motor Museum: Head south to this popular museum that showcases a unique collection of classic cars, motorcycles, and local heritage exhibits, including a tribute to the land and water speed record attempts.
Go Wild Swimming (with caution): For the adventurous, try a refreshing dip in the lake. Always research safe spots, wear a wetsuit if it’s cold, and never swim alone.
Walk the Dales Way (First Section): Start the famous 80-mile trail from Bowness and enjoy a scenic section of the long-distance path as it heads out into the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Take a Local Ale and Food Tour: Explore the local pubs and breweries, sampling local Cumbrian ales and traditional pub food like Cumberland sausage or sticky toffee pudding.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Essential: The two towns of Windermere (the station/shopping area) and Bowness (the pier/lakeside) are about a 20–30 minute walk apart. This is the best way to get between them and to explore the main sights.
Public Transport – Bus:
The “599” Bus is the main line connecting Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside, and Grasmere, and it is the best way to travel north along the lake, especially during peak season when parking is scarce.
Other local bus services connect to Kendal and smaller villages.
Boats/Ferries:
Windermere Lake Cruises are a key mode of transport for sightseeing, connecting Bowness with Ambleside, Brockhole, and Lakeside.
The Windermere Ferry is a vehicle and passenger service that crosses the lake at its widest point, connecting Bowness to the western shore and is a great time-saver.
Trains:
The Windermere Station is the end of the line (a branch line from Oxenholme). This is the main point of entry for visitors arriving by train from the UK rail network.
Driving & Parking:
A car offers the most flexibility for exploring the wider Lake District National Park, but traffic and parking in Windermere and especially Bowness can be very challenging, especially during the summer and bank holidays. Plan to arrive early or use public transport.
Weather Preparedness: The Lake District is famous for its sudden changes in weather. Even in summer, always carry waterproof outerwear and wear appropriate hiking boots for fell walking. The phrase is “four seasons in one day” for a reason.
The “Windermere/Bowness” Distinction: Remember that Windermere is where the train station is and has more shops, while Bowness-on-Windermere is the town on the actual lake shore with the main piers and boat hire. Locals use the names carefully, but for visitors, it’s easy to confuse the two.
Cumbrian Cuisine: Don’t miss out on local specialties. Try a hearty portion of Cumberland Sausage (a long, coiled pork sausage) or a famous slice of Kendal Mint Cake (a sugary confection favored by hikers). For dessert, Sticky Toffee Pudding is a local favourite, having originated nearby.
Fell Walking Etiquette:
“Take only photos, leave only footprints.” Respect the environment by staying on marked paths to prevent erosion and keeping dogs on leads near livestock.
Sheep are Everywhere. On many roads, particularly in the countryside, you will encounter sheep (and sometimes cattle) roaming freely. Drive slowly and be prepared to stop.
Hidden Gems:
The Windermere Jetty Museum: Located further up the shore from Bowness, this modern museum on the lake is home to a stunning collection of Victorian and Edwardian steam launches and offers a beautiful, less-crowded alternative to the main attractions.
The Glebe: The grassy area right next to Bowness pier is a lovely spot to sit and relax, often hosting small events or fairs, and is perfect for a simple lakeside picnic.
Holehird Gardens: A fantastic 10-acre Lakeland garden looked after by volunteers, offering spectacular views of the lake and fells and showcasing plants that thrive in the local climate.
Top Restaurants
The Lamplighter Dining Rooms [$35-$60] – A family-run hotel dining room in Windermere known for its hearty, classic British food and famous, generous Sunday lunch.
Hole in t’ Wall [$20-$40] – Claiming to be the oldest pub in Bowness (dating from 1612), this historic spot offers traditional pub grub, real ales, and a cosy, rustic atmosphere.
The Flying Pig Pub [$20-$40] – A traditional British pub in Bowness, praised for its generous portions of classic pub food, local cask ales, and a welcoming, dog-friendly environment.
The Angel Inn [$25-$45] – A stylish, historic inn in Bowness offering a modern twist on classic British pub food, using local produce and featuring an open fire.
The Crafty Baa [$20-$35] – A quirky, award-winning, family-run pub in Windermere known for its excellent selection of craft beers, real ales, and simple, delicious pub food.
The Urban Food House [$25-$45] – A relaxed, environmentally conscious bistro in Bowness, focusing on simple but delicious food and supporting local producers.
Jacksons Bistro [$30-$50] – A cosy, popular bistro in Bowness offering good-value, home-cooked, British-European food with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and friendly service.
The Masons Arms [$25-$45] – Located just outside the immediate Bowness area (Winster Valley), this traditional old pub is highly regarded by locals for its elevated pub food and fabulous views.
The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant [$30-$50] – A relaxed, informal restaurant overlooking the boats at Windermere Marina, serving unfussy, delicious food with a stunning view.
Francine’s Restaurant [$40-$65] – A long-established, relaxed, bistro-style restaurant in Windermere with an à la carte menu of classic and contemporary dishes.
Hooked [$35-$60] – Located in Windermere, this is a highly-regarded and popular restaurant focusing on fresh, sustainable seafood and fish dishes in a relaxed bistro setting.
Porto Restaurant [$40-$70] – An elegant, family-run restaurant in Bowness-on-Windermere with an AA Rosette, serving creative modern British cuisine with Mediterranean influences.
SOURCE at Gilpin [$100-$180] – The Michelin-starred, flagship restaurant at Gilpin Hotel, offering modern British cuisine with innovative techniques and a focus on Lake District produce. A genuine fine-dining destination.
Henrock [$80-$150] – An informal but high-quality restaurant by renowned chef Simon Rogan, located near Bowness, focusing on Lake District ingredients inspired by global cuisine.
Baha [$30-$60] – A vibrant, multi-level venue in Bowness offering live music and a varied menu with a focus on grill items and international influences, providing a lively dining experience.
Base Pizza [$15-$30] – Located in Windermere, this spot is highly praised for its authentic sourdough pizzas and fresh toppings, making it a great casual dining option.
Gilpin Spice [$45-$80] – A relaxed, two AA Rosette restaurant at Gilpin Hotel with an open kitchen, serving tapas-style pan-Asian dishes inspired by the spice trail, using local Cumbrian ingredients.
Villa Positano [$30-$50] – A long-established, popular, family-run Italian restaurant in Bowness, known for its traditional Italian food and welcoming atmosphere.
Jintana Thai Restaurant [$30-$50] – A stylish and authentic Thai restaurant in Bowness, offering rich, flavorful dishes in a beautifully decorated setting.
San Pietro [$35-$60] – An Italian and international restaurant in Windermere serving a wide range of dishes, including fresh seafood, innovative salads, and wood-fired pizzas.
Magic Wok [$20-$35] – A firm favorite Chinese restaurant in Windermere village, often praised by locals for its consistent quality and reliability for both dine-in and takeaway.
Lake Raj [$25-$45] – A contemporary Indian restaurant in Bowness known for high-quality, traditional Indian food and top-rated service.
Café Italia [$15-$30] – A lively, casual corner café in Windermere offering Italian sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, and excellent coffee with heated outside seating. A great spot for a quick, quality meal.
The Easy Breeze [$20-$40] – A multi-award-winning piano bar and cafe in Bowness, offering an easy-going atmosphere, light bites, and pizza, with live music on weekends.
Boardwalk Bar & Grill [$30-$55] – Positioned on the lake shore in Bowness, offering stunning views and a menu of freshly prepared, delicious food in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
The Fizzy Tarte [$20-$40] – A glamorous spot in Bowness known for its fabulous cocktails, champagne, and a menu of small plates, charcuterie, and indulgent desserts.
Homeground [$15-$30] – A bustling coffee shop/gastro-café in Windermere village famous for its high-quality coffee and interesting, creative breakfast, brunch, and lunch menus.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Fizzy Tarté: Located in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere, this stylish cocktail bar is known for its luxurious range of Champagne, afternoon teas, and exquisitely crafted “Top Tarté” signature cocktails in a sophisticated setting.
BAHA Bar & Restaurant (Ground Floor): Situated on Ash Street in Bowness, this venue features three floors of entertainment, with the ground floor operating as a lively bar during the week, offering a great selection of cocktails and a bustling atmosphere.
The Country Hut Cocktail Bar: A cozy corner bar nested in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere, just a stone’s throw from the lake. It’s known for its handcrafted cocktails with a twist, such as the famous Bubble Bath cocktail.
The Lake View Garden Bar: Located in Bowness with panoramic views across the lake, this large outdoor bar offers a great drinks menu, including classic cocktails and cocktail slushies, perfect for sunset drinks.
Boardwalk Bar & Grill: With stunning views of Lake Windermere from its spot at Gilly’s Landing in Bowness, this relaxed grill serves up premium drinks and a variety of cocktails to enjoy by the water.
The Village Inn Bar & Grill: A popular spot in Bowness-on-Windermere, just a short walk from the Cranleigh Boutique Hotel, offering a wide array of tasty, classic cocktails like Piña Coladas and Long Island Iced Tea.
Bodega Bar & Tapas: Found in Bowness, this establishment offers a laid-back atmosphere with an inviting outdoor seating area, serving up traditional tapas alongside a selection of creative cocktails.
The Angle: This chic bar at the Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (just north of Bowness) offers stunning lakeside views and a sophisticated atmosphere for enjoying premium wines, spirits, and carefully crafted cocktails.
The Belsfield Hotel: The beautiful bar at this hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere provides a luxurious setting with grand interiors and often breathtaking views of the lake for a classic, high-end cocktail experience.
Lamplighter Dining-Rooms: Located closer to the Windermere village centre, this popular spot, while known for its food, offers a great selection of fine spirits and well-made classic cocktails in an intimate setting.
The Crafty Baa: A quirky, award-winning craft beer bar and pub in Windermere village, offering a rotating list of real ales and ciders, but also stocking a good selection of spirits for simple, well-made cocktails.
The Bar at Linthwaite House: Offering stunning elevated views from its location on a hillside near Bowness, this upscale hotel bar is a perfect, tranquil spot for a pre-dinner or late-night cocktail.
The J.B. Bar at The Samling: Situated in a boutique hotel with incredible views near Windermere, this is an exclusive and refined venue for expertly mixed drinks and an extensive wine list.
Windermere Manor Hotel Bar: A relaxed bar setting within the hotel grounds, situated on a quiet road between Windermere village and Bowness, offering a comfortable place for a classic cocktail.
The Albert: A traditional Lakeland pub in Bowness-on-Windermere known for its great atmosphere and range of drinks, including a decent selection of house cocktails alongside fine wines and real ales.
Wheelhouse Nightclub: The Lake District’s premier dedicated nightclub, located on the top floor of Quayside in Bowness-on-Windermere. It features a large dance floor, state-of-the-art light and sound system, and is open late on weekends for an energetic club experience.
BAHA (Top Floor – Tiki Bar & Club Space): Located in the heart of Bowness, the top floor of BAHA transforms into a late-night club space and Tiki bar on weekends. Expect tropical-themed cocktails, live DJs, and a vibrant dance atmosphere that goes into the early hours.
Boaters Bar: Situated right on the shores of Lake Windermere in Bowness, this large entertainment venue is famous for its live music, often featuring bands and solo artists on weekends, making it a great spot for dancing and late-night drinks with a fantastic view.
BAHA (Ground Floor – Weekend Club Vibe): While a bar during the week, the ground floor of this Bowness venue becomes a lively club space on weekends, with DJ sets and a buzzing atmosphere flowing effortlessly from dinner to dancing.
Bowness & Windermere D&D S & S Club: A members-only style club in Bowness-on-Windermere that offers a traditional club setting. While primarily a social venue, it is an option for a late drink and a change of pace.
The Flying Pig Pub: A popular, dog-friendly pub in Bowness-on-Windermere. While not a dedicated club, it’s known for staying open later than many pubs, providing a lively, social atmosphere on weekends.
Lake View Garden Bar (Late-Night): While known for its views and cocktails, its large, outdoor space in Bowness often maintains a lively, late-night atmosphere, especially during summer and on weekends with music.
The Angel Inn: Found in Bowness-on-Windermere, this historic coaching inn often hosts live music or maintains a busy, late-night pub atmosphere on weekends, serving as a social hub.
Quayside (Cellar Bar): The lower floor of the Quayside building in Bowness occasionally offers a separate, more intimate ‘Cellar Bar’ experience, which can be a lively late-night alternative to the upstairs nightclub.
The Brookside Inn: Located just outside the main hub in Windermere village, this pub is a popular local spot that can provide a late-night, relaxed atmosphere for drinks, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.