Bowness-on-Windermere

Travel Guide

Bowness-on-Windermere which includes street scenes, a small town or village and signage
Bowness-on-Windermere which includes kayaking or canoeing, a lake or waterhole and a ferry
Bowness-on-Windermere showing boating and a lake or waterhole
Bowness-on-Windermere which includes a garden as well as a couple
Bowness-on-Windermere which includes boating, a small town or village and a lake or waterhole

Let nostalgia take hold in a museum of children’s tales and learn about the history of boats in this pleasant lakeside commune.

Bowness-on-Windermere is a pleasant village on the eastern shore of England’s largest lake. Rent a boat to travel around the 18 islands on the water. Enjoy a picnic with a bottle of wine on a lake cruise.

Nearby is the family setting of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ AttractionOpens in a new window, a delight for kids. The rooms and the garden depict memorable scenes from the writer’s tales. Watch a short film about how the children’s author spent time in this region and was influenced by its wildlife and vegetation. Embark on the Virtual Walk, which zooms in on the most scenic parts of the park.

Look around the 15th-century St. Martin’s Church in the heart of the village. Admire the lead-roofed building. Step inside to see murals and 16th-century instructive sayings.

Walk along the pier that enters the water from the main lakeside promenade. It has a boat station as well as bus stops along the road. To the south of the village is Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House. Marvel at the fascinating architecture, furnishings and landscape gardens.

Among the village highlights is the Windermere Jetty, telling the story of steamboats on the lake. Learn about the village’s collection of boats, including how they were made and the traditions they follow. Vessels date from the 13th century until the late 1900s. See how the boats have changed over the centuries and admire the speedboats used in attempts to set world records. Note that this attraction is closed until 2017.

The village is on the eastern side of its namesake lake in the southeastern region of the Lake District National ParkOpens in a new window. Drive northwest for 5 or 6 hours to reach the area from LondonOpens in a new window. The country town of Carlisle lies 1 hour by car or train to the north.

Arrive in August for the warmest weather and April for the driest. It is otherwise quite wet and mild, with snow flurries in winter. Bowness-on-Windermere is a serene commune with winding streets and enchanting Tudor-style buildings.

Lakes Hotel and Spa
Lakes Hotel and Spa
5 out of 5
Kendal Road, Bowness, Windermere, England
$204 nightly
The price is $244 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$244 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 15 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,069 reviews)
Fabulous stay in a fantastic hotel
"Booked a 3 night stay for my partners birthday and we had a great time. Bar staff particularly stood out for their professionalism and friendliness. Hotel is fabulous and in a superb location. Bar prices were cheaper than most of the pubs in Bowness so we drank in the hotel after we had been out ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Lakes Hotel and Spa
Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
23 Church Street, Windermere, England
$225 nightly
The price is $269 total per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
$269 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location. Car parking available. Helpful staff.room quiet and good facilities ."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa
The Belsfield Hotel
The Belsfield Hotel
4 out of 5
Kendal Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, England
$178 nightly
The price is $214 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$214 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Windermere. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"We visited in the middle of a refurbishment which wasn’t a major problem other than our lake view suite was obscured a bit by the scaffolding but we were told about this before our arrival. All the staff were lovely and welcoming as well as extremely helpful. We would definitely go back for another ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

The Belsfield Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hapimag Burnside Park Apartments
Hapimag Burnside Park Apartments
4 out of 5
The Lodge, Kendal Road, Windermere, England
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Windermere. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a health club. Popular attractions Lake Windermere and Bowness Pier are ...
"My family and I had a lovely stay here. We will definitely be back as we enjoyed the location and facilities. Staff was also very helpful"

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2025

Hapimag Burnside Park Apartments
The Rockefeller Apartments
The Rockefeller Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Lake Rd, The Rockefeller, Windermere, England
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Windermere. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Lake Windermere and World ...
9/10 Wonderful! (16 reviews)
"Accommodation was fantastic - location brilliant, tasteful inclusions and the very cleverly themed decors. Parking arrangement was and remains unclear - when we booked showed one space per apartment. Never got an answer. Ended up parking across the road for £21. Wonderful experience but paid parking ..."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

The Rockefeller Apartments
Fair Rigg by Cradel Haus
Fair Rigg by Cradel Haus
2 out of 5
Ferry Vw, Windermere, England
Stay at this aparthotel in Windermere. Enjoy free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Lake Windermere and Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (6 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay. Great locations, super clean and great amenities! Will definitely be returning."

Reviewed on Feb 28, 2025

Fair Rigg by Cradel Haus
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Bowness-on-Windermere