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A mini guide to
Windermere & Bowness: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Walk down to the lake
Bowness is a mile and a half downhill from Windermere village and its station, so you can walk down and take a bus or boat back.
Stile-free lakeshore walks
The National Park Authority lists Miles without Stiles routes from Bowness to Cockshott Point (2 km) and at Brockhole (1.5 km), suited to wheelchairs, strollers and limited mobility.
Cross to Hawkshead by ferry
The Windermere Ferry links Ferry Nab with Far Sawrey and is a shortcut toward Hawkshead and Grizedale. Check the council for running times.
A wet-day plan
Windermere Jetty Museum, Blackwell and the World of Beatrix Potter are all indoors. Check each website for opening days before you set out.
Go car-free
Northern runs trains to Windermere, Stagecoach runs the 599 along the lake, and Windermere Lake Cruises connect Bowness, Brockhole and Ambleside. Check current schedules.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Windermere & Bowness?
Windermere & Bowness is in Cumbria, England. England's largest lake, with lake cruises, a railway station and a lakeside town. Nearby stops and stations include Windermere, Bowness piers, Bus 599.
How long do I need in Windermere & Bowness?
1 to 2 days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Windermere, Windermere Lake Cruises, Windermere Jetty Museum. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Windermere (Northern); Bowness piers (Windermere Lake Cruises); Bus 599 (Stagecoach); Windermere Ferry (Westmorland and Furness Council). The Getting there page links to the official schedules and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 18 places to eat and drink in and around Windermere & Bowness, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 11 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Windermere & Bowness accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Windermere & Bowness
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Orrest Head
Hill above Windermere village with views over the lake; the first fell Alfred Wainwright climbed in Lakeland.
World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Indoor attraction in Bowness based on the tales of Beatrix Potter, with a themed café opposite.
Blackwell, the Arts and Crafts House
Arts and Crafts holiday house designed by Baillie Scott and built in 1898–1900 for Sir Edward Holt.
The Lake District
More areas to explore
Ambleside & Grasmere
A walking town at the head of Windermere and Wordsworth's village, linked along the Rothay valley
Open the mini guide →
Keswick & Derwentwater
A market town on the shore of Derwentwater, with a stone circle, a theater and fells on every side
Open the mini guide →
Ullswater & Pooley Bridge
A long lake with steamers, a waterfall and Helvellyn behind Glenridding
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Claife Viewing Station: Oscar Taylor, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Orrest Head: Tim Heaton, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- World of Beatrix Potter Attraction: Richard Cooke, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Blackwell, the Arts and Crafts House: Michael Garlick, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Ambleside & Grasmere: Bill Boaden, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Keswick & Derwentwater: Antiquary, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Ullswater & Pooley Bridge: Steve Daniels, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Coniston & Hawkshead: Martin Jeffries, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Wasdale & Eskdale: John260660, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring the Lake District